Stunning Seacoast Is Among World’s Natural Wonders
The top Kauai vacation destination, the Na Pali Coast is a remote wilderness area with stunning scenery. Since there is no road along the Na Pali Coast, a boat tour is a wonderful way to see this remote area.
The Na Pali spans for more than 15 miles along Kauai’s western shore with steep sea cliffs, high mountain ridges lined with waterfalls, and deep mountain valleys.
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You can depart for a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast from Hanalei bay on the north shore, though most boats leave from the bigger harbors on the south and west sides–Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue, Port Allen near Hanapepe, and Kikiaola Harbor in Waimea. These harbors also offer more choices including larger, more comfortable boats, though the journey may be a bit longer.
Vessels providing Na Pali tours include three-hulled trimarans, power sailing catamarans, large power boats, and also small, rigid-hull inflatable rafts that provide a more adventurous journey.
Sunset dinner cruises are spectacular along the Na Pali as you can enjoy the tinted sky on one side of you and then turn and see the steep ramparts, spires, and sea cliffs of the Na Pali on the other side.
If you decide to make the journey in a rigid-hulled inflatable rubber rafts not only will you feel the sensations of riding the ocean swells, you may also be able to get up close and personal with sea caves along the coast including the famous Open Ceiling Cave and the huge Double Door Cave which is also called the Waiahuakua Sea Cave.
Larger vessels allow you to ride in luxury including bathrooms, showers, trampolines for sunbathing, and a submerged platform that allows you to easily get in and out of the boat when you stop to go snorkeling on a Na Pali coral reef. Some vessels also have observation platforms as well as water slides that are loved by kids.
When the surf is calm in the summer, some boats stop at the picturesque Nualalo Valley where guided historical hike is offered along with a chance to go snorkeling and enjoy the sights. No matter what tour you choose, the Na Pali Coast is a must-see destination of the Hawaiian Islands and the highlight of any Hawaiian vacation.