Na Pali Coast
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Na Pali Coast

Fluted sea cliffs and lush valleys meet the Pacific along Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast.

Arrival airport
LIH
Airport drive
1 h 55 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–4 days
Reservation demand
High · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
A standard vehicle is fine for paved roads, but check rental contracts for restrictions on Kokee dirt roads; RVs are not recommended for the narrow, winding Highway 560.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Na Pali Coast

Know before you go

Haena and Kokee Lots

Haena parking is strictly limited to permit holders and fills daily; use the official shuttle from Hanalei or Princeville. Kokee State Park lots are larger but can be muddy and crowded during peak summer weekends.

Remote Communication

Cell service is non-existent on the Kalalau Trail and very spotty in the Kokee highlands. Download all offline maps and reservation QR codes before leaving Hanalei or Waimea.

Gateway Fueling

Hanalei and Waimea are the final locations for fuel before heading toward the coast or the canyon. There are no gas stations within the State Parks; check levels before the ascent.

Ocean Conditions

May through September typically offers calmer seas for boat tours and kayaking. Winter months bring massive North Shore surf that makes water access dangerous and often leads to trip cancellations.

Stream Crossings

The Kalalau Trail involves crossing Hanakapiai Stream; flash flooding can make this impassable instantly. Never cross a rising stream and check the weather forecast for the upper mountains, not just the beach.

2RVs, campervans & cars near LIH

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Air Transat (3647835069) (2).jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to LIH

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at LIH
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at LIH

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at LIH
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at LIH
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at LIH

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at LIH
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Na Pali Coast

  1. 01

    North Shore Coastal Hiking

    Suggested: 7 AM from Hanalei via Shuttle

    • Kee Beach

      Begin at the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail, observing the dramatic start of the coastal cliffs.

    • Hanakapiai Beach

      Hike the first two miles to see the valley outlet; stay clear of the water due to extreme currents.

    Allow 45-60 minutes for shuttle transit; road conditions vary near Hanalei.

    Entry requires pre-paid reservations; do not attempt to drive to the trailhead without a parking permit.

    Pick up your vehicle at LIH →
  2. 02

    Na Pali from the Ocean

    Suggested: 8 AM from Port Allen Harbor

    • Na Pali Cliffs

      View the 4,000-foot cathedrals and hanging waterfalls from a licensed boat tour.

    • Nualolo Kai

      A historic reef area visible from the water; some tours offer snorkeling depending on sea conditions.

    Allow 1 hour from South Shore bases; Port Allen is the primary departure point.

    Winter swells often cancel North Shore departures; South Shore trips are more consistent year-round.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Canyon Overlooks and High Ridges

    Suggested: 9 AM from Waimea

    • Kalalau Lookout

      View the famous emerald valley from 4,000 feet up in Kokee State Park without a strenuous hike.

    • Puu O Kila Lookout

      The end of the road offers expansive views of the Alakai Swamp and the coast below.

    Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the winding climb from Waimea; conditions vary with rain.

    Clouds often roll in by mid-day; early morning visits offer the best chance for clear valley views.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · High demand

Haena State Park Reservations and Kalalau Permits

Access to the Na Pali Coast via Haena State Park requires advanced reservations for parking or the North Shore Shuttle, typically opening 30 days out. These are distinct from Kalalau Trail wilderness camping permits, which are mandatory for hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Changing systems require checking the official Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources portal.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

LIHNa Pali Coast

Lihue Airport · 1 h 55 min drive

Find flights to LIH

Plan your road trip

From Lihue Airport

1 h 55 min

about 45 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Na Pali Coast on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Na Pali Coast on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Na Pali Coast

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Na Pali Coast

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Na Pali Coast

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Na Pali Coast

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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