Cruise the Na Pali Coast

The majestic Na Pali Coast is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the Pacific. Isolated from civilization, this 6,175-acre state park is inaccessible to vehicular traffic. Hiking and camping are permitted, or take the long view from a helicopter or by water in a tour boat, kayak or raft.

Slicing through the swells along this 15-mile stretch of rugged coastline on Kauai's northwest shore will provide an awesome view of the 4,000-foot, cathedral-like pali (cliffs) that rise abruptly out of the Pacific breaking occasionally to reveal wide stretches of golden sand, deep, jungle valleys and mysterious sea caves.

In the early days, seafaring Hawaiians used canoes to travel around Kauai and Ni'ihau. Regular traffic in trade was common between the people of Ni'ihau and the many who made their homes in the Na Pali valleys.

In the early 1900s, when the last Hawaiian settlers to reside on the Na Pali Coast departed, local trade fell off giving rise in the mid 1900s to the tourist trade and the commercial cruise boats that now navigate the scenic coast.

Hanakapiai and Kalalau beaches are well-known Na Pali Coast destinations. National Geographic Traveler has called Kalalau Beach one of America's Top 40 beaches. Honopu, with its famous arch, Nu'alolo Kai and Miloli'i, with their fringing reefs, are also well storied.

Nu'alolo Kai, an ancient fishing village where structural remains are still in evidence, is a popular snorkeling destination. Its reef extends some 600 feet from the shore and teems with sea life. A handful of tour boat operators land at the valley for snorkeling and archaeological tours.

Honopu Valley, distinguished by its 90-foot arch, the largest natural arch in Hawaii, is sometimes called the Valley of the Lost Tribe because of the mystery surrounding the exodus of the people who lived there until the mid-19th century. In 1922, visiting archaeologists found several skulls thought to be primitive, pre-Hawaiian people. Later studies of the valley and its artifacts have determined all of its residents were clearly Hawaiian, but the legend, so much more interesting than the truth, endures.

Despite its remote location, filmmakers have used the valley for scenes in movies like the 1976 film, "King Kong," and the 1998 flick, "Six Days Seven Nights." But most people will have to hike or swim from a boat to get to get there.

During the winter, when humpback whales frequent Kauai waters, expect to see these playful 40-ton creatures putting on a show along with dolphins, sea turtles and other sea creatures.

Your choice of tours will depend on your itinerary and how adventurous you feel (there's less chop in the summer). Most boat companies launch from west side harbors, though several small companies depart from the North Shore. Some cruise to Ni'ihau, most stop for snorkeling and/or scuba diving.

A boat cruise along the Na Pali Coast is an ocean trek that never grows old. Even locals, who have cruised the coast many times, come home pumped up and ready to go again.

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