Located in a small enclave of Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast is a spot so secluded that it is only accessible via authorized boat landing. A small beach and untouched valley surrounded by towering cliffs, Nualolo Kai is not only home to a large barrier reef, but also to one of the most extensive and well-preserved archaeological sites in all of Hawaii.

Nualolo Kai is the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village, as well as an extensive Heiau (Hawaiian temple).
Outrigger Hotels And Resorts/Flickr
The last residents vacated the remote valley in the early 20th century, and left behind a complex series of rock walls and platforms, evidence of an orderly society and rich life.
Outrigger Hotels And Resorts/Flickr
In the temple, there is a spring that once provided water to the settlement, but has since turned brackish due to nearby coconut trees lowering the water table. The trees have been removed, and restoration is currently being done to restore the spring.
Outrigger Hotels And Resorts/Flickr
In addition to the temple and spring, the historic site is also home to petroglyphs near the beach and a recently reconstructed canoehouse.
Outrigger Hotels And Resorts/Flickr
The wall of the valley is marked with a giant "X," approximately 400 feet in height; It is not a marker of buried treasure, but instead was formed naturally by crossing vents in the the lava, which were later filled with the more dense blue stone, creating the illusion of a massive carving.

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The rope ladder that once hung at Alapi’i Point connected Nualolo Kai to the neighboring farming settlement at Nualolo ‘Aina around the cliff is gone, and now the only way to access this rich historic site is via boat landing on the pristine, untouched beach.
Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures And Raft Expeditions/Facebook
Landing at the beach requires a permit, and those who choose to make the trek via kayak must drop anchor offshore and swim to shore. Capt Andy's Sailing Adventures and Raft Expeditions can take you there.
Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures And Raft Expeditions/Facebook
Unlike neighboring Kalalau Valley, Nualolo Kai’s volcanic cliffs are void of vegetation. Oh, and there are no hiking trails leading to this remote sliver of Hawaii.
Air Ventures Hawaii/Facebook
The reef at Nualolo Kai juts out into the ocean so far it is visible along the entire coast - even past Ke’e Beach. Monk seals love visiting the reefs’ protected waters, and can often be found lounging on the north end of the beach. See it from above with Air Ventures Hawaii.
Outrigger Hotels And Resorts/Flickr
There is truly nothing like standing at an untouched piece of Hawaiian history, and ancient sacred site, glancing between the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean, and cliffs that rise more than 2,000 feet above the ground.

Day tours to the remote Nualolo Kai are offered by Kauai Sea Tours and Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures and Raft Expeditions. To experience all Kauai’s fabled Na Pali coast has to offer, consider hiking the strenuous 22-mile Kalalau Trail, or taking a boat to to this magical open-air sea cave.

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