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Napali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii

Lookouts

Hesitant to hike the Kalalau trail or splurge on a helicopter or boat tour?

Your next best option to view the jaw-dropping Na Pali Coast is from a lookout, and luckily for you, there are 5 lookouts over the coast, and some are easily accessible!

Considering a visit to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? Be sure to visit our Na Pali Coast homepage for all the details you need to plan!

1. Kalalau Lookout (Elevation: 4000 feet)

  • Location: Mile 18 on Kōke‘e Road (Hwy 550)
  • Vibe: Most iconic and accessible Na Pali view
  • Best Time: Early morning for clear skies

Easily the most popular Na Pali Coast lookout, the Kalalau Lookout offers stunning views of the expansive Kalalau Valley from a high vantage point!

Na Pali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout overlooking the lush Kalalau Valley
Na Pali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout overlooking the lush Kalalau Valley

On a clear day, you can easily see all the way to the deep Pacific.

Pro Tip: Arrive by 8 am to beat the crowds and the foggy mist!

2. Pu’u o Kila Lookout

  • Location: Just past Kalalau Lookout, end of the road
  • Access: 1-minute walk from parking lot
  • Vibe: Wilder, closer, and even more jaw-dropping

The last official lookout on Koke’e Road, this is arguably the most dramatic, and often overlooked by visitors.

Located at the very edge of the Kalalau Valley rim, the views simply drop away into the abyss!

Kalalau Valley from the Pihea Trail near the Pu'u o Kila Lookout
Kalalau Valley from the Pihea Trail near the Pu’u o Kila Lookout

For photographers: Bring a zoom lens – a clear days you can see stunning detail at the far below Kalalau Beach!

3. Ke’e Beach Lookout

  • Location: Northern terminus of Kuhio Hwy (Route 560)
  • Access: Walk to the edge of the beach trail
  • Vibe: Sea-level view of the Na Pali’s first towering cliffs
Na Pali Coast cliffs from sea level at the Ke'e Beach
Na Pali Coast cliffs from sea level at the Ke’e Beach

Ke’e Beach at the end of Kuhio Highway marks the gateway to the Na Pali Coast via the Kalalau Trail. Apart from lookouts a short distance into the Kalalau Trail, views from Ke’e Beach provide a sea-level perspective of the towering cliffs.

Tip: Park reservations required via Hawai‘i DLNR’s system—book early.

4. Awa’awapuhi Trail Lookout

  • Distance: 6.2 miles roundtrip
  • Elevation Change: ~1,600 feet down, then up
  • Start Point: Trailhead at mile 17, Kōke‘e Road

One of the more popular rainforest trails in Koke’e State Park, the hike ends at a dramatic overlook where sheer ridges drop into the Awa’awapuhi and Nualolo Valleys.

Lush Awa'awapuhi Valley and the Na Pali Coast
Lush Awa’awapuhi Valley and the Na Pali Coast

The trail is well-marked but can be muddy, and is designated intermediate in difficulty, primarily due to the ascent coming back.

Safety note: Do not approach the cliff edges, there are no guardrails and the drop is vertical!

5. Honopu Ridge Lookout

  • Distance: ~5 miles roundtrip (unofficial trail)
  • Access: Unmarked trailhead between mile markers 16–17 on Kōke‘e Road
  • Vibe: Remote, quiet, absolutely mind-blowing

One of the least-visited and most rewarding lookouts, Honopu Ridge offers awe-inspiring views of Honopu and Kalalau Valleys.

An aerial view of Honopu Valley and Kalepa Ridge
An aerial view of Honopu Valley and Kalepa Ridge

The hike is for expert, experienced hikers with good navigation skills and a head for heights, the trailhead is not marked, and the trail is not maintained.