Nāpali Coast: Too Beautiful To Be Real, And A Bucket-List Worthy Island Paradise

Hawaii's natural beauty truly is unparalleled. The Aloha State is the ultimate bucket list trip, offering some of the most spectacular natural wonders and sublime scenery. It's as much a place for avid outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, as it is for nature enthusiasts and aesthetes. And the Nāpali Coast epitomizes the very best Hawaii has to offer. Spanning 17 miles along Kauai’s North Shore, the Nāpali Coast is emerald-hued cliffs and lush forest jungles, gorgeous waterfalls, and endless turquoise waters. This is Mother Nature at its purest; a real-life Garden of Eden that seems almost too beautiful to believe.

There is nothing in the entire world quite like Hawaii's Nāpali Coast.

From the land side, commanding cliffs tower thousands of feet high, topped with lush jungle rainforests. From the ocean, craggy sea caves and sunken tunnels speak to the deep history of this place.

Nāpali Coast is defined by its majestic cliffs, some of which rise 4,000 feet above the sea.

In fact, the Hawaiian word "pali" translates to "cliff" -- and the Hawaiian people have been marveling at these tropical towers since 1300 AD.

Nāpali Coast offers some of the most spectacular scenic vistas in the world.

You’ll also get a front-row seat to scenic areas that are largely inaccessible by land or water, like majestic Manawaiopuna Falls. Whichever tour you choose, the natural splendor of the Napali Coast will leave a lasting impression on your soul.

There are many ways to explore the Nāpali Coast, but the safest access and best views are found by sea or by air.

But Nāpali Coast is a true bucket list experience, so why pick just one?

Splurge on a helicopter tour to see Hawaii's iconic cliffs from above.

Along the way, you’ll be able to spot several waterfalls and beaches that are otherwise inaccessible. (You'll also relive a classic Jurassic Park moment).

But the perspective from below is equally extraordinary.

Hawaii has some of the best whale watching in the world, and the experience of being feet away from these playful, benevolent beasts is one you'll remember forever.

Viewing the coast by sea is just as memorable as air, and allows for a more laid-back experience where you can just breathe and soak up the views.

For a more leisurely ride, opt for a catamaran; for a more thrilling excursion, book a spot aboard a Zodiac.

You’ll share the water with some of the most delightful, iconic Hawaii creatures, for the ultimate animal encounter experience.

Blue Dolphin Charters offers some of the sightseeing tours in Hawaii, and is a must for nature enthusiasts.

They also guarantee that guests will see dolphins during their excursion. Spinner dolphins are quite possibly the happiest creature on earth, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an absolute delight.

With snorkeling and scuba diving being a huge attraction in Hawaii, many boat charters offer scuba diving and snorkel tours, too.

Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, are native to Hawaii, and a sacred species to Hawaiians. These magnificent creatures can grow up to four feet long and weigh over 300 pounds. They can also live up to 80 years, and there's a wisdom to these creatures that's marvelously uncanny.

If you'd like to try another form of water recreation in the area, rent a sea kayak. Kauai’s Nāpali Coast is considered one of the world's best spots for sea kayaking; it's a 17-mile stretch of pure Hawaiian heaven.

In fact, kayaking along the Nāpali Coast will leave an impression on you for life -- the pristine waters, green gorges,. and commanding cliffs are incomparable.

While kayaking, you may even discover one of Hawaii's secret beaches -- your own private piece of paradise.

You'll get a front-row seat to the beautiful beaches of Nāpali, many of which are totally under the radar.

Nāpali Coast is an amazing place to camp in Hawaii, too. Most campsites in Hawaii require a permit; rates for camping are $15/person per night for residents and $20/person per night for non-residents.

If you prefer to explore on dry land, the Nāpali Coast State Park is an absolute must.

The park's eponymous expedition is accessible to hikers by way of the Kalalau Trail.

The most popular section of the trail is the first stretch from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Valley, a "sand trail" through Hawaii's jungle oasis.

However, hikers who continue on the trail will be rewarded with a resplendent reward: Hanakapiai Falls.

Towering 300 feet into the sky, this waterfall truly looks like something falling from the heavens.

But really, everything at Nāpali Coast is of divine inspiration.

If you're looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you'll find it in Hawaii, at Nāpali Coast.

Hawaii is truly one of the most amazing places on the planet, and the Nāpali Coast is the very best of the best in the Aloha State.

General Information

Accessibility: Visitors can enjoy the Nāpali Coast via boat or plane tours, many of which offer accommodations for guests with special needs. Refer to each attraction's website for accessibility information.

Pet Friendly: Four-legged friends can enjoy the beautiful Nāpali Coast, too. Dogs can also come along with you on your adventures, but they must remain on a six-foot-long leash. Many of Kauai's beaches are dog-friendly, too, provided owners follow a few guidelines.

Parking: The Kalalau trailhead and the Nāpali Coast State Park begin at Haena State Park, at the end of Kuhio Highway (Route 56) on Kauai’s north shore.

Seasonal Access: Nāpali Coast State Park is open year-round, but the summer season is a particularly great time to visit, as this time of the year has better water and weather conditions. For outdoor enthusiasts, the peak hiking season is from May to October.

Cost: In order to access both the Nāpali Coast State Park and the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Haena State Park, which requires advanced reservations for entry. The state limits reservations to a certain number per day, so make sure you're planning ahead if there's a specific day you want to visit. Non-Hawaii residents are required to purchase either a park entry reservation ($1/person) or an online parking reservation ($5/vehicle) prior to arrival. Reservations can be made on the park's website.

Feeling inspired to fill your Bucket List? Check out our previous feature of Shenandoah National Park and The Outer Banks then subscribe to our weekly Bucket List newsletter to discover new destinations across the country that definitely deserve a visit.