Nāpali Coast: Too Beautiful To Be Real, And A Bucket-List Worthy Island Paradise
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 15, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Hawaii’s natural beauty truly is unparalleled. The Aloha State is the ultimate bucket list trip, offering some of the most spectacular natural wonders and sublime scenery. It’s as much a place for avid outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, as it is for nature enthusiasts and aesthetes. And the Nāpali Coast epitomizes the very best Hawaii has to offer. Spanning 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore, the Nāpali Coast is emerald-hued cliffs and lush forest jungles, gorgeous waterfalls, and endless turquoise waters. This is Mother Nature at its purest; a real-life Garden of Eden that seems almost too beautiful to believe.
There is nothing in the entire world quite like Hawaii's Nāpali Coast.
From the land side, commanding cliffs tower thousands of feet high, topped with lush jungle rainforests. From the ocean, craggy sea caves and sunken tunnels speak to the deep history of this place.
Nāpali Coast is defined by its majestic cliffs, some of which rise 4,000 feet above the sea.
You’ll also get a front-row seat to scenic areas that are largely inaccessible by land or water, like majestic Manawaiopuna Falls. Whichever tour you choose, the natural splendor of the Napali Coast will leave a lasting impression on your soul.
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There are many ways to explore the Nāpali Coast, but the safest access and best views are found by sea or by air.
Along the way, you’ll be able to spot several waterfalls and beaches that are otherwise inaccessible. (You'll also relive a classic Jurassic Park moment).
But the perspective from below is equally extraordinary.
Hawaii has some of the best whale watching in the world, and the experience of being feet away from these playful, benevolent beasts is one you'll remember forever.
Viewing the coast by sea is just as memorable as air, and allows for a more laid-back experience where you can just breathe and soak up the views.
They also guarantee that guests will see dolphins during their excursion. Spinner dolphins are quite possibly the happiest creature on earth, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an absolute delight.
Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, are native to Hawaii, and a sacred species to Hawaiians. These magnificent creatures can grow up to four feet long and weigh over 300 pounds. They can also live up to 80 years, and there's a wisdom to these creatures that's marvelously uncanny.
If you'd like to try another form of water recreation in the area, rent a sea kayak. Kauai’s Nāpali Coast is considered one of the world's best spots for sea kayaking; it's a 17-mile stretch of pure Hawaiian heaven.
In fact, kayaking along the Nāpali Coast will leave an impression on you for life -- the pristine waters, green gorges,. and commanding cliffs are incomparable.
While kayaking, you may even discover one of Hawaii's secret beaches -- your own private piece of paradise.
Nāpali Coast is an amazing place to camp in Hawaii, too. Most campsites in Hawaii require a permit; rates for camping are $15/person per night for residents and $20/person per night for non-residents.
Hawaii is truly one of the most amazing places on the planet, and the Nāpali Coast is the very best of the best in the Aloha State.
General Information
Accessibility: Visitors can enjoy the Nāpali Coast via boat or plane tours, many of which offer accommodations for guests with special needs. Refer to each attraction’s website for accessibility information.
PetFriendly: Four-legged friends can enjoy the beautiful Nāpali Coast, too. Dogs can also come along with you on your adventures, but they must remain on a six-foot-long leash. Many of Kauai’s beaches are dog-friendly, too, provided owners follow a few guidelines.
Parking: The Kalalau trailhead and the Nāpali Coast State Park begin at Haena State Park, at the end of Kuhio Highway (Route 56) on Kauai’s north shore.
Seasonal Access: Nāpali Coast State Park is open year-round, but the summer season is a particularly great time to visit, as this time of the year has better water and weather conditions. For outdoor enthusiasts, the peak hiking season is from May to October.
Cost: In order to access both the Nāpali Coast State Park and the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Haena State Park, which requires advanced reservations for entry. The state limits reservations to a certain number per day, so make sure you’re planning ahead if there’s a specific day you want to visit. Non-Hawaii residents are required to purchase either a park entry reservation ($1/person) or an online parking reservation ($5/vehicle) prior to arrival. Reservations can be made on the park’s website.
Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous feature of Shenandoah National Park and The Outer Banks then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.
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