Nā Pali Coast State Park

Nā Pali Coast State Park

Nā Pali Coast State Park
5
State ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:45 PM
About
This 15-mile coastal stretch of towering cliffs and narrow valleys in northwest Kauai is a hotspot for campers. But note: It's only accessible by hiking.
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Top ways to experience Nā Pali Coast State Park

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,983 reviews
Excellent
1,863
Very good
96
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
4

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Ourarka
East Sussex, UK186 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Couples
We set out to walk the 2 mile trek to the first beach but when it wasn’t as difficult as we had envisaged, we continued to the waterfall ……. which was absolutely fantastic. So long as you take your time, wear appropriate footwear and concentrate on the path, it really isn’t too difficult for a competent hiker. Make sure you follow all instructions from rangers and lifeguards - DO NOT ENTER the sea if you are told not to!!

Tips:

1) Book your park pass and shuttle ASAP. They get booked up quick and you can’t just rock up and buy one.
2) Start early - you won’t like the alarm but it’ll be worth it as you’ll have the track (and waterfall) pretty much to yourself plus you miss the heat of the day.
Written January 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA4,467 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Coldings
Copenhagen, Denmark611 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
When on Kauai visiting this State Park is an absolute must. Whether you are in for a quite demanding 5-7 hour return hike to the Hanakapi'ai Falls or just an easy 3 hour return hike to the Hanakapi-ai Beach this place offers some of the most spectacular views on the Planet. Add to that tropical flora, guave fruits, giant bambus and white sandy beaches with caves and you're in for an experience you'll never forget.
You can also hike further into the park to Kalalau Beach, but then you must get a hiking license and bring tent and sleeping gear + food.
For the one-day trips, buy combined Park entry and shuttle bus tickets online at around 35 $ each and you'll board the shuttle bus ca. ½ hour from the trail head and not have to worry about parking or your car while hiking.
Definately bring lots of water, swimwear, hiking poles and good boots as the trails may be slippery due to the frequent rainfalls that are the foundation of this magical piece of nature.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maude
Montreal, Canada6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Solo
I've hiked Na Pali, I've flown Na Pali, I've boated Na Pali with several operators, and without a doubt my favorite way to see Na Pali is with the Na Pali Experience smaller power
catamarans. We were surrounded by 100s of dolphins, drove in and out of sea caves, and parked under waterfalls to cool off for a Hawaiian shower. We snorkeled at a reef where
evidently only the small boats are able to snorkel and the quality of the snorkel gear was superb. I went by myself and there were only 5 others and so even though it wasn't a private tour,
it had a private tour like atmosphere that really made the trip for me. The Captain (Jon?) was fantastic! He was engaging, professional, hilarious, and it was obvious he loved what he did.
The ride was bumpy at times but I guess that is to be expected on Na Pali Coast. I always felt safe and actually enjoyed the "exciting" portions of the trip. From what I understand, choose
the morning tours if you want to see dolphins, and chose the afternoon tour if you want to see Na Pali with optimal lighting conditions.
Thanks for the memorable ride guys…see you next trip!
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JDSoui
Tampa, FL7,017 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
The views of/from the park are simply amazing. Be it from air, driving to the state park or boat, the views leave an indelible mark. The colors, features and sheer cliffs are simply breathtaking.

One call out is to check the weather - if driving to the lookout, the fog can arrive quickly. Within 15-20 minutes of arriving the fog impacted the views. Nevertheless the views are spectacular.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mlmaynard
Lincoln City, OR186 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brooke J
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Riccardo NUCERA
Lecco, Italy177 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Friends
If you are on Kauai you cannot help but dedicate a half day to the Napali Coast. There is no way to get there on your own so you need to book an organized tour. By sea with catamaran or dinghy and… if you have a few dollars more… with helicopter… but you can't miss the view. It really feels like being on Isla Nublar in Jurassic Park and you expect to see a pterodactyl emerge from the mountains at any moment. The coast is beautiful but watch out for the almost always strong sea... but perhaps that is also its charm. The morning fog then helps to complete the atmosphere.
Google
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JenRed2014
Buffalo, NY1,175 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SnowBeans
San Diego, CA109 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Nā Pali Coast State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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