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Nu’alolo Kai State Park: One of Kauai’s Gems

a large waterfall over a body of water

If you’re looking for a breathtaking place to visit on Kauai, look no further than Nu’alolo Kai State Park. This park is located in the heart of the island and offers stunning views of the mountains and coastline. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Nu’alolo Kai State Park Overview

Nestled into Kauai’s dramatic Na Pali Coast, this beautiful garden is separated by cascading waterfalls and cliffs near Nu’alolo Aina.

Today, this beautiful hideaway on the Na Pali Coast is highly sought after due to its unique location and historic significance. Geographically, Nu’alolo Kai resembles a narrow pit that sits between two towering cliffs with the sea at its base. The tapered sea cliff’s base is shaped like a semi-circle, with its ends grazing the ocean on either side.

A shallow reef surrounds the beach, protecting it from violent waves crashing onshore. This reef is a huge feeding ground for turtles that eat the seaweed coming off the reef. Hawaiian Monk Seals often visit the area and are frequently seen resting on shore.

Nu’alolo Kai is one of the most archaeologically researched sites in Hawaii, and it still has many intriguing findings. According to Carbon Dating studies, this small fishing village was home to an ancient Hawaiian civilization that thrived on the island from 600 A.D.

3 Reasons You Should To Nu’alolo Kai

Kauai is undeniably one of the most beautiful places on earth, but much of the island’s stunning coastline, breathtaking sights, and thriving wildlife are inaccessible to the standard tourist. When you book the right Kauai boat tours, however, you can visit unforgettable places that few people get to see in person. On Kauai Sea Tours’ Na Pali Beach Landing Raft Adventure, guests land at Nu‘alolo Kai, an ancient Hawaiian fishing village that requires a special state permit for access. Here are just three reasons to book this one-of-a-kind excursion on your next vacation.

Nu’alolo Kai Adventures for Everyone

The Kauai Sea Tours’ Na Pali Beach Landing Raft Adventure offers the opportunity to hike, snorkel, and picnic along the island’s rugged and undisturbed coastline. En route to the remote beach landing, you might come across dolphins and turtles. Even those who prefer reading and history to hiking and wildlife will spend the day wide-eyed and marveling because Nu’alolo Kai is an archaeological site, and the excursion includes a guided cultural hike.

All-Inclusive Experience

If Snorkeling is a must—as it should be for anyone visiting Kauai—but your family plans the trip without any help, it’s going to be a considerable amount of work. After researching the best snorkeling spots on Kauai, you will have to purchase or reserve gear, and even rent a water vessel if you want to see the reefs farther out. A sea tour, on the other hand, is all-inclusive with gear and instruction. All you have to do is show up.

Memorable Nu’alolo Kai Experience

The only way to access Nu‘alolo Kai is by boat in addition to securing a permit. Kauai Sea Tours is one of the few tourist attractions that has both. Seeing the Na Pali Coast by air or sea is breathtaking, but only a small percentage of people ever get to explore it on foot.

The History of Nu’alolo Kai State Park

The people of Nu’alolo Kai, like other early Na Pali residents, survived by fishing and growing taro on the fertile valley’s banks. The steep cliffs of Nu’alolo offered
protection to those who lived here because they were located behind a large basin.

Although it is now barren, you can still see ancient taro plots on the hillside at Nu’alolo. If some of the stone outcroppings look a bit off to you, that is because they are actually old terraces where taro and other plants would be cultivated.

Because of its steep terrain, the ancient Nu’alolo people were ingenious in turning the difficult ground into a productive agricultural region. The remains of these terraces, canoe homes, and Heiaus (venerated locations) are evidence that the Nu’alolo Kai inhabitants led a hardworking, simple, and spiritual existence.

The last of Nu’alolo Kai’s people departed the island sometime in the 20th century, leaving behind a variety of cultural and archaeological riches to be discovered as a result of external influences and the introduction of western sickness. The lovely village is now visited by caretakers and volunteer groups who are attempting to recapture its former grandeur.

Nu’alolo Kai State Park: Getting There, Snorkeling, & More

For those who are unfamiliar, Nu’alolo Kai is a hidden beach that is only accessible by boat. However, that snorkeling is well worth the adventure considering how great the coral reef is.

If you’re looking to learn more you can read our complete guide to snorkeling at Nu’alolo Kai Beach.

Book a Nu’alolo Kai Beach Landing with Kauai Sea Tours!

Kauai Sea Tours offers the opportunity to explore one of the most breathtaking locations on the planet – the Na Pali Coasts Nu’alolo Kai State Park. This magical spot is home to majestic cliffs, pristine beaches, and an abundance of Kauaian wildlife. And, with Kauai Sea Tours, you can experience it all! We offer a variety of tours that will allow you to explore the Na Pali Coast in whatever way you desire. Whether you want to take a leisurely boat tour along the coast or go on an adventurous hike, we have a tour that’s perfect for you. So don’t wait -book your trip today!

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