What Places in Hawaii Are Only Accessible by Boat?
If you’re searching for a place in Hawaii that’s only accessible by boat, you must explore the Na Pali Coast. This piece of rugged Kauai coastline is one of the most breathtaking natural beauties in all of Hawaii. Imagine 3,000 ft. cliffs that seemingly touch the sky and have eroded to make hidden beaches and vaulted valleys.
While you can traverse some parts of this gorgeous coastline on foot through the dangerous and exhausting twenty-two-mile Kalalau Trail, there are some places that you can only access by boat.
Learn more about Kauai and the Na Pali Coast’s hidden wonders below!
Island of Kauai
The Na Pali Coast is located on the northwest shores of Kauai. The island of Kauai is the fourth largest and oldest of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known as ‘The Garden Isle’. This island offers a secluded coastline with lush vegetation and verdant rainforests. You’ll also find majestic valleys, stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and breathtakingly beautiful beaches.
Miloli’i Beach
Miloli’i Beach in Kauai is a beautiful white sand beach next to a long barrier reef. It is one of only two legal kayak landing spots along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. With striking blue waves crashing against the fine white sands, Miloli’i is surrounded by dramatic, towering sea cliffs. Without a doubt, it is one of the most stunning places you’ll ever see.
Miloli’i is accessible by kayak only in the summers when the ocean is calmer. To visit Miloli’i, you must pass through a small channel in the reef to land. This remote beach is a quiet, favorite location for kayakers and campers.
Even though its location is remote, Milolii is no stranger to wildlife. It’s common to find sea turtles and monk seals in the water as well as on the beach. You may even catch a glimpse of young seal pups. These adorable pups come to play and relax in the shallow pools inside the reef and are fun to watch.
Milolii beach is also visible when traveling through various Na Pali boat cruises. Some cruises even offer rafting trips that venture closer to the beach. The beach is an excellent area for snorkeling since a natural reef protects it.
Sea Caves
Across the Na Pali Coast’s dramatic cliffs, you’ll also find beautiful, otherworldly Hawaiian sea caves. While trying to find these sea caves would be dangerous on foot, you can fully explore these by raft tours or boat tours.
Queen’s Bath:
Queen’s Bath is an open-ceiling sea cave. The Queen’s Bath was originally a lava-tube that eroded and became hollowed out. Once inside the Queen’s Bath, you can look up and see the beautiful tropical sky.
Waiahuakua Sea Cave
Waiahuakua Sea Cave is also known as the Double Door Cave. Accessible by small boats and rafts, you can travel into this cave from one entry, pass a beautiful waterfall, and exit the other side. This sea cave is the largest on the Na Pali Coast and one of the longest in the United States.
Na Pali Sea Arch
Visit a gorgeous sea arch off of the Na Pali Coast. You can take a boat up close to see the arch, or take a raft and float underneath it.
Whale Watching in Kauai
During winters, you can see Humpback whales around the island. For an unforgettable experience, the best way to watch these whales is via sea or boat tours, providing the advantage of going into the ocean. While you can see whales from a few different locations on the north shore, seeing the whales up close is something you can only do via boat. You can watch them in their natural environment and watch them breach the water and experience the wonder of these magnificent creatures.
Book Your Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventure
Plan an excursion in Hawaii that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With Kauai Sea Tours, you can visit places that are impossible to reach by land and make one-of-a-kind memories. From whale watching to visiting remote islands and finding sea caves, Kauai Sea Tours is here to help!
Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning tours since 1991. Over the years, we’ve earned ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. Our fun team is passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise and we’re excited to explore Kauai with you.