The Napali Coast
Kauai - Hawaii
...a short remark in advance...
As already mentioned on the overview pages, we visited the Hawaiian Islands in 2000. At the time these pages are created (February 2020), our visit will be almost 20 years ago. Although we have fond memories of our three weeks on the islands, all of our assessments are based on 20-year-old memories. Even though the locations we describe here still exist, the circumstances have certainly changed. We ask you to keep this in mind. All opening hours and entrance fees are as of February 2020.
Kalalau Lookout
Description: Kalalau Lookout is located at the end of Highway 550 at the north end of Waimea Canyon. It offers a great view into the Kalalau Valley. The only access to the valley is via the Kalalau Trail and by boat from the water. To get to the trailhead of the Kalalau Trail from here, you have to drive once around the island. There is no direct access from here.
However, there is a hiking trail where you can hike more or less on top of the cliffs towards the north. The trail is not easy to hike, but certainly offers more great views. We didn't hike the trail due to lack of time, so we can't really say anything about it.
Our rating: Even though there were always clouds in sight during our visit, the view here is truly breathtaking. The colors and the vastness are simply indescribably beautiful. This viewpoint should not be missed.
Kalalau Trail
Description: The Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast is THE Trail at Kauai. Thousands of people want to hike here every day. For this reason, you need a permit to visit. Ha`ena SP, where the trailhead is located, has a limit of 900 visitors per day. Basically there are two options and accordingly two different permits. The day use Permit authorizes the visitor to hike the first 2mi of the trail with a detour to Hanakapi`ai Waterfall and back. If you want to hike the entire 11mi trail to Kalalau Valley, you need a Backcountry Permit. Permits can be obtained from 30 days before the desired date and it is recommended to get them as soon as possible. Everything you need to know about getting a permit can be found at here.
Our rating: When we visited in August 2000, we did not need a permit, but parking was already very limited and we remember that we had to search for a while to find a free space.
We hiked the first two miles of the trail. The hike was definitely very impressive. Not only the great coast was great, also the trail was partly a challenge. On the way it started raining like 10 times and consequently the trail was muddy at times. But still it was super fun to hike along the Napali Coast here at the cliffs. If you have the opportunity and get a permit, you should not miss it.
Along the Napali Coast
Description: One of the things we were most looking forward to beforehand was a boat trip along the Napali coast. Unfortunately, our records are missing the name of the provider with which we made the tour. However, it was a relatively small boat with about 30-40 people on board. We were on the road from 9am to about 3pm. The price included a meal, all drinks and a snorkel stop.
Our rating: Our boat trip along the NaPali coast was a real experience. It was great to drive along the rugged, green overgrown rocks. We had booked the morning tour. This had the advantage that the water was still very calm in the morning and at least the outward journey went without much swinging. The downside was the fact that we had almost the whole time strong backlight and so could hardly make decent photos.
Our highlight was the one-hour snorkeling stop where we could swim with turtles and colorful tropical fish. The experience will never be forgotten.
