One of the top Kauai attractions is the Na Pali State Wilderness Park
(popularly known as the "Napali Coast") with its famous Kalalau Trail. Here on the Garden Isle of Hawaii, you will find steep, verdant cliffs, waterfalls everywhere, pristine secret beaches, and an amazing coastline of sea caves and arches. Na Pali, pronounced "nuh pahlee" means "the cliffs."
Napali Coast Cruises
Na Pali boat tours, with the exceptions of kayaks, are offered year round. Kayaking off the Napali Coast is only allowed in the summer because at this time the ocean is usually calm enough for a safe kayak tour. Motorized rafts actually land at one of the beaches, and if the sea is calm enough also take you into a sea cave. .
If you want to see whales, take one of the Na Pali cruises in Hawaii's winter: December through April when the humpbacks stay in Hawaii's waters to mate, play and give birth before migrating to their feeding grounds in Alaska.
A sunset sailboat cruise along the Na Pali is a must for romantics because sunsets are gorgeous here.at the "Bali Hai' of South PacificYou can also take combination Na Pali cruises to include activities such as snorkeling and cocktails and dinner.
When I went out on a Zodiac raft off the Napali Coast, a whale breeched so close to us that we could actually see the individual barnacles that clung to it. Very exciting, considering these gentle giants are as big as buses! And looking up at the sculpted cliffs that tower over 1,000 feet upwards from the sea was a view never forgotten.
Kalalau Trail – Hiking the Na Pali Coast
Hiking the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali will bring you to waterfalls, streams and secluded, sandy coves. You'll also have scenic outlooks from hundreds of feet up above the ocean. The first 2 miles make for a good family hike... Learn more and view Kalalau Trail videos.
Kauai Helicopter Tours
If you're unable to hike or go out on a boat, you might consider one of the many Kauai helicopter tours.
Keep in mind while rates vary widely, some have better safety records than others. Blue Hawaiian would be my pick. They have several awards, including for safety and National Geographic recommends Blue Hawaiian, which offers its Eco-Star, an eco-friendly, ultra quiet chopper.
The Kauai helicopter tours over the Napali Coast do have the advantage of dipping into otherwise inaccessible steep canyons for close up views of the amazingly plentiful waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet.
An airplane tour is more budget friendly, but you won't get the views you can from a helicopter or boat. Although you can see the rest of the island from the air, which is kinda neat. I took an airplane tour and along with the Na Pali, Waimea Canyon was awesome.
To learn how to have an incredible eco vacation in Kauai on a shoestring (that includes exploring the Napali Coast)...and to get a free Kauai ebook (before Christmas), go to: Hawaii Eco & Budget Vacation.
To learn about more Kauai attractions and activities, go to Kauai.
