How to Visit the Nā Pali Coast: Kalalau Trail Guide + 15 Essential Tips

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The Nā Pali Coast is the most spectacular coastline in Hawaii, and one of the hardest places to reach. We make a point of visiting this can’t-miss Kauai activity in some form on every one of our Kauai trips.

Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads. Towering cathedral cliffs rise thousands of feet above the ocean. Waterfalls spill down the cliff face. Hidden beaches. Sea arches. Sea caves. And because there are no roads along the Nā Pali Coast, visiting it requires some planning.

The good news: there are several incredible ways to experience it.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to visit the Nā Pali Coast on Kauai, including:

• Your guide to hiking the Kalalau Trail
• Helicopter and airplane tours
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling tours
• Sunset dinner cruises

Plus tips on the best way to see the Nā Pali Coast for your trip. We have the facts from the state park and local operators, plus our own experience and anecdotes, to show that visiting the Nā Pali Coast is worth it.

What Is the Nā Pali Coast?

The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Area protects about 16 miles of rugged coastline on Kauai’s north shore. The area is a protected state park. From Ke’e Beach (Ha’ena State Park) to Polihale State Park, the cliffs are only accessible by hiking or from a distance.

With Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon behind it, it is no wonder 70 percent of Kauai is inaccessible (no roads).

“Nā pali” means “many cliffs” in Hawaiian, a fitting title for the cliffs. Massive cliffs rise up to 4,000 feet straight from the Pacific Ocean.

The coastline is famous for:

• Dramatic sea cliffs
• Hidden valleys
• Waterfalls
• Remote beaches
• Sea caves and arches

Because the terrain is so rugged, no roads connect this coastline. That’s why visitors typically see the Nā Pali Coast by boat, helicopter, or hiking.

15 Tips Before You Visit the Nā Pali Coast

Before you visit the Nāpali Coast, here are your essential tips to know. This is a long Nāpali Coast guide, so let’s get to the point.

1. A camping permit is required to hike the Kalalau Trail. Find permit requirements here: Kalalau Trail Camping Requirements
2. To visit Ke’e Beach and hike the first section of the Kalalau Trail, you need an entry pass for Ha’ena State Park. Learn more and get the entry pass and parking or shuttle ride pass here: Ha’ena State Park.
3. You only need a Kalalau Trail camping permit to enter Ha’ena State Park to access the trailhead; you don’t need a Ha’ena State Park pass.
4. The first section of the Kalalau Trail runs to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Hanakāpīʻai Valley, ending at a waterfall.
5. The hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach is strenuous and challenging. The 4-mile round-trip hike requires water and closed-toed shoes. The 8-mile round-trip hike to the waterfall is more dangerous because the trail is not maintained, and one must cross the Hanakāpīʻai Stream.
6. Please note the safety tips and the safety video in the Kalalau Trail hiking section below before you apply for a permit.
7. Our favorite way to visit the Nā Pali Coast is by boat. Snorkeling, a sunset dinner, or a rafting trip make for a memorable experience with the best views of the sea cliffs.
8. We have gone on numerous Nā Pali Coast tours! We share our favorites with reviews here; look no further for the Best Nā Pali Coast Boat Tours.
9. Nā Pali Coast boat tours mainly depart from Port Allen in Eleele, near Hanapepe on the west side. A few tours depart from Waimea, closer to the Na Pali Coast, at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. During the summer months, tours depart from Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore.
10. Our readers rave about taking a helicopter tour to view the cliffs and valleys. There are safety risks as crashes occur almost annually, so pick a good operator. These Kauai helicopter tour companies have the best safety record. Tours are around $350 per person.
11. Airplane tours of the Na Pali Coast are another great option! Starting at $150 per person, check out the Best Kauai Airplane Tours.
12. Lookouts in Koke’e State Park, above Waimea Canyon State Park, offer an easy, low-cost ($10 parking) way to see the Nā Pali Coast.
13. Hikes from Koke’e State Park is an alternative way to visit the Nā Pali Coast without doing the Kalalau Trail. Hike ridge lines for extreme views of the valleys and cliffs of the coast.
14. The two common mistakes when you visit the Nā Pali Coast are motion sickness on a boat ride and not being prepared or able-bodied for hiking any section of the Kalalau Trail.
15. Should you visit the Nā Pali Coast? Summer is the best time to visit as the ocean and weather are more reliable, but boat and helicopter tours operate year-round. We visit the Nā Pali Coast on every trip, and we never regret it!

Onto the details on how to visit the Nā Pali Coast for your travel style.

Can You Drive to the Nā Pali Coast?

No, you cannot drive to the Nā Pali Coast.

You can drive to Koke’e State Park, above Waimea Canyon State Park, for views of Kalalau Valley from the lookouts. This is the closest you can get to the wilderness area by driving.

The rugged cliffs and deep valleys along Kauai’s northwest shore make it impossible to build a road through this area. That’s why the coastline remains one of the most untouched places in Hawaii.

The highway on the north shore, Kūhiō Highway, ends at Keʻe Beach in Hāʻena State Park. From there, the only way to continue along the coastline is on foot via the Kalalau Trail for 11 miles.

After reaching Kalalau Beach, at the bottom of Kalalau Valley, the cliffs are inaccessible by a trail to Polihale Beach. Kayak trips are a popular way to reach the secluded villages and ancient fishing villages along this part of the Nā Pali Coast.

Because there are no roads along the Nā Pali Coast, visitors usually experience it by:

• Boat tours that travel along the cliffs
• Helicopter or airplane tours for aerial views
• Hiking the Kalalau Trail
• Kayaking along the coast in summer conditions

For most travelers, a Nā Pali Coast boat tour or helicopter tour is the easiest way to see this dramatic coastline.

Nā Pali Coast Lookouts You Can Visit Without a Tour

If you don’t take a tour or hike, you can still see parts of the Nā Pali Coast from several incredible lookouts on Kauai’s west side.

These viewpoints are located in Kokeʻe State Park above the cliffs. Koke’e State Park is reached by driving through Waimea Canyon State Park.

Kalalau Lookout

The Kalalau Lookout is the most famous viewpoint of the Nā Pali Coast. Click here for Google Maps directions: Kalalau Lookout.

From here, you’ll see:

• The dramatic Kalalau Valley
• Towering green cliffs dropping into the Pacific
• Layered ridges stretching along the coastline

On a clear day, this viewpoint offers one of the best panoramic views in all of Hawaii.

Unfortunately, we have had mixed success with the weather at Kalalau Lookout. Kauai is infamous for its inclement weather, especially along the windward coast. If the valley is covered in clouds or fog, wait a bit to see if it opens up. It is worth the wait.

Puʻu O Kila Lookout

A short drive farther into the park brings you to Puʻu O Kila Lookout. This lookout is just a bit past the pullout parking lot for the Kalalau Lookout.

This viewpoint sits even closer to the cliffs and provides:

• A higher vantage point
• Sweeping views of the Nā Pali coastline
• Access to several hiking trails

From here, adventurous hikers can begin on trails such as the Pihea Trail or the Alakaʻi Swamp Trail.

What to Expect at the Lookouts

The weather on Kauai’s mountains changes quickly, and the Nā Pali Coast is often covered in clouds.

For the best chance at clear views:

• Visit early in the morning but not before 9 AM as the valley will not be in the sun
• Check the weather before driving up
• Be patient. Clouds sometimes open suddenly

Even if the cliffs are partially hidden, the views from these lookouts are still spectacular. And, the drive up through Waimea Canyon and into Koke’e State Park is exceptional.

If it is cold, rainy, and cloudy at the lookouts, drive back down to Koke’e Lodge for coffee and a hearty mountain meal.

Hiking the Kalalau Trail

This was the most challenging and rewarding hike I have done in Hawaii. My buddies and I hiked from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach and back in 36 hours. What made it hard was that we ran out of purified drinking water for the last 5 miles.

I first heard of the Kalalau Trail from a National Geographic article around 2008. As I was living on Oahu at the time, I realized I had to do the hike.

The article featured an Iraqi War Veteran who lived in Kalalau Valley and repaired the trail all day, every day. It was a special moment when our group came upon him quietly and diligently working the trail.

The highlight of our hike was arriving at Kalalau Beach and the valley.

• We hiked into the valley to swim in the natural streams and pools
• Ancient stone work from the first Hawaiian settlers was everywhere. The stone work was for taro fields (lo’i kalo)
• We showered off under the waterfall that runs through Kalalau Beach
• The swim around the point to Honopū Beach and the sea arch was a bit scary.
• We slept on the beach, under the night sky
• There were many illegal campers living in the valley at the time. All were friendly and bartered with us for food and drinks. It was a bit of a party.

When I hiked the trail, permits were not required. Due to the need to maintain the trail, the increase in hikers, and the numerous illegal campers in the valley, I understand why they implemented the permit system. The valley and beach were covered in campers’ trash, and the state had to helicopter it out or use zodiac rafts.

For adventurous travelers, hiking the Kalalau Trail is the only way to explore the Nā Pali Coast on foot. The original trail, built in the early 1800s, included a trail to the fishing villages along the coast past Kalalau Beach. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach, where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs.

This famous trail runs 11 miles along the cliffs from Keʻe Beach to Kalalau Beach. It’s considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and it has been featured in numerous movies. The trail is graded but hardly ever level as it crosses above sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. 

Along the trail you’ll see:

• Ocean views the entire way
• Waterfalls
• Lush jungle valleys
• Remote beaches

Overnight Hike to Kalalau Beach

Here are details on hiking the full Kalalau Trail. See here for Kalalau Trail details on the three sections, from Ha’ena State Park trailhead at Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach.

Important things to know about hiking the Kalalau Trail:

• A valid Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Area camping permit grants access to Hāʻena State Park. You do not need two access permits!
• See here to apply for a Kalalau Trail Camping Permit.
• See here for the requirements of a Kalalau Trail Camping Permit
• Camping permits for the Kalalau Trail are available 90 days in advance and can sell out quickly, especially during the summer months, as only 80 people per night are allowed.
• The current rate is $35 per person, per night for non-residents. $25 for residents.
• The trail is steep and exposed in places. It is not hard to slip off the trail.
• Hiking the 11 miles may take most of the day; I recommend arriving at the trailhead early in the morning. 
• Flash floods can occur in valleys
• Camping is allowed behind Kalalau Beach, in the trees
• A well-marked 2-mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream
• You can find invasive trees growing in the valley: Java plum, guava, and the occasional large mango tree.

Are you planning to do more camping on Kauai? See our Kaua Camping: Reservations, Permits, and Cost.

I will hike the Kalalau Trail again! When our kids are older, they can lead me to Kalalau Beach again. Until then, we will start with the day hike for the first section of the trail.

Most visitors choose to day hike the first part of the Kalalau Trail instead of completing the full route.

Day Hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Beach & Falls

The most popular section of the Kalalau Trail is the hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Ke’e Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakāpīʻai Valley.

While this day hike is more accessible than the full Kalalau Trail, you should not take it lightly. The trail is moderate to challenging; crossing Hanakāpīʻai Stream is slippery; Hanakāpīʻai Beach is not safe for swimming; and conditions can change fast.

A Kalalau Trail camping permit is not required to hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and up the valley to the waterfall. A camping permit is required for those going past Hanakāpīʻai Beach.

Hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Valley requires a permit to enter Hā’ena State Park. Hā’ena State Park is home to Ke’e Beach and is the trailhead to the Kalalau Trail and Hanakāpīʻai Beach and valley.

Parking and entry passes sell out fast for this popular state park and famous Ke’e Beach. I recommend booking this as soon as passes become available.

Reservation dates open 30 days prior, at 12 AM HST. Passes for taking the shuttle, instead of driving yourself, are more readily available. The park is open from 7 AM to 6:45 PM. You can reserve Ha’ena State Park passes here.

Note: Ha’ena State Park is not the same as Ha’ena Beach. The state of Hawaii is planning to purchase Ha’ena Beach, but as of now, no permit is required for the beach or Maniniholo Dry Cave.

Distances:

• The hike from Hāʻena State Park to Hanakāpīʻai Beach is a 4-mile round trip
• The hike from Hāʻena State Park to Hanakāpīʻai Waterfalls is an 8-mile round trip
• Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach.
• We recommend planning for a full day to complete the 8-mile round trip from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Falls.

Details a day hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach and Waterfall:

• Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast
• The summer sand beach at Hanakapi’ai is a popular destination for day hikers
• A compostable toilet (outhouse or comfort station) is available at the beach.
• An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapi’ai Valley leads to Hanakapi’ai Waterfall.
• After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult, meandering over rocks and fallen trees.
• The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks.

This section allows visitors to experience the Nā Pali Coast landscape without committing to the full Kalalau Trail.

This is not an easy hike! The County of Kauai has been releasing PSAs to warn hikers about this trail, as some internet sources make it sound easy. Don’t let the lack of a Kalalau Trail permit requirement fool you into thinking this trail is easier.

• This trail is steep with numerous elevation changes
• The trail runs along a perilous cliff edge
• Hanakāpīʻai Beach, especially during the winter, is prone to large waves. Folks get swept out to sea at this beach
• The hike to Hanakapi’ai Waterfall requires crossing the Hanakapi’ai Stream, and then the trail gets more dangerous
• Come prepared. This trail requires preparation, the correct shoes, and water.

Other Ways to Hike the Nā Pali Coast

You can hike above the towering sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast from Koke’e State Park. These trails provide ridgetop hikes with dramatic views of the cliffs, valleys, and ocean.

These are intermediate-to-challenging hikes due to hiking on cliff edges, descents and climbs, and poor trail conditions. Below are details on how to visit the Na Pali Coast trails from Koke’e State Park. I’ve listed official trails, maintained by Koke’e State Park.

Notes: Parking and entry permits may be required to access these trails. Parking is $10 per vehicle and $5 per person. Please come prepared for these challenging hikes with food, water, and appropriate gear.

Awa’awapuhi Trail

• Moderate to Difficult
• 6.3-mile roundtrip
• Trailhead is located 1.7 miles past Koke’e Lodge
• Hike on 2,000-foot-high cliffs
• Elevation: 1,900 to 2,000 feet
• Parking: small lot at the trailhead

Pihea Trail

• Challenging to Moderate
• 3.7-mile roundtrip
• Offers dramatic, panoramic views of the Kalalau Valley and Nā Pali Coast
• Trailhead is located at Pu’u O Kila Lookout
• Challenges: muddy, steep, uneven path, and wet terrain

Safety Tips for Hiking the Kalalau Trail

From my experience, here are safety tips for hiking the Kalalau Trail.

• Speak to the Ranger or volunteer at the trailhead about current safety conditions
• Bring drinking water and purification tablets or a water filter
• Sun protection is required
• See here for weather conditions near the Na Pali Coast.
• Wear closed-toe shoes, don’t wear slippers (flip-flops)
• Pack in and pack out
• Hanakāpīʻai Beach: Surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous in the summer, but the worst in the winter when high surf conditions prevail. Drownings occur here regularly.
• Take care when crossing the streams. If the stream level rises, don’t risk crossing, as you can get swept out to sea or get hurt. Hanakapi’ai Stream is the most dangerous part of the day hike’s trail.
• Avoid hiking in adverse weather. Even a light rain can mean large downpours up the mountain, creating flash floods.
• People have died at Hanakapi’ai Beach during the winter due to winter swells

Best Ways to See the Nā Pali Coast

There isn’t just one way to visit the Nā Pali Coast. Each option gives you a different experience.

Here are the best ways to see the Nā Pali Coast if you can’t get a permit to camp on the Kalalau Trail. Or, the 22-mile round-trip hike doesn’t sound like your type of Kauai vacation.

Nā Pali Coast Boat Tours

For many visitors, including Erica and me, a Nā Pali Coast boat tour is the best way to experience the coastline.

Boat tours travel directly beneath the towering cliffs and often explore:

• Sea caves
• Waterfalls
• Remote beaches
• Snorkeling spots

You’ll also frequently see:

• Spinner dolphins
• Sea turtles
• Humpback whales in winter, from December through March

One of our favorite parts of a Na Pali Coast boat tour is the captain and crew. The captain provided entertaining and historical facts about the Na Pali Coast. Hawaiians have a long history of living along the beaches and in the valleys. Criminals have also hidden out in the remote valleys.

The crews are always friendly and helpful. They are there to keep you safe and ensure you have all the food and drinks you like!

Boat tours depart from three locations:

• Port Allen near Hanapepe (click for directions): This harbor is the most popular with Na Pali Coast boat tours. We usually leave from here.
• Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor near Waimea (click for directions): This harbor is a further drive west than Port Allen, but it is closer to the Na Pali Coast.
• Hanalei Bay on the North Shore: Tours depart from here during the summer (April – October) due to ocean conditions. This is the closest departure point, and the tours are the most expensive from here.

Minimum Ages: Na Pali Coast boat tours are great for the whole family, but there are restrictions. Most tours have a minimum age of 5-9 years old. The youngest we have seen allowed is 4 years old on this Hawaiian-owned tour: Na Pali Coast Boat Tour from Waimea

Pregnant: Pregnant individuals are not allowed due to rough ocean conditions.

Motion Sickness: If you suffer from motion sickness, please take medicine the night before. Someone on every tour we have done has gotten sick. It is usually on the return trip when the waves make for a rougher ride.

There are several types of Nā Pali Coast boat tours:

Catamaran Tours

Large sailing catamarans offer a smooth ride and plenty of space. These are sailboats or power boats.

These are popular for:

• Families
• Snorkel tours
• Sunset cruises
• Dinner cruises

You will find toilets (marine heads), food, drinks, snorkel gear, and more on these 4 to 8-hour tours.

The best sunset dinner cruises are on catamaran sailboats and powerboats as they provide a luxurious and smooth ride.

Here are our favorites that leave from Port Allen and Hanalei:

• Visit the Na Pali Coast from Hanalei: Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
• Na Pali Coast Snorkel and Sail from Port Allen – the tour we highlight in the video below
• Na Pali Coast and the Forbidden Island (Ni’ihau) Snorkel on a catamaran power boat
• Na Pali Coast Sunset Dinner Sail

Raft Tours

Rigid inflatable rafts are faster and more adventurous.

They can enter sea caves and narrow areas that larger boats can’t reach.

Expect a bumpier ride but closer access to the coastline. These are also popular with families as the minimum ages are typically 5 to 9 years old. Our kids absolutely love the ride on a power raft.

A raft also provides a smaller group experience, which we prefer. The raft tours typically involve snorkeling at numerous spots.

Make sure you bring sun protection, as not all the rafts have covers.

We have a video coming out this fall about our power-raft tour of the Na Pali Coast. Stay tuned!

Until then, see our reviewed power raft tours:

• Napali Coast Rafting Tour (small group)
• Napali Coast from Hanalei Rafting Tour

Snorkeling Tours

Many tours include snorkeling on the Nā Pali Coast when ocean conditions allow.

You’ll often snorkel near reefs below the cliffs where fish and sea turtles gather.

Snorkeling tours include food, drinks, floatation devices, and snorkel gear. The crew is usually in the water with you to help if you need assistance.

We enjoy these combo tours because they offer the chance to swim with sea turtles and get close to unique cliff formations. Plus, we like to move our bodies after the long boat ride. Most tours include snorkeling in one or two spots.

Nā Pali Coast Sunset Dinner Cruises

A Nā Pali Coast sunset cruise is one of the most memorable experiences on Kauai.

These tours usually include:

• Sailing along the cliffs at golden hour
• Dinner and drinks on board
• Incredible sunset views over the Pacific
• These tours are more expensive than a snorkeling tour

As the sun drops behind the cliffs, the coastline glows in gold and deep green colors.

If you want a romantic or relaxed experience, this is one of the best ways to see the Nā Pali Coast. I highly recommend a sunset dinner cruise on the Na Pali Coast for your Hawaii honeymoon.

Erica and I went on a Na Pali Coast sunset dinner cruise with my parents a few years ago, before we had our kids. Might as well bring your parents on a romantic Hawaii vacation!

Here are two of our favorite Na Pali Coast sunset dinner cruises, both of which depart from Port Allen.

• Napali Coast Sunset and Dinner Cruise
• Napali Coast Sunset Dinner Sail

Nā Pali Coast Helicopter Tours

A Kauai helicopter tour offers the most dramatic view of the Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon State Park.

From the air you’ll see:

• The full length of the coastline
• Remote valleys inaccessible by foot
• Hidden waterfalls deep in the mountains
• The sharp ridges that define Kauai’s landscape

Many helicopter tours also fly over:

• Waimea Canyon
• Mount Waiʻaleʻale – the central volcano on Kauai
• Hanalei Bay

Some flights offer doors-off helicopter tours, which are popular for photography.

If you want the most complete view of Kauai, a helicopter tour is hard to beat.

We share the helicopter tour with the best safety record here: Na Pali Coast Helicopter Tour.

Nā Pali Coast Airplane Tours

Airplane tours are another way to see the coastline from above.

Compared with helicopters:

Pros

• Less expensive, starting at $150 per person
• Smooth ride
• Large viewing windows
• Far better safety record!

Cons

• Cannot hover like helicopters
• Less maneuverability for tight valleys

Still, an airplane tour of the Nā Pali Coast is an excellent option if you want an aerial view at a lower price.

Nā Pali Coast Helicopter vs Boat Tour

Choosing between a Na Pali Coast helicopter vs boat tour depends on whether you prefer aerial, panoramic views (helicopter) or wildlife, snorkeling, and a romantic dinner experience (boat).

Helicopters offer unmatched views of interior valleys and waterfalls, but are more expensive, more dangerous, and weather-dependent. Helicopter tours leave from the centrally located Lihue Airport.

Boat tours offer dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and sea cave exploration, but they often carry a higher risk of motion sickness. Na Pali Coast boat tours mainly depart from Port Allen, but some tours depart from Waimea and Hanalei Bay.

Na Pali Coast Helicopter Tour

• Best for: Dramatic panoramic views, interior valleys, and spotting hidden waterfalls inaccessible by boat.
• Pros: Covers more ground quickly (including Waimea Canyon), no seasickness, and allows for breathtaking aerial photography.
• Cons: High safety risk of crashing in inclement weather, higher cost per person, dependence on clear, calm weather, and shorter duration.
• Pro Tip: Book early in your trip in case of weather cancellations.

Na Pali Coast Boat Tour

• Pros: More affordable, choose between snorkeling or sunset dinner, food, drinks, and snacks are included, and you have a high probability of seeing sea turtles, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, and humpback whales. Plus, you can be adventurous on a raft (goes into caves) or more luxurious on a catamaran sailboat.
• Cons: Potential for seasickness, and tours are 4 to 10 hours (slower than a helicopter tour).
• Pro Tip: Choose a morning tour for a smoother ride to minimize the chance of seasickness. Seasickness occurs on the way back to Port Allen.

Kayaking the Nā Pali Coast

Another adventurous way to explore the coastline is kayaking the Nā Pali Coast.

These tours typically launch from Haena or Hanalei and paddle along the cliffs during calm summer conditions.

Kayakers may explore:

• Sea caves
• Waterfalls
• Remote beaches, home to old Hawaiian fishing villages

However, the Nā Pali Coast is open ocean, and conditions can change quickly. These trips are best for experienced paddlers or guided tours.

A kayak tour of the Nā Pali Coast is on my bucket list. I have talked with folks who have done the journey, and I see kayakers on the secluded beaches all the time. Kayaking the 16-mile coast would be a wonderful challenge.

Best Time of Day to See the Nā Pali Coast (Morning vs Sunset)

The best time of day to visit the Nā Pali Coast depends on what kind of experience you want: calmer ocean conditions or dramatic sunset views.

Both morning and evening tours can be incredible.

Morning Nā Pali Coast Tours

Morning is often the best time for ocean conditions along the Nā Pali Coast.

Early in the day, the wind is usually lighter, and the water is calmer. This makes morning tours ideal for:

• Snorkeling tours
• Raft adventures
• Entering sea caves
• Kayaking the Nā Pali Coast

You’ll also have a better chance of seeing dolphins, which are often active in the morning after returning from hunting at night.

If you’re prone to motion sickness or want the smoothest boat ride, morning tours are typically the better choice.

Trade winds in Hawaii start and end in the afternoon, so morning snorkel tours and sunset tours usually miss the winds.

Sunset Nā Pali Coast Tours

A Nā Pali Coast sunset cruise is one of the most beautiful experiences on Kauai.

In the evening, the setting sun lights up the cliffs in deep gold and green tones. As the boat sails along the coastline, you’ll watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean.

Sunset tours often include:

• Dinner or appetizers
• Cocktails or drinks
• A relaxed sailing experience

These tours are all about scenery, atmosphere, and good food and drinks.

Which Is Better?

Choose a morning tour if you want:

• Calmer ocean conditions
• Snorkeling opportunities
• Adventure rafting or sea caves

Choose a sunset tour if you want:

• Romantic scenery
• Golden light on the cliffs
• Dinner and drinks on the water

Motion sickness usually occurs on the way back to Port Allen. The waves are chopper in this direction, resulting in more issues with sickness. This happens regardless if you choose a morning or sunset tour.

Many travelers say the Nā Pali Coast is the highlight of their Kauai trip, no matter what time of day they see it.

Best Time to Visit the Nā Pali Coast

Ocean conditions play a huge role in Nā Pali Coast activities.

Generally: Summer (May–September)

Best for:

• Boat tours from the north shore
• Snorkeling tours
• Kayaking
• Helicopter tours

Winter (October–April)

Better for:

• Whale watching from December through March
• Boat tours departing from the south shore

The weather can change quickly on Kauai, so it’s always smart to keep flexible plans.

Pro Tip: We recommend booking a Na Pali coast tour early in your trip. You not only gain a deeper appreciation for the island, but you can rebook your tour in the event of bad weather.

Is the Nā Pali Coast Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. You saw that coming, I’m sure.

The Nā Pali Coast is one of the most iconic landscapes in Hawaii and a highlight of any Kauai trip.

Whether you experience it by:

• Boat tour
• Helicopter flight
• Hiking the Kalalau Trail
• Sunset cruise

…it’s easily one of the most unforgettable places in the Hawaiian Islands.

If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, adding a Nā Pali Coast tour to your itinerary is one of the best ways to experience the island’s dramatic beauty.

Now that you know how to visit the Nā Pali Coast, time to finish the rest of your itinerary!

Our Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary is more than 5 perfectly planned days; it includes our favorite restaurants, a list of places to stay, tips for visiting Kauai, and so much more. Close those spreadsheets and tabs, and download our Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary.