Nā Pali Coast State Park

Nā Pali Coast State Park is a 6,175-acre (2,499 ha) state park in the U.S. state of Hawaii, located in the center of the rugged 16-mile (26 km) northwest side of Kauaʻi, the second-oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest from Keʻe Beach all the way to Polihale State Park. The nā pali (high cliffs) along the shoreline rise as much as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the Pacific Ocean. The state park was formed to protect the Kalalau Valley.

Nā Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali overlook of the Kalalau Valley
Map showing the location of Nā Pali Coast State Park
Map showing the location of Nā Pali Coast State Park
Map showing the location of Nā Pali Coast State Park
Map showing the location of Nā Pali Coast State Park
LocationKauaʻi, United States
Coordinates22°10′32″N 159°38′37″W
Area6,175 acres (24.99 km2)
Governing bodyHawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Along the Kalalau Trail
Honopū Valley, aerial view
Nā Pali Coast view from a boat

To the east of the state park is the Hono O Nā Pali State Natural Reserve. It was established in 1983 and later extended to over 3,578 acres (14.5 km2) in 2009.[1] Hiking trails and hunters' roads provide access to the sharp ridges from Koke'e Road (route 550) in Waimea Canyon.

Accessibility

Although inaccessible to vehicles, this coast can be enjoyed over land by hiking or in a helicopter, and from the ocean by kayak and paddleboard. Charter tours are available on rigid-hulled inflatable boat or catamaran, originating from Port Allen and Hanalei Bay. The Kalalau Trail from the end of Hawaii Route 560 (called the Kuhio Highway) provides the only land access along the coast, traversing 11 miles (18 km) and crossing five major valleys (and many smaller ones) before reaching Kalalau Beach at the base of Kalalau Valley.[2] Side trails along the way lead to waterfalls in the valleys above.

History

The first settlers on the Nā Pali Coast were Polynesian navigators around 1200 AD. Soon after, many Tahitian migrants followed, shaping the culture of Kauai and other Hawaiian islands today. The coast was a center for trade between Hanalei, Waimea and Ni`ihau, and branched out to nearby island colonies. After Kauai was visited by Captain Cook in 1778, many Westerners began traveling to the island. As more foreigners arrived, the Hawaiian tribes along the Nā Pali Coast, where Nā Pali Coast State Park now exists, began to die off from Western diseases. The last known native Hawaiians to live along the Nā Pali Coast were sighted in the 20th century.[3]

Camping

Camping in Nā Pali Coast State Park is only allowed with a valid permit. There are three sites that allow camping access. During the summer season from May 15 to September 7, access from the ocean via boat or kayak is only allowed with a valid camping permit. Along the Kalalau Trail, the two authorized spots for camping are in Kalalau and Hanakoa . Both are covered by the same permit and can be accessed by hiking. These locations include facilities to accommodate campers. Five nights is the maximum stay on the Kalalau Trail, and one night maximum for Hanakoa. The camp site at Miloli'i is only accessible by boat or kayak. Permits allow access for maximum of three days. Composting toilets are available at all three camp sites.[4]

A view of the Nā Pali Coast from the ocean
Nā Pali Coast view

See also

References
  1. "Hono O Na Pali". official web site. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Retrieved April 13, 2010.
  2. "Nā Pali Coast Wilderness Park". Hawaiʻi State Park web site. Retrieved April 13, 2010.
  3. "Nā Pali Coast State Park (History)". Napali. Capt. Andy’s Sailing Adventures. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  4. "Nā Pali Coast State Park (Camping)". Hawaii State Parks. Hawaii Information Consortium, LLC. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
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