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Nā Pali Coast State Park

Park

Nā Pali Coast State Park on Kauai features sheer sea cliffs, narrow valleys and an inaccessible shoreline. People hike the 11‑mile Kalalau Trail, join boat or helicopter tours, and snorkel sea caves and coastal reefs.

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In this guide

Nā Pali Coast State Park essentials

Address: Nā Pali Coast State Park, Kauaʻi, HI 96714, United States
Website: dlnr.hawaii.gov
Hours: Park open 24 hours; permits required for overnight stays in Kalalau Valley
Admission: No entrance fee; camping permits required for Kalalau Trail (permit required through Hawai’i DLNR; fees vary)
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About Nā Pali Coast State Park

Na Pali Coast State Park is a state park on the northwest shore of Kauai, Hawaii, protecting a rugged, largely undeveloped stretch of coastline noted for its steep sea cliffs. The coastline is internationally known for its dramatic cliffs, valleys and sea-carved features.

The park’s most visited experiences include the Kalalau Trail, an approximately 11-mile (about 18 km) coastal route that provides the only continuous land access to much of the coast, and boat or helicopter tours that view the cliffs and sea caves from the ocean or air. Sea cliffs rise to around 4,000 feet (about 1,200 meters), and visitors also explore remote beaches and the Kalalau Valley.

Geologically, the coastline was formed by erosion of ancient volcanic ridges, producing steep valleys and narrow coastal benches. The valleys were historically inhabited and cultivated by Native Hawaiians; today the area is managed as a state park to conserve its natural and cultural resources while allowing limited backcountry access.

The park occupies the northwest coastline of Kauai island, on the Pacific-facing side of the island. It is remote from Kauai’s main population centers and is most commonly accessed from trailheads at the island’s north shore or by sea and air services based on Kauai.

  • Access and permits: Coastal access is limited - beaches and valleys are reachable only by the Kalalau Trail on foot (permit required for camping), by boat or by helicopter.
  • Topography: Cliffs along the coast rise to roughly 4,000 feet (about 1,200 meters), creating steep, rugged terrain that limits road development and keeps much of the coastline remote.

What to See#

  • Kalalau Trail: An 11-mile (about 18 km) coastal trail that provides the only continuous land access along the Na Pali coastline and leads to remote beaches and camping areas.
  • Na Pali sea cliffs: The steep sea cliffs and valleys along the northwest shore of Kauai that reach heights of roughly 4,000 feet (about 1,200 meters) and form the park’s defining scenery.
  • Kalalau Valley: Kalalau Valley, a broad coastal valley accessible by the Kalalau Trail and known for its remote beach, taro terraces and native vegetation.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Nā Pali Coast State Park

Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather and trail conditions for hiking; winter brings big seas and more limited access but spectacular waterfalls.

Spring-Fall
April-October · 22-30°C
Drier and better visibility for hiking and boat tours.
Winter
November-March · 18-26°C
Storms and high surf can close coastal boat access but create dramatic sea conditions and waterfall displays.

Weather & Climate near Nā Pali Coast State Park

Climate

Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (668 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 13 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 17° - 23° 20° 131 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
February - 17° - 24° 20° 61 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
March - 18° - 24° 21° 54 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
April - 18° - 24° 21° 46 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
May - 19° - 25° 22° 59 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
June - 20° - 26° 23° 8 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
July - 21° - 26° 24° 35 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
August - 21° - 27° 24° 15 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
September - 21° - 27° 24° 30 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
October - 21° - 27° 24° 60 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
November - 20° - 25° 23° 73 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
December - 18° - 24° 21° 96 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Nā Pali Coast State Park

Access options are three: hike the Kalalau Trail from Ke’ē Beach (11 miles one-way to Kalalau), join a boat tour or take a permitted helicopter landing. The trailhead is at Ke’ē Beach in Haʻena; boat shuttles operate from Hanalei and Port Allen. Permits for overnight camping in Kalalau Valley are required from Hawai’i DLNR.

Tips for Visiting Nā Pali Coast State Park

  • For the Kalalau Trail, secure a camping permit from Hawai'i DLNR well in advance-permits sell out months ahead in high season.
  • Start the Kalalau Trail early in the day to avoid afternoon heat; the full trail to Kalalau Beach is 11 miles (18 km) one-way.
  • Access by boat or helicopter requires adherence to landing restrictions-boat shuttle operators run regular services from Hanalei and Port Allen.