Introduction
The Napali Coast in Kauai Hawaii is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has everything that is the epitome of Hawaii – emerald hued cliffs, mountain peaks, dramatic sea caves and valleys. It is a true Hawaiian paradise.
The Pali (cliffs) are rugged mountains ending abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls flow down these cliffs continuing to carve them into vertical peaks.
History
The rugged terrain is much like it was centuries ago.
At one time Ancient Hawaiians once resided in the valleys of these cliffs. Since these valleys were only accessible by boat or strenuous foot trails, the people here were well protected for years. Driven out by disease brought by westerners and missionaries and strict requirements, the Hawaiian culture changed and the valleys are no longer occupied.
How to view Napali Cliffs
There are three main ways to see the Napali Cliffs – by boat, by air and hiking by foot.
The hike is a 22 mile round trip hike and requires you to get a permit. The permit needs be accessed in advance and is often hard to get. While not the longest or toughest hike, you have some dangers in crossing streams that are prone to flash floods and cliffs. The hike is for experienced hikers.
There are several places you can take a helicopter to see the napali cliffs. This is a recent link to some of the best helicopter tours.
Views from a boat
We opted to see the cliffs by boat. Seeing the cliffs by boat provides a perspective that allows you to see how majestic and large the cliffs are.
There is one way to see the Napali Cliffs by car. On Waimea Canyon road, the last lookout is Pu’u O Kill Lookout. From here, you can see a view of Kalalau Valley and a portion of the Napali Cliffs. It is the not same as seeing it from a boat, but gives you some perspective.
Kauai is a lush green island and has a little bit of everything you envision when you think of Hawaii. It also has some of the most dramatic landscapes I have ever seen and truly the Napali Coast in Kauai Hawaii is one of my wonders of the world. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the epitome of Hawaii.
Debbi Marquette Photography is located in Upstate New York at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Debbi is a travel, landscape and bald eagle photographer specializing in artistic, authentic, and memorable landscape and wildlife photography. She travels frequently, lives near the mountains and constantly has a camera in her hand to capture photographs so others can see the beauty of our world.
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