6 Fun Facts About The Na Pali Coast
Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. The sheer cliffs that rise hundreds of feet out of the crystal-clear waters below are truly awe-inspiring. There’s a reason it’s famous!
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this amazing natural wonder and share with you six fun facts about the Na Pali Coast that you may not have known.
The Na Pali Coast Is Only Accessible By Boat Or Hiking
As you may know, the Na Pali Coast is a rugged and remote coastline that stretches 17 miles along the northwest coast of Kauai. This coastline is only accessible by boat or hiking, and it is not recommended for inexperienced hikers or those without proper equipment. This inaccessibility is what makes the Na Pali Coast such a special and unique destination.
The hiking trail that leads to the Na Pali Coast is called the Kalalau Trail, and it is considered to be one of the most challenging hiking trails in Hawaii. The trail is 11 miles long (out-and-back) and can take a full day to complete, with an overnight camping option available (reservation/permits required) for those who want to take their time and explore the area more thoroughly. For those who choose to take a boat tour, the Na Pali Coast offers a stunning and unforgettable experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the coast up close and personal, with many boat tours offering snorkeling, dolphin watching, and even sunset dinner cruises.
The remoteness and inaccessibility of the Na Pali Coast have also helped to preserve its natural beauty and cultural significance. It is a place that has captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors from all over the world, and it is sure to continue to be a beloved destination for years to come.
The Na Pali Coast Has A Secret Beach Only Accessible By Swimming
There is one hidden gem that many visitors are unaware of – Honopu Beach. Honopu Beach is a secret beach located on the Na Pali Coast that is only accessible by swimming. This secluded and pristine beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves adventure, nature, and stunning scenery.
To reach Honopu Beach, visitors must swim from the nearest accessible beach. The swim is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers or those who are not in good physical shape. The currents and surf can be strong, and the beach is often subject to high waves and rough water. However, for those who are up for the challenge, the reward is well worth it.
Not only does Honopu Beach feel like such a hidden gem, but it also has a rich cultural history. It used to serve as a sacred burial site. This means those that visit must be extremely respectful of any artifacts and the natural environment. As a result of its historical and cultural importance, all access to the beach is prohibited unless you swim. Boats or vehicles of any kind can’t even go near the beach.
The Na Pali Coast Has Been Featured In Several Famous Movies
Over the years, the Na Pali Coast has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, and its stunning scenery has provided the perfect backdrop for some of Hollywood’s most iconic scenes.
One of the most famous movies filmed on the Na Pali Coast is Jurassic Park, which was released in 1993. The movie was filmed on location on Kauai, and many of the scenes were shot on the Na Pali Coast. The rugged terrain and dense foliage of the coast provided the perfect setting for the movie’s prehistoric world, and the iconic scene where the helicopter flies over the coastline has become one of the most recognizable shots in movie history.
In addition to Jurassic Park, the Na Pali Coast has also been featured in many other movies, including Avatar, Tropic Thunder, King Kong, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and many more. The coast’s unique terrain and atmosphere have been the source of inspiration for countless more films and shows.
The Na Pali Coast Was Once A Major Trading Hub
The Na Pali Coast’s location on the northwest side of Kauai made it an ideal trading hub, as it was a central point between the islands of Oahu and Ni’ihau. The ancient Hawaiians who lived in the area would travel by canoe to trade items such as salt, fish, taro, and other resources with neighboring communities.
One of the most notable features of the Na Pali Coast as a trading hub was the presence of numerous heiaus, or ancient Hawaiian temples. These heiaus were used for a variety of purposes, including as places of worship, centers of education, and even as storehouses for goods and resources. Trading was also done using hiking trails that rise up to 4,000 feet at some points. As a result, you can find plenty of traces of this old trade activity along certain rock walls and protected locations throughout the coast.
The Na Pali Coast Is Home To Hawaii’s Most Dangerous Hiking Trail
The Kalalau Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in Hawaii and is located along the Na Pali Coast. The trail, which is only accessible on foot, is known for its challenging terrain and stunning scenery. However, it is also known for being one of the most dangerous hiking trails in Hawaii and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
The trail spans 11 miles (22 miles total) and takes hikers through lush valleys, towering cliffs, and along narrow ridges with steep drop-offs. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning views of the coastline, waterfalls, and lush forests. Despite its beauty, the Kalalau Trail is not for the faint of heart. Hikers must navigate steep inclines, narrow trails, and slippery rocks, all while battling Hawaii’s hot and humid weather.
Flash floods and landslides can occur suddenly, making the trail even more dangerous.
In recent years, the trail has become even more challenging due to overcrowding and irresponsible behavior by some hikers. Visitors are urged to respect the trail and its surroundings and to take proper safety precautions when hiking. Hikers are also required to obtain a permit before embarking on the trail, and park rangers often perform safety checks to ensure that hikers are prepared for the journey.
Despite the dangers, the Kalalau Trail remains a popular destination for experienced hikers looking for a unique and challenging adventure. The trail’s stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain make it a one-of-a-kind hiking experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Na Pali Coast Has A Huge Variety Of Marine And Land Animals
The Na Pali Coast is home to an incredibly diverse range of marine and land animals. Visitors to the coast can often spot a variety of creatures, both on land and in the water.
One of the most iconic animals of the Na Pali Coast is the Hawaiian green sea turtle, also known as the honu. These turtles can often be spotted swimming in crystal-clear waters along the coast or basking on the beaches. Visitors are urged to keep a safe distance from the turtles and to avoid touching or disturbing them.
In addition to sea turtles, visitors to the Na Pali Coast can often spot pods of spinner dolphins swimming in the waters offshore. These playful dolphins are known for their acrobatic leaps and spins and can often be seen jumping out of the water or riding the waves alongside boats.
The Na Pali Coast is also home to a variety of bird species, including the endangered Hawaiian goose, or nene. These birds are found only in Hawaii and are known for their distinctive honking call. Visitors to the coast can also spot a variety of seabirds, such as the red-footed booby and the wedge-tailed shearwater. On land, visitors to the Na Pali Coast may encounter a variety of animals, including feral goats and pigs, as well as a variety of insects and spiders!
Explore The Famous Na Pali Coast!
The Na Pali Coast is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kauai. Whether you choose to hike the trails, take a boat tour, or simply enjoy the view from a distance, the Na Pali Coast is sure to leave a lasting impression. We hope these six fun facts have inspired you to visit this amazing natural wonder and experience it for yourself.
Enjoy The Na Pali Coast With Kauai Sea Tours!
Our Na Pali Coast boat tours will take you on a journey to explore the stunning natural beauty of the coast, from the towering sea cliffs to the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. With a variety of tour options, including snorkeling and sunset cruises, there’s something for everyone. Book your adventure with Kauai Sea Tours today and experience the magic of the Na Pali Coast for yourself.