- Read our review guidelines
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the untamed splendor of Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast.
Discover hidden coves, towering cliffs, and vibrant marine life as you set off on this unforgettable adventure along one of the world’s most stunning coastlines.
It can be a bucket-list experience to kayak Na Pali Coast.
Our guide unlocks the secrets to a perfect kayaking experience, from navigating the crystalline waters to discovering the unforgettable vistas that await along this breathtaking stretch of coastline.
Why Kayak The Na Pali Coast?
The Na Pali Coast of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful coasts in the world. It features towering cliffs, narrow valleys, rugged sea caves, cascading waterfalls, and secluded beaches.
This scenic and historic coastline is also featured in the Jurassic Park movies.
The best way to experience this mystical coast is by kayak. The only other option you have for exploring this wild coast is on foot. From a kayak, you get to see the pali, or sea cliffs, from an entirely different perspective and you can access sea caves and secluded beaches that are not accessible to hikers.
The kayaking trip along this coast is roughly 17 miles long and takes an entire day to complete. However, you can break up your journey and extend your trip by camping at one of two locations along the way.
Kayaking Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is not easy. You will experience ocean conditions, with strong currents and high surf. There are also limited places to stop along the route: only two designated landing beaches.
To kayak this coast, you should have an excellent level of physical fitness. You should also be a strong swimmer and have some experience of kayaking.
I don’t recommend kayaking this coast of Hawaii if you’re a beginner, as this trip is a challenging paddle that’s best suited to advanced paddlers with sea kayaking experience. It also often requires several hours of kayaking without a break.
It’s worth mentioning that there is no cell service on the remote Na Pali Coast.
What To See When Kayaking The Na Pali Coast
Wildlife
As well as the stunning scenery, one of the main draws for people to kayak along this spectacular coast on the west side of the island of Kauai, is the abundance of marine life.
When kayaking along this coast, you are likely to see sea turtles as they bob their heads out of the water or swim along near your kayak.
Dolphins are also common sights along the Na Pali Coast, often jumping and playing around in the waves.
If you’re lucky, you may see the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, one of the rarest seals in the world.
If you plan to combine your kayaking trip with snorkeling, you’ll also have the chance to spot colorful reef species, such as butterflyfish and parrotfish.
Sea Caves, Secluded Beaches, And Coastal Waterfalls
Video: Kayaking The Na Pali Coast
There are lots of sea caves along this stretch of coast, some of which you can paddle into. There are also several sea arches, carved out by the power of the ocean and volcanoes.
One of the famous caves is the Waiahuakua Cave, the second-longest sea cave in the US. You can paddle through this large cave and witness the Waiahuakua Falls, the waterfall that flows into the cave through a hole in the ceiling.
You can also explore an open-ceiling cave near Honopu Beach.
Honopu Beach is one of the secluded beaches you’ll come across as you kayak around this rugged coast. Waterfalls can be seen cascading into the ocean from the cliffs and around the caves.
Access to the beaches is not permitted. The only two accessible beaches for kayakers are Miloli’i and Kalalau.
Best Places To Kayak On Na Pali Coast
Ha’ena Beach
Ha’ena Beach is one of the most popular launch spots for kayak tours on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast. This scenic beach is located on the north coast of Kauai and is a great starting point for the 17-mile sea kayaking trip along the Na Pali Coast.
Starting at Ha’ena Beach means you can paddle along the rugged coastline in a southwesterly direction so that you’re paddling with the current. This can be an easier route than paddling against the current heading north from Polihale Beach.
Because this beach is in Ha’ena State Park, you need to have Ha’ena State Park reservations to access the beach.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/II – difficulty depends on the ocean conditions. Easy conditions if calm but can be difficult with strong surf and currents.
Where to launch & How to get there:
Ha’ena Beach, HI-560, Kapa’a, HI 96746