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Hawaiian
island: Kauai's Na Pali Coast
Kauai
Travel & Leisure
Hawaiian
island: Kauai's Na Pali Coast by Terry Reim
Kauai's
spectacular Na Pali Coast, the rugged coastline on the northwest shore of
Hawaii's oldest inhabited island, is probably the most remarkable and
popular feature for visitors to the Garden Isle. The Na Pali Coast
extends from Ke'e Beach and runs 16 miles southwest to Polihale State
Park. Much of the coast is inaccessible due to its sheer cliffs up to 4,000
feet high, which plunge directly into the Pacific Ocean below. These
pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending
abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls and swift flowing streams continue to cut
these narrow valleys while the sea carves cliffs at their mouths.
Extensive
stone walled terraces can still be found on the valley bottoms where the
original Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro. There are no roads in
or along the Na Pali Coast, but it is accessible by hiking, boating, kayaking
or from a helicopter. Hiking and boating are the best ways to experience
these majestic cliffs, vibrant blue water, sea caves, waterfalls and
other natural wonders. Na Pali Coast State Park, encompassing 6,175 acres
and located in the center of the rugged coastline, was established to
protect the Kalalau Valley.
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Kalau Valley
This
valley, surrounded by verdant cliffs more than 2000 feet high, is
famous for its tropical beauty. The broad, flat valley floor is about 2
miles long and a half mile wide allowing abundant sun and rain for a
profusion of topical plants and animals. Native Hawaiians occupied the
valley from prehistoric times into the 20th century, farming a large
complex of terraced taro fields. Today, its designation as a state park
prohibits residents, but a few long-term campers establish illegal
shelters and remain in conflict with state authorities.
The
Kalalau Trail
The
Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged
coast. Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were
rebuilt in the 1930s. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian
settlements along the coastline. The trail traverses 5 valleys before
ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. The
11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above
towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea
level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau.
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Hiking
the Na Pali Coast The most popular hike on Na Pali is to Hanakapi'ai
where hikers will find a lush river valley. Hike 8 miles (roundtrip) to a
waterfall or 4 miles (roundtrip) to Hanakapi'ai Beach (the beach is only
there during summer months - be careful as ocean conditions can be
dangerous and there are no lifeguards). For most backpackers in good
condition hiking the 11 miles takes a full day. It's best to get an early
start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat.
Camping
in Na Pali Coast State Park
Because
the Na Pali Coast is within the Hawaii State Park system, permits are
required for hiking and camping. Day-use hiking permits are required when
continuing beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley, even if overnight camping is not
planned. Camping permits allow camping in authorized areas along the
trail. These areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. The do
not have tables or drinking water. Composting toilets are available at
Hanakapi'ai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. Find more information about obtaining
permits at the Lihue State Park Office (808) 274-3444, the Honolulu State
Park Office (808) 587-0300 or visit the DLNR website.
Na
Pali Coast Boat & Air Tours Boat and air tours offer the most
dramatic views of this spectacular coastline and it's 4,000-foot sheer
cliffs Dolphins, turtles, flying fish and monk seals are seen year round
with Humpback Whale watching from December through April. Sea caves and
marine life are added attractions. Nualolo Kai, a fringing reef that
extends 600 feet offshore, is home to more than 50 species of fish where
Na Pali tour boats offer wonderful snorkeling excursions. While the water
on this coast can be rough in winter months, boat tour companies also
offer romantic sunset cocktail and dinner cruises along the Na Pali coast
during the summer months.
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About the Author - Terry Reim
has more than 25 years' experience as an editor and writer in newspaper,
magazine, trade book, textbook, and technical publishing. He lives in
Maui, Hawaii.
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Kauai Travel & Leisure
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Kauai
(properly spelled Kaua'i) is the northern-most of the Hawaiian Islands
and is where all the beauty of Hawaiian Paradise is found. The island of
Kauai is one of the most lush and beautiful Hawaiian islands,
encompassing cascading waterfalls, roaring cliffs, surf, lush valleys and
sun-drenched beaches. Dramatic is the best way to describe Kauai. It is
the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and with its rich volcanic soil and
plentiful rainfall, it was a natural for Taro plant farms. The tubers of
the Taro plant are pounded into Poi and were a staple of the Hawaiian
diet.
Kauai
is beautiful year-round so anytime is a good time to visit. Summer
temperatures between April and November, average 75-85 degrees and is
also the dryer season. Winter temperatures are a little cooler and you
will always have the trade winds throughout the year.
Kauai
Airport
Lihue
Airport (LIH) is the island's main airport. Some airlines offer direct
service from the continental US to Kauai.
Precipitation
& Scenery
Kauai's
northern end is the wet side and the wettest part of all Hawaii. The
island receives so much rainfall, it is known as one of the wettest
places on earth with an average rainfall of 460 inches of precipitation
per year. The island has beautiful valleys, lush rainforests, jagged
cliffs and towering waterfalls. With it's beautiful green valleys and scenic
waterfalls, it has been the location of over 70 Hollywood movies and TV
series, including Raiders of The Lost Ark, Lilo & Stitch, Jurassic
Park, King Kong, and the current TV series Lost.
Rice
Fields, Hanalei Valley, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
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Kauai Vacation
Activities
The
island's visitors can take a helicopter adventure and soar over and
through the lush green canyons and hover alongside magnificent
waterfalls, taking in views and an experience they'll never forget.
Travelers can also enjoy golfing at Princeville or hiking the Napali
Coast, which are all-time favorites of vacationers.
The
meandering Wailua River abounds with scenic views of rich foliage. Take
the river cruise or rent kayaks and explore the island on your own.
Consider joining your guide on a hike into the fern grotto where you will
be serenaded amidst luscious flora and fauna. Weddings are one of Kauai's
specialties. Here, you'll find professional, experienced wedding
coordinators to help you create your own customized, romantic island
ceremony and celebration.
The
southern end of Kauai gets more sun and offers many crescent-shaped
beaches. You will soon see why the Travel Channel voted Poipu Beach one
of America's best beaches. This popular area is where surfing, swimming,
snorkeling, scuba diving, and golf are the pastimes of vacationers.
Nightlife is slow and quiet here, but you won't miss it, as this is where
you will rejuvenate and unwind in the beauty and tranquility of Kauai.
About a 30-minute drive from Poipu, you'll find the famous Waimea Canyon.
Linger to stare in awe of its 10-mile long and mile-wide magnificence.
Kauai
Vacation Rentals
When
planning your Kauai vacation, there are many Kauai hotels to choose from;
however, many travelers prefer to stay in a privately owned vacation
rental home or condo for both comfort and cost-efficiency. A vacation
rental provides comforts rarely offered by most hotels, such as a fully
stocked kitchen for home cooking, multiple bedrooms, and many even have
their own private swimming pool and Jacuzzi, which is tough to put a
price on. So, before booking a hotel, shop around for the perfect Kauai
vacation rental that can accommodate your entire family. You just might
find the ideal beachfront vacation rental your family has been dreaming
about.
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Don Guy is an avid traveler
and co-founder of www.MrVacation.com, which is a vacation rental
directory offering vacation rentals and vacation homes for sale. When
planning a Kauai vacation, consider searching MrVacation.com for the
perfect vacation rental home, condo, or villa your entire family will
enjoy.
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