Nā Pali Coast State Park, Wainiha: Address, Phone Number, Nā Pali Coast State Park Reviews: 5/5
Nā Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali Coast State Park
5
About
A scenic area offering beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs.
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Top ways to experience Nā Pali Coast State Park
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
18 within 6 miles

Kalalau Trail
1,685
0.3 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Hanakapiai Falls
494
1.6 miWaterfalls

Limahuli Garden and Preserve
683
1.6 miGardens

Ke'e Beach
831
1.4 miBeaches

Koke'e Mountains
150
Mountains

Na Pali Sea Breeze
181
2.7 miShips

Wai`oli Hui`ia Church
183
Churches & Cathedrals

Tunnels Beach
931
Beaches

Hanalei Valley Lookout
755
Lookouts • Scenic Drives

Puuo Kila
142
Lookouts
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,969 reviews
Excellent
1,850
Very good
95
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
4
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA2,538 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
The only way to do this hike is to make a reservation with the shuttle at $35 per person. This includes the ride up and an entry to do the hike. You can try and get a parking permit only, but good luck. Try and get on an early bus - 8:00 AM or so - to avoid the heat. When we went on January 29th, the trail was moderately slippery, you’ll see that the path in the shade is damp and more treacherous than when in the sun. We went as far as the beach, and did not hike to the falls. Honestly, I was slipping around too much. I wore a pair of trail running shoes, my wife had a pair of Tevas , not sure what works best. The best viewpoint is at the 1/2 mile mark after you complete the ascent of approximately 1200’. It’s a worthwhile 3 hour expenditure with magnificent vistas, but, much of the time you are walking through vegation with no ocean views. Be careful on the descent, as that is more slippery than the ascent. Worthwhile, but be careful.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marilyn M
Lincoln City, OR174 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This trip we saw the entire coast from a sunset Cruise and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Listening to the history is fascinating. In years past we have hiked the coastal path and recommend it for the young, not just young at heart. It is exhausting but the views are spectacular.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brooke J
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Couples
We sailed today with captain Roy who is hilarious and very entertaining. Jackie and chef Dylan and Marc are so wonderful! Very experienced and attentive to all needs. Jackie helped all who were in the water and seemed like she has been on a boat since birth - everything very 2nd nature. "Chef Dylan" your grilling skills were top knotch!!! So so delicious! We sailed for a bit to see the coast line and Capt Roy would give us pointers on history, where movies scenes were shot, and much more! If there were whale sightings or other ocean life he got as close as he could. So great!! Also I loved his choice of music ;) after a nice ride, we snorkled with all of their gear including life vests if needed and flippers. I saw what was a baby 3' shark of some kind! Exciting (for most, I hightailed it back to the boat)! After a good snorkeling time, lunch was served and was delish. The crew made sure you had a full drink at all times. Wines, beer, sodas, water - whatever you needed! They sailed for quite a while which is so relaxing with warm sun! I thought o would be disappointed from not being able to go to na pali coast due to high tides but I knew it would be a chance since it is WINTER here. Def recommend this charter!! (Ladies, even the bathrooms were so nice!!) Sad there wasnt a tipping basket of some kind, the crew was OUTSTANDING!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JenRed2014
Buffalo, NY843 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
This can only be five stars. The Na Pali Coast is one of the most beautiful untouched wonders left on Earth. I was thrilled to see it from a distance and to know that they are limiting its trail use so it can stay pristine. The waterfalls, desolate beaches, mountains with peaks and folds combined with the bright colors are magnificent. If you catch a sunset it’s a special treat. Be sure to prepare for the waves if you get sea sick...the seas are pretty rough.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SnowBeans
San Diego, CA108 contributions
Mar 2020
If you are interested in viewing the breathtaking Nā Pali Coast, the best way is by foot. In order to ensure you are able to do this, please do you research in ADVANCE of your trip. Restrictions have been placed in order to balance access to and preservation of this gem of Kauai. Visit the Hawaii State Parks website for information.
We hiked the day portion of the Kalalau Trail under the cover of clouds with occasional rain and there are no regrets. The vistas are truly breathtaking.
We hiked the day portion of the Kalalau Trail under the cover of clouds with occasional rain and there are no regrets. The vistas are truly breathtaking.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ITRT
Virginia37,879 contributions
Apr 2022
The Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s North Shore was the culminating event on our inter-island cruise. Na Pali means “high cliffs”. Some rise to 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Its emerald-colored cliffs are a result of the approximately 400 inches of rainfall a year in the area. The coast spans 17 miles and can be viewed by hiking, in a helicopter or on a boat. However, the beaches, valleys, caves, and waterfalls are not accessible by land.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bernard G
Cornwall, Canada15 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
If you go, just make sure to tell someone that you are going and bring water to drink, you'll need it. Mountain goats live there so take your cue from them: very steep, windy paths with some real danger. You can also see it from the water if you are interested in a tour. Worth looking into the different tours offered.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mamashari4
73 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Wow! Quit a hike if you are out of shape but we did the 4 miles and it was great views! Get there early so you can take your time and enjoy it. Did the park and ride to the State Park. Be extra cautious if it rains as the trails are hazardous in good weather conditions. My fitness tracker said I did 20,000 steps and 77 flights of stairs. It felt like it too! I would recommend a walking stick and lots of water.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kristopher C
22 contributions
Dec 2019
3 rd time visiting and it’s beautiful every time. Love the unspoiled beauty. Be patient as traffic is slow going and lots of visitors getting north on the highway. But it’s worth the drive and hike. Recommend good foot wear not for novice.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AnnieBannie691
Escondido, CA13 contributions
Sep 2021
We spent a wonderful day at the Na Pali Coast State Park and Ke'e Beach. The reservation system keeps the delicate habitat from being overrun. Bathrooms and shower available. No food available so pack your lunch!
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
romres
michigan13 contributions
Hi, my husband and I are headed to HI in April. Can you please provide the name or number of the catamaran charter you went on? This sounds like the best way to see the coast line...Thanks in advance!
Travel4life1000
San Diego, CA38 contributions
Captain Andy’s. But the weather was rough so we went south and did not see the Nepali Coast by boat. Good operation though.
cristina_11
Kauai, HI6 contributions
My husband and I will be in Kauai until the end of December. We are looking for people to hike with or/ and share a car with as we don’t drive.
If anyone interested please contact me at +17144069862.
We have open schedule
Mahalo!
cristina_11
Kauai, HI6 contributions
My husband and I will be in Kauai until the end of December. We are looking for people to hike with or/ and share a car with as we don’t drive.
If anyone interested please contact me at +17144069862.
We have open schedule
Mahalo!
Thebhatts20
55 contributions
Hi all,
We are going to Kauai in Feb end 2018.. and planning to visit Na Pali Coast state park.
Which one should we prefer? Helicopter ride or boat ride? Is hike tough for this state park?
Any recommendations for boat rides or helicopter rides?
Thank you in advance.
ANSKY “The Bat in the Hat”
Anchorage, AK640 contributions
Hello
I was in Kauai In October (3rd trip) and the road to access the Na Pali coast trailhead near Ke’e beach was still closed from spring flooding damage earlier in the year. There was a roadblock / check point in Hanalei that restricted access only to property owners who were granted permits to access their properties. It will be difficult to access the Kalalau trail without access to the trailhead at the end of the road at Ke’e Beach. When we left the island, it was still unforeseen as to when road access would be restored past Hanalei.
That being said, to my knowledge your only options currently will be to take a helicopter or boat tour to experience the Na Pali coast. The rough ends of Na Pali coast extend from Ke’e beach to Polihale beach. There are view points of the end of Kalalau trail and Na Pali coast from the top of Waimea Canyon, which is also a great area for hiking as a backup since Kalalau might still be hard to access.
All helicopter tours fly a similar if not identical route that follows the same clockwise direction around the island. We flew Blue Hawaiian helicopter tours that left from the airport in Lihue. It was a great flight that flew us around the entire island including into the crater of Waieleele, Waimea Canyon and along the Na Pali Coast. Even after requesting a window seat prior to our flight, I was still given a middle seat and was told it was due to weight balance reasons. Despite this occurring, we still had a great flight and we highly recommend a helicopter tour. As for a boat cruise along Na Pali, there are several companies that give cruises on nice sized catamaran sailboats. Not only are there several companies to choose from, but there are several different cruises available including snorkeling cruises and evening dinner cruises. One even goes as far as the neighboring islands of Ni’ihau and Lehua for snorkeling. Many boat trip tours depart from Port Allen such as Captain Andy’s and Blue Dolphin. Although it’s possible to depart from other parts of the island, the key piece to remember is allowing yourself enough time to drive to your destination without “missing the boat”. Traffic on certain parts of the island can really ruin your plans for the day especially if stuck in traffic in Kapaa or near Lihue. Keep in mind where you’re staying on the island and where your tour departs from. If you’re staying on the North side of the island near Princeville, helicopter tours leaving Princeville and boat tours leaving Hanalei Bay will be more convenient then driving back to Lihue or Port Allen for trip departure. Hope this helps with your trip planning. We stay in Kapaa, which roughly serves as a halfway point on the island road system and allows us to pick a North or South Island direction for the day. Kapaa traffic can be a nightmare, but we know this in advance and make a point to leave our hotel early in the morning on days that we want to drive around the island versus spending the day at the resort. To drive from Hanalei to Waimea and back in one day makes for a very long day especially when exploring and making several stops along the way. Safe travels.
smalltowngirl952
Lamar, CO2 contributions
Where do I find information on the hikes in the Park?
John P
6 contributions
October 2018 Update: Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park (including the Kalalau Trail) on Kauai are still closed due to flood damage as well as the highway and bridges which access the parks. This includes the first two miles of the trail. The whole trail is inaccessible & closed for hikers and/or kayakers. Repairs to the damaged roads and trail are in process and expected to last at least into January of 2019. With additional storms events (Lane, Olivia), and additional damage discovered as they do repairs has caused a reevaluation of the repair time. The roads and trail could be closed into mid-2019.
Quoting park website. Nepali COAST trails closed
Sofia M
1 contribution
Hello does anyone know of the park itself is closed or open. If open, where in the park can I go to hike or drive to see the most beautiful scenery
tenisax
Glen Rock, NJ86 contributions
the park is open, and there are a number of entrances from the Wiamea valley road to the park. but the trails can be steep, and can get very slippery in the rain, so you should do some research before planning a hike there. there is a popular walk to the top of a waterfall at the end of the canyon.
nomadic_101
Sydney, Australia76 contributions
Hi! I understand that currently, the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park (including the Kalalau Trail) on Kauai are still closed due to flood damage as well as the highway and bridges which access the parks. Is this right?
sandra n
176 contributions
Is there a drive that can be done or are a majority of views from boat? TY
Which helicopter tour did you take ? Thanks
asophie0936
Gatineau, Canada162 contributions
We took a Catamaran day..
Leoncina1977
Rome, Italy83 contributions
Salve, desidero sapere dove si prenotano le gite in catamarano per Na Pali Coast, grazie
Susan R
Murrieta, CA311 contributions
I would recommend Captain Andy's. You can find them in all the guide books and they have a website. Happy sailing , and Have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions about Nā Pali Coast State Park
- We recommend booking Nā Pali Coast State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 Nā Pali Coast State Park tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Nā Pali Coast State Park:
- RAFT ADVENTURE - Na Pali 1/2 Day Snorkel (From $194.60)
- Waimea Canyon Downhill Bike Ride (From $143.45)
- LUCKY LADY - Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour (From $200.01)
- "PRIVATE" Kauai Airplane Tour (From $279.00)
- Kauai Shore Excursion: 55-minute Helicopter Adventure Flight (From $349.00)
- Hotels near Nā Pali Coast State Park:
- (6.00 mi) Hanalei Surfboard House
- (3.46 mi) Hanalei Colony Resort
- (7.16 mi) Makai Club Resort
- (6.53 mi) Beautiful Home One Block to Beach Hanalei, Kauai
- (6.69 mi) Hanalei Bay Resort
- Restaurants near Nā Pali Coast State Park:
- (6.54 mi) Pink's Creamery
- (6.69 mi) Wishing Well Shave Ice
- (6.48 mi) Jo Jo's
- (6.47 mi) Ama Restaurant
- (6.47 mi) Bar Acuda
- Attractions near Nā Pali Coast State Park:
- (0.34 mi) Kalalau Trail
- (1.59 mi) Hanakapiai Falls
- (1.60 mi) Limahuli Garden and Preserve
- (1.44 mi) Ke'e Beach
- (6.42 mi) Na Pali Catamaran