Na Pali Coast Drive
Driving the Na Pali Coast would be thrilling, but alas, there is no vehicular access through this extraordinarily beautiful part of Kauai.
But for those looking to do a Na Pali Coast drive, you can drive up to the north or south fringes and get great views of the coast!
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!
From the North: View the Na Pali Coast from Ke’e Beach
Drive the Kuhio Highway along the north shore of Kauai all the way to the “end of the road,” where you will find Ha’ena State Park. Spoiler alert: reservations are required to enter the park.
In Ha’ena State park, beautiful Ke’e Beach offers great views of the Na Pali cliffs! Walk the beach away from the cliffs and then look back for the best views.
Sunset is an especially lovely time to be at Ke’e Beach, especially if you enjoy landscape photography.
From the South: View the Na Pali Coast from Polihale Beach
Drive up the west coast of Kauai, past Waimea and Kekaha, all the way to where the road ends, at Polihale State Park.
Note that the last few miles are unpaved and the ride can be very bumpy. 4WD is advised.
From Polihale Beach, look north to view the southern cliffs of the Na Pali Coast!
From Koke’e State Park: Look down into the Kalalau Valley in the Na Pali Coast
Finally, drive up the west side of Kauai past Waimea Canyon State Park into neighboring Koke’e State Park.
Here, a pair of lookouts — the Kalalau Lookout and the Pu’u O Kila Lookout — offer stunning views into the Kalalau Valley and the surrounding ridges of the Na Pali Coast.
You have to have some luck to have the clear skies for that perfect view, but even with some mist, it is still beautiful. Visit in the morning for a higher chance of clear visibility.
Book the top 5-star rated, immensely popular Kauai experiences! Reserve now (with free cancellation) before they sell out.