Northwest Coast of Kauai

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Historians believe this rugged yet beautiful coastline was the first area of Kauai to be settled by the ancient Hawaiians. As inhospitable as these cliffs appear, they provided the settlers with all the basics of life: freshwater from the mountain streams, native vegetation and fertile ground in the valleys, and unparalleled fishing in the vast ocean. These sea cliffs begin at Ke'e Beach and continue around the north and west portion of Kauai, ending at Polihale Beach. They extend upwards of 1000 feet and made up of a series of "hanging" and traditional valleys and cliffs. A "hanging" valley is one that ends abruptly at a sea cliff rather than gently stretching out into the ocean. They are formed when the ocean's waves cut away at the lava rock quicker than the interior streams can scour out the valley floor. Many movies,such as The Thorn Birds and portions of South Pacific, have been filmed along this coast using the dramatic background of these steep cliffs. Numerous sea caves, small beaches and high waterfalls add to the beauty and uniqueness of the landscape.

Directions:

Highway 560 from the north and Highway 50 from the south bring you to beginning and end of the coast. Highway 55 and 550 travel near the top of Na Pali with great lookouts down on the cliffs and valleys.

Useful Information:

Accessible by foot via numerous hiking trails, such as the Kalalau Trail, when the weather permits - state permits are required Numerous boat tours, catamarans, kayaks and zodiac rafts travel the coastline during the summer months providing everything from graceful distant views to up-close rough rides along the entire coastline Helicopter and small fixed wing aircraft also provide a unique prospective of the area and its hidden treasures The area is often shrouded in clouds by the afternoon - best viewing is usually in the early morning Pods of dolphins can frequently be seen swimming around the area during the early A.M. Zodiac raft tours stop along the coast for lunch, a swim and some great snorkeling opportunities At this stop are ruins of an ancient Hawaiian village and heiau just being uncovered If hiking into the area, do not swim from the Kalalau or Hanakapi'ai Beaches as the currents are swift there and unforgiving

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