Na Pali Coast State Park

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park protects Kauai's rugged northwest coast, with Kalalau Trail access, sea cliffs, valleys, remote camping and permit rules.

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Na Pali Coast State Park, Kauai

The Na Pali Coast State Park is located on the north shore of Kauai. It is a great place to “rough it” and go on an adventurous hike. The area has a dramatic, with 4,000-foot (1,219 m) cliffs, known as “pali” in Hawaiian, towering above crystal clear waters. Below, a coral reef is home to an amazing array of colorful tropical fish. If you travel between December and April, you’re likely to catch sight of the Pacific humpback whales.

This stretch of coastline is a wilderness area of 6,175 acres (25 sq. km), consisting of cliffs that define an untamed region of deep and narrow valleys that end at the sea. Waterfalls and swift streams cut through the valleys as they have for eons. Remains of the ancient Hawaiians can still be found in places.

The Na Pali Coast is inaccessible to cars, but exploring can be done by hiking, kayaking, boating and even by helicopter. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access. It’s an eleven-mile (17.7 km) hike through five major valleys before reaching Kalalau Beach.

Na Pali Coast Daytime Access: For Day Use Access via parking or shuttle to Ha'ena State Park (including DAY hiking at the Kalalau Trail), visit gohaena.com/info-faqs

Na Pali Coast Camping: Camping permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley, no matter if camping is planned or not. Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa and Kalalau with a Kalalau camping permit. Napali Coast camping permits are currently available 90 days in advance. The maximum length of stay along the Kalalau Trail is 5 consecutive nights. The rate for Hawaii residents is $25 per person per night and $35 per person per night for non-residents. Camping permits are only available online through this website: https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,1692.html

Limited overnight parking for campers is only available at the trailhead at Ha'ena State Park and with a valid camping permit AND an overnight parking permit. Overnight parking must be purchased at gohaena.com AFTER securing your camping permits.

Key Features

Remote state wilderness park on Kauai's northwest coast
Known for sea cliffs, valleys, Kalalau Trail, boat views and backcountry camping
Main hiking access is through Haena State Park
Haena State Park requires advance reservations unless you have a valid Na Pali Coast camping permit
Day hikes to Hanakapiai Beach and Hanakapiai Falls require Haena entry or parking reservations
Hiking past Hanakapiai along the Kalalau Trail requires a valid Na Pali Coast camping permit
Kalalau camping permits are required whether or not you plan to camp past Hanakapiai
Trail, stream and ocean conditions can change quickly
There are no roads through the park
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is known for towering cliffs, remote valleys, wilderness hiking, coastal views and strict permit rules

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Na Pali mean?

Na Pali means "the cliffs," a fitting name for the steep, folded sea cliffs that make this coastline one of Kauai's most dramatic landscapes.

Why is the coastline so difficult to reach?

The coast has steep valleys, sea cliffs, no through road and limited landing areas, so access is mainly by trail, boat, kayak in season or permitted camping routes.

How far can day hikers go on the Kalalau Trail?

With the proper Haena reservation, day hikers can reach Hanakapiai Beach and Hanakapiai Falls. Hiking beyond Hanakapiai requires a Na Pali Coast camping permit.

Why are permits strict on the Na Pali Coast?

The permit system helps manage a remote wilderness area with limited facilities, sensitive cultural sites, narrow trails and difficult rescue conditions.

What is Kalalau Valley?

Kalalau Valley is the remote valley reached by the full Kalalau Trail, known for steep green walls, a beach landing area and a long history of Hawaiian settlement.