Facts
Want to learn more about the Na Pali Coast? Here are some fun facts below!
Considering a visit to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? Be sure to visit the Na Pali Coast website for all the details you need to plan!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Best Na Pali Coast Tours in a Nutshell
Activity Best Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)Aerial Views Helicopter, doors-off helicopter, airplane Boat cruise & snorkel Catamaran, raft, super raft Sunset tours Sunset & dinner, snorkel & sunset More options Na Pali, Waimea Canyon, Kauai
How High are the Na Pali Coast Cliffs?
Na Pali’s cliffs soar dramatically from sea level to over 4,000 feet (1,220 meters), about 3 Empire State Buildings stacked one on top of another!
Look for: The towering cathedral-like ridges at Honopū Valley, especially beautiful from a helicopter or boat.
No Roads Along the Coast
Yup, absolutely no roads along the Na Pali Coast, mainly due to the extreme terrain.
The Kuhio Highway ends at Ke’e Beach, the start of the Kalalau trail into the Na Pali Coast wilderness.
What Does Na Pali Mean?
“Na Pali” translates to “the cliffs” in Hawaiian – simple but apt!
Kalalau Trail: Hawaii’s Most Infamous Hike
This grueling 22-mile round trip trail includes an elevation gain of about 5,000 feet, and narrow stretches winding along the cliff face.
Meant for expert, experienced hikers, missteps on narrow ledges can be fatal, and heavy rains can turn sections into mudslides.
A permit is needed for camping and venturing beyond Hanakapi’ai on the Kalalau Trail.
Day hikers can go to Hanakapi’ai Beach & Falls (4-mile round trip), no permit needed.
Na Pali Coast is a Hollywood Favorite
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- King Kong (1976)
- The Descendants (2011)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
- Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)
Fun Fact: Manawaiopuna Falls in Hanapepe Valley = the famous “Jurassic Falls”
Na Pali Coast Formation
The Na Pali Coast was born from the erosion of Kauai’s original shield volcano, Mount Wai’ale’ale, one of the wettest places on Earth.
Water erosion resulted in the lush emerald valleys and the towering fluted cliffs along the Na Pali Coast.
Home for Ancient Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians lived in the valleys of Na Pali Coast, cultivating taro and fishing the reefs.
Kalalau, Nualolo and Miloli’i valleys were inhabited, despite the difficult access.
1000+ Feet High Waterfalls
The cliff wall at the back of Kalalau Valley is home to a seasonal waterfall that plunges over 1000 feet, one of the highest in the Pacific and visible from Kalalau Beach or helicopter tours.
Protected as a State Wilderness Park
The Na Pali Coast is protected by the Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park spanning 6,175 acres and stretching from Ke’e Beach to Polihale Beach.
The park restricts development of hotels, roads and other structures, preserving the pristine, rugged wilderness beauty.
Loved by Adventurers
With no roads, access to the Na Pali Coast is by hiking, kayaking boating and flying!
Some of these require preparation and respect for nature – but you will be rewarded with stunning views and amazing beauty!
Book the top 5-star rated, immensely popular Kauai experiences! Reserve now (with free cancellation) before they sell out.