Na Pali, kauai, extreme nature in Hawaii
Na Pali is one of the most incredible and beautiful places in the world. While other places may offer impressive buildings or monuments, here you will see nature at its best.
It is a place that attracts not only the mind but also the senses and even the souls of the visitors.
The name Na Pali literally translates to «The Cliffs.» The Na Pali cliffs rise from the coast to a height of 1,200 meters and appear to be almost vertical in places, as do the impressive cliff icons in Australia, The Twelve Apostles. This is one of the greatest natural barriers that can be found on earth.
How to enjoy Na Pali
Na Pali is practically inaccessible by land. Which means that anyone who wants to visit the cliffs or the small coves and pools is better off doing it by sea.
For many, the only way to truly appreciate this magnificent terrain is from the air and regular helicopter flights are offered. They offer a panoramic view of the cliffs, but also of the deep valleys, gorges and waterfalls.
The Na Pali cliffs can be seen from Ke’e Beach but the view is more impressive when the approach is from the sea.
Hollywood in Na Pali
The high rock walls look like something from an earlier geological period. This wonderfully wild backdrop has not escaped the attention of the world’s filmmakers. Many Hollywood blockbusters have featured the Na Pali Coast, including King Kong, Jurassic Park, and the South Pacific.
Na Pali Coast State Park
The nearly 2,500 ha Na Pali Coast State Park was established between the Ku’la Nature Reserve and the Hono ‘Onapali Nature Reserve Area and is home to the famous Kalalau Trail which is a 17 km hike to along a very challenging route.
Another camp, which can only be accessed by sea, is in Miloli’i, which has a maximum stay of three days. Camping is only allowed between May 15 and September 7 of each year.
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail offers the only land access to the Na Pali coastal region. Despite its relatively short length, this is not a journey to be undertaken lightly.
Hikers should always be fully prepared for wet weather, as this is one of the wettest places on earth.
For those not ready to take on the full challenge of the Kalalau trail, there are shorter and less challenging options.
Following the path from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach involves passing through a beautiful lush green valley that leads to a secluded beach.
Beaches and marine life
At the foot of the cliffs you can find small sandy beaches and sheltered pools with friendly dolphins. Sea turtles are common visitors and the beaches also offer a sanctuary for the protected Hawaiian monk seal.
Kauai and its people
Today, Kauai has a distinct culture, and although it is part of the United States, it offers an interesting mix of Hawaiian and Western characteristics.
The original population of the island would surely be decimated as a result of imported diseases, the arrival of missionaries banned Hawaiian traditions such as Hula and nudity, and those who lived in the Na Pali region soon discovered that they could lead a much easier life elsewhere. of the island. The last residents to leave the area in the early 20th century.