Kauai Na Pali Coast

January 25th, 2010

There are several ways to see the stunning Na Pali coast of Kauai, Hawaii.  Any way you manage to take in the view, it is breathtaking.  However, none of the options involves driving a car.  The road along the Kauai coast in that area is closed.  You can take a helicopter ride, or view the coast from the ocean on a boat or raft.  This photo is taken from a hike above the Na Pali.  There are other more rigorous hikes that take you closer.  This hike began from the parking lot at the top of Waimea Canyon, already an amazing view.

Na Pali means "the cliffs" in Hawaiian. On Kauai, it is a 15-mile section of coast along the northwest side of the island where sheer cliffs drop to the ocean.  They look sharp, like the edges of lava knives pointed to the sea.  The view is reminiscent of King Kong or other movies with stark mountains shrouded in mist.  An observer near us commented, "See those green puffs (below us)?  They are TREES!"  We were so high above them, they looked like bits of broccoli sprinkled on the ridges.

I’m sure the view from the ocean would be impressive in a different manner — the cliffs would soar above the surface to pierce the sky.  Different times of year may recommend different approaches; in winter, the seas are rougher and the more extreme hikes more hazardous.  Our moderate late fall hike produced great views amid fairly significant mud.  I look forward to experiencing the Na Pali Cliffs from many different angles in seasons to come. 

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

Entry Filed under: Hawaii Vacation Links, Kauai, Uncategorized