The N? Pali Coast State Park is a 6,175 acres (2,499 ha) Hawaiian state park located in the center of the rugged 16 miles (26 km) along the northwest side of Kaua?i, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The N? Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Ke?e Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The na 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.
To the east of the state park is the Hono O N? Pali State Natural Reserve. It was established in 1983, and then extended to over 3,578 acres (14.5 km2) in 2009. Hiking trails and hunters roads have access to the sharp ridges from Koke'e Road (route 550) in Waimea Canyon.
Video N? Pali Coast State Park
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 56 (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. Side trails along the way lead to waterfalls in the valleys above.
Maps N? Pali Coast State Park
History
The first settlers on the N? 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 N? Pali Coast where N? Pali Coast State Park now exists began to die off from Western diseases. The last known native Hawaiians to live along the N? Pali Coast were sighted in the 20th century.
Camping
Camping in N? 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.
See also
- Natural Area Reserves System Hawaii
- Hanakapiai Beach
- Hanakapiai Falls
- Hanakoa Valley
References
External links
- N? Pali Coast ?Ohana
- N? Pali Hiking Tips
- N? Pali Coast Beach
- N? Pali Coast Hike - Kalalau
- N? Pali Coast Hike - Hanakapia?ai
- Overview of N? Pali Coast. Pictures + Map
- Napali Guide
- Koke'e & Na Pali Coast Recreation Map for smartphones - GPS enabled map of Koke'e and NaPali coast trails
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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