Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into LIH, drive to Na Pali Coast
1 h 55 min drive45 milesReservations: high demand
Trip snapshot
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.
Your route
LIH
Lihue Airport
Na Pali Coast
About 1 h 55 min · 45 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to LIH
Compare fares into Lihue Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at LIH
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Na Pali Coast. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at LIH
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Na Pali Coast
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – September
Your route
Day 1 · North Shore Coastal Hiking
Kee Beach → Hanakapiai Beach
Day 2 · Na Pali from the Ocean
Na Pali Cliffs → Nualolo Kai
Day 3 · Canyon Overlooks and High Ridges
Kalalau Lookout → Puu O Kila Lookout
Viator
Tours & experiences near Na Pali Coast
Explore guided activities around Na Pali Coast. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Na Pali Coast
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional 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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Na Pali Coast?
Lihue Airport (LIH) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from LIH to Na Pali Coast?
Roughly 1 h 55 min (about 45 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Na Pali Coast?
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.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Na Pali Coast
