How to Explore the Na Pali Coast of Kauai: Tours, Hikes & Cruises
- Eric Beuning
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
When I first visited Kauai in 2007, the Na Pali coast was extremely wild and incredibly difficult to access. Back then they told us things like “Oh don’t go down that road!” or “This is an area that’s off limits to outsiders.” Over the years that’s changed, as more hiking routes, beaches, and boat and helicopter tours of the Na Pali Coast have become available.
Today I’m happy to report that the Na Pali Coast of Kauai has become increasingly accessible. While few roads are accessible by non-four-wheel drive vehicles and many rental car companies still prohibit driving there, there are tons of great hikes, sailing, snorkeling, and aerial tours to consider.
Self-Driving & Hiking the Na Pali Coast from Hanalei
If you’re staying near Hanalei and prefer to explore at your own pace, self-driving to trailheads and scenic viewpoints provides flexibility and immersion in Kauai's raw beauty. The Kuhio Highway (Hwy 560) is a picturesque drive along the north shore that ends at Ha’ena State Park.
This is where the world-famous Kalalau Trail begins. The drive itself winds through quaint towns like Hanalei and offers pull-offs at overlooks and beaches such as Lumaha’i Beach and Hanalei Bay.
The Kalalau Trail is the ultimate hiking experience on the Na Pali Coast. Stretching 11 miles one way to Kalalau Beach, the trail is known for its steep inclines, narrow ridges, and jaw-dropping ocean views.
If you want a shorter day hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach (4 miles roundtrip) or Hanakāpīʻai Falls (8 miles roundtrip). Permits are required for hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai and for overnight camping. Make sure to plan ahead, check weather and trail conditions, and pack plenty of water.
Best Na Pali Coast Tours with Expert Guides
Even with improved roads and friendly access the Na Pali Coast still isn’t an easy area to hike. The fast-setting tropical sun makes it hard to get out and have a full day, without getting stuck hiking back in the dark. Believe me, I’ve made this mistake, and hiking back in the Na Pali coast jungle in the dark of night is NOT something for your bucket list!
Fortunately, local tour guides have done a great job of adding that let you quickly and safely experience the natural majesty of Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.
Best For: People who want an entry-level snorkeling experience with abundant sea life.
Set sail on a custom-built catamaran from Port Allen Harbor on this half-day tour. You’ll cruise along the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of the Na Pali Coast while the expert local guides give you a taste of what makes the area special.
What I love about this tour is that it includes a stop for snorkeling at a pristine reef. This is a rich part of the ocean, and it’s teeming with tropical fish, green sea turtles, and colorful corals.
A meal with a snack and a beverage included. So, it’s a great way to spend a day out on the Na Pali coast without having to worry about rushing to or from lunch!
PRO TIP: The sea is usually the calmest in the morning, which gives you the best snorkel experience. A lot of people know this, so it’s best to book in advance for one of the morning slots.
Best For: People who want a unique snorkeling experience with amazing views above and below the water.
Niihau is the “Forbidden Isle” of Hawaii just off the coast of Kauai’s Na Pali Cost. It’s only meant for natives who live there, yet this tour is one of the rare few that allows you to get close to Niihau and snorkel in its vibrantly beautiful waters.
This full-day adventure departs from Port Allen and follows the Na Pali cliffs. Along the way, it passes by mysterious sea caves and majestic waterfalls. All of which are Instagram-worthy!
You’ll then cruise across the Kaula Kahi Channel to the remote waters off Niihau. This area is known for excellent visibility and vibrant marine life. The day includes breakfast, lunch, and snorkeling gear.
If you’re looking for a rare Kauai experience that few ever get to enjoy, this is it!
👉 Book the Niihau and Na Pali Coast Full-Day Boat Tour
Best For: People who are looking for the ultimate sunset sailing experience, but don’t want to snorkel or go ashore.
If you imagine a VEN diagram with circles for romantic dinner, sailing and Na Pali Coast, and you pushed all three together, they would intersect at this sunset sailboat tour. It departs from Port Allen and offers breathtaking views of the coast bathed in golden light.
I could tell you about the delicious buffet dinner and soothing drinks, but it’s the views and the marine life that will absolutely blow you away on this cruise. They haven’t invented a camera yet that can capture them grandeur of what the Na Pali cliffs look like bathed in golden hour light. Not to mention the dolphins, and flying fish that zoom past the boat.
PRO TIP: Book early as this tour is in high demand and has limited availability. In the winter months from December to March there’s also a fair chance of spotting whales in the distance.
Best For: Groups that want to see a lot of the Na Pali Coast, with a mix of snorkeling and scenic views.
This deluxe Na Pali Coast tour is arguably the most comfortable way to experience the western coast of Kauai. It departs from Port Allen, and the powered catamaran’s engines let you see more of Na Pali’s rugged coastline than other types of craft.
On the one hand, there were moments where I felt like the Na Pali Coast was zipping by faster than my visual memory could absorb. On the other hand, it let us spend more time taking in hidden beaches, mysterious sea caves, and other geological gems.
The other thing that’s great about the power catamaran is that it gives you the opportunity to make more snorkeling stops or to stay on a great spot when the ocean gives you a unique underwater moment. I also appreciate that if there’s someone in your group who wants the scenery, but isn’t into snorkeling, they can enjoy a feast for their eyes on the comfortable deck of the boat.
👉 Book the Na Pali Coast Deluxe Power Catamaran Tour
Best For: Someone who wants an adventurous snorkeling experience.
For thrill-seekers, this Zodiac raft tour is an adrenaline-filled way to explore the Na Pali Coast sea caves, arches, and remote beaches. A Zodiac is an agile raft that makes it easy to get closer to many underwater structures and into narrow sea caves.
The tour also includes time for snorkeling in clear waters rich with marine life. There are times when the ride is bumpy, but not dangerous. The guides are masters of water, and I felt like they really got us in the best possible situations. I’m a big guy and I also appreciated their skill at helping me get back into the boat with dignity.
Best For: Someone who wants a comprehensive Kauai helicopter tour.
Going to Kauai and not taking a helicopter out of the Na Pali Coast and Mount Waialeale is like going to New York City and not seeing the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building.
What I like about this Kauai Sightseeing Helicopter Flight is that it leaves from the Lihue airport and covers all the major aerial hot spots. Including not only the Na Pali Coast but also Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and the Mount Waialeale crater.
👉 Book the Kauai Sightseeing Helicopter Flight
Final Thoughts on Exploring Kauai’s Na Pali Coast
Today the Na Pali Coast of Kauai is more accessible than ever before by land, sea, and air. Whether you choose to hike, sail, snorkel, or fly, there are tons of great opportunities.
If you want an easy snorkeling experience on the Na Pali Coast a power catamaran tour makes a lot of sense. There are also sailing and snorkel experiences out of Port Allen that are great for beginners.
If you’re a bit more adventurous, the Niihau and Na Pali Coast Full-Day Boat Tour gives you the chance to experience the vibrant waters of the Forbidden Isle. Whereas the Nā Pali Coast Zodiac Raft Sea Caves + Snorkel gives you a rare chance to experience the rugged coastline up close.
Of course, there’s also the obligatory helicopter tour of Kauai, which includes an extensive flyby of the Na Pali Coast. It lets you sit back and see all the great geographical wonders from the air, in the capable hands of an expert helicopter pilot.
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