Nā Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail

Kauaʻi's north-west coast is a wall of jagged green cliffs up to 1,200 m high, plunging into the sea, with hanging valleys and waterfalls, and no roads. The Kalalau Trail, starting at Kēʻē Beach in Hāʻena State Park, follows the coast for 18 km; most people walk the first 3 km to Hanakāpīʻai Beach (don't swim: the currents are deadly), or continue 3 km inland to Hanakāpīʻai Falls.

Entry to Hāʻena State Park needs a reservation, made online up to 30 days ahead, for parking or the shuttle. Going beyond Hanakāpīʻai needs a camping permit. Boat tours, rafting and helicopter flights are the other ways to see the coast.