Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park Is A Natural Oasis That Rivals Our National Parks
From cascading waterfalls and the inviting turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean to lush rainforests and mountain peaks, breathtaking natural beauty abounds on the Hawaiian Islands. And nowhere will you find more incredible scenery than within this state park In Kauai. Hawaii has more than 50 state parks, waysides, recreation areas, monuments, and historic sites. There are countless Hawaiian state parks to choose from, including this gem that rivals all of United States’ national parks.
Tucked away on Kauai’s north shore is one of the most breathtaking and isolated state parks in the entire country: Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
This epic wilderness state park in Kauai is iconic and instantly recognizable. The jagged coastline, towering mountains plunging to the sea, and bright and beautiful colors sear themselves into the minds of many.
Measuring in at 16 miles in length, the Na Pali Coast stretches from the remote and wild Polihale Beach on the west to Ke’e Beach on the north.
With towering sea cliffs, deep hanging valleys with waterfalls that cascade into the sea, and beautiful beaches, this is one of the world’s most scenic coastlines. It’s a rugged wilderness that begs to be seen as much as possible.
Shaped over time by long-term erosion, access to the Na Pali Coast is limited, which means that you will feel as though you’re truly a million miles away from it all.
Waterfalls and streams cut the cliffs into the beautiful, jagged peaks you see today. While it’s remote and uninhabited now, when you explore you can still see the extensive stone walled terraces on the valley where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro.
To experience the beauty of the Na Pali Coast for yourself, you can embark on the strenuous, dangerous, and heart-pounding Kalalau Trail, which follows the coastline for 11 beautiful miles.
The Kalalau Trail measures in at 22 miles round-trip, and traverses five valleys through lush jungle and towering sea cliffs, as well as crosses three different streams. According to Backpacker.com, it is one of the most dangerous hikes in Hawaii, and even the United States of America; the narrow paths along high cliffs can be both intimidating and quite dangerous.
A great way to enjoy one of the best state parks in Kauai is to view it from a boat or helicopter tour.
Whether witnessed from the ocean on a snorkel tour or from above in a helicopter, there’s nothing quite as beautiful as Na Pali’s lush green cliffs. The landscape of this area is absolutely breathtaking.
Or as another easier and free option, you can witness this beautiful slice of paradise from the Kalalau Lookout within the neighboring Koke'e State Park.
It’s a wonderful way to see this remote state park in Kauai without having to spend a dime to see it from the sea or the air, or hike a grueling trail into the heart of this beautiful country.
No matter how you choose to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, you’ll find yourself realizing that this Hawaii state park rivals the United States’ National Parks — including the Aloha State’s two national parks: Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes.
If you want something to do outside in Hawaii that will imprint itself on you forever, make sure to explore this incredible and remote terrain. It will provide an experience you’ll never forget!
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Address: N? Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai County, HI, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Park in Kauai
January 28, 2022
Megan McDonald
Was the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park in the movie Jurassic Park?
It was! This instantly recognizable coastline served as the backdrop of Isla Nublar in Jurassic Park. The majestic Manawaiopuna Falls also makes an appearance in the blockbuster 1993 movie. The scenery is just breathtaking, and made for an incredible shot when the helicopter flew into the island.
Can you hike the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park coastline?
You can, but you currently need a day pass if you’d like to hike further than two miles in on this incredible trail that takes you through the park. You also need a valid camping permit in order to access the trail. The trail is 22 miles round trip, and considered extremely difficult to traverse, especially in the wet weather.
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
