Sight guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Visiting Nā Pali Coast
Roughly 27 km of fluted green cliffs, hanging valleys, sea caves and waterfalls run along the island's north-west shore with no road access.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Kauaʻi · Photo: The original uploader was Ulfl at German Wikipedia ., Public domain
Quick answer
Nā Pali Coast is a nature spot in North and West Shores, Kauaʻi. Allow half a day; it is expensive. Boat and helicopter tours fill up in peak seasons; book a week or more ahead.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- North and West Shores
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- nature, views and photo spot
- Best months
- February and April–May
Plan a trip to Kauaʻi
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Nā Pali Coast
Roughly 27 km of fluted green cliffs, hanging valleys, sea caves and waterfalls run along the island's north-west shore with no road access. Boat trips from the West Side follow the coast in calm summer seas, sometimes with spinner dolphins, while helicopter flights show the valleys from above.
Tip: Book a morning boat tour from Port Allen, when seas are usually calmer, and take seasickness tablets beforehand if you need them.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Expensive.
- Book ahead: Boat and helicopter tours fill up in peak seasons; book a week or more ahead.
- Where: North and West Shores.
Best time to visit Nā Pali Coast
Nā Pali Coast is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-February the sun sets at about 18:35 local time (calculated for Kauaʻi).
When to visit Kauaʻi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Kauaʻi itinerary visits Nā Pali Coast on day 1, together with Waimea Canyon State Park and Hanapēpē.
- No. 1 of the 17 sights in our Kauaʻi things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Kauaʻi.
If you like Nā Pali Coast
- Waimea Canyon State Park — Waimea and Hanapēpē, Half a day
- Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach — Hanalei, Half a day
- Kōkeʻe State Park and Kalalau Lookout — Kōkeʻe, 2–3 hours
- Hanalei Valley Lookout — Princeville, 15 minutes
Staying near Nā Pali Coast
Where to stay in Kauaʻi compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Nā Pali Coast?
Plan half a day.
+Is Nā Pali Coast free?
No, it is expensive. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Nā Pali Coast?
February and April–May for the most comfortable weather. Book a morning boat tour from Port Allen, when seas are usually calmer, and take seasickness tablets beforehand if you need them.
+Do I need to book Nā Pali Coast in advance?
Boat and helicopter tours fill up in peak seasons; book a week or more ahead.