The Best Ways To See The Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s north shore is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and remote beaches make this 17-mile stretch of coastline both visually stunning and logistically challenging to explore. With no roads leading to the coast, visitors often wonder: What’s the best way to see the Na Pali Coast? 

The answer is clear: a boat tour is the easiest, most accessible, and most immersive way to experience the magic of the Na Pali Coast. While helicopter rides, hiking trails, and kayaking are also incredible options, nothing quite compares to the combination of convenience, scenery, and adventure that a guided boat tour provides. 

Let’s explore all your options – starting with the one we recommend most. 

1. Boat Tours – The Best, Easiest, and Most Accessible Way to See Na Pali

A boat tour is the clear winner if you’re looking for the ultimate Na Pali Coast experience. It’s the only option that offers easy access, incredible views, and close-up encounters with sea caves, marine life, and waterfalls—without the physical demands of hiking or paddling. 

Why Boat Tours Are the Top Choice: 

• No experience necessary – Just hop aboard and enjoy the ride 

• It is ideal for families, couples, and all fitness levels 

• Safe, guided, and informative 

• Accessible year-round (weather permitting) 

• Combines sightseeing, adventure, and marine life spotting 

At Na Pali Riders, we specialize in Zodiac raft tours—lightweight, high-performance boats that allow us to explore sea caves and rugged shorelines that larger vessels simply can’t reach. Our captains are skilled seafarers and passionate storytellers who bring the coastline to life with cultural legends and natural history. 

Bonus: 

You might even encounter Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales (in winter months) during your trip! 

2. Helicopter Tours – A Stunning Aerial Perspective

For a breathtaking bird’s-eye view, helicopter tours over the Na Pali Coast are an unforgettable experience. These flights offer sweeping coastline views, including inaccessible valleys and towering waterfalls. 

However, helicopter tours come with a few limitations: 

• No physical access to the coast 

• Weather dependent 

• Higher cost per person 

• Shorter duration (typically 45–60 minutes) 

If you want to see the Na Pali Coast but not experience it firsthand, this can be a good add-on—but not a substitute for a boat tour. 

3. Hiking – Rewarding but Challenging

The famed Kalalau Trail offers intrepid hikers a chance to walk deep into the heart of the Na Pali Coast. It’s a physically demanding trek – 11 miles each way, with limited facilities, tricky terrain, and often muddy conditions. 

For experienced hikers in great shape, this is an epic journey. But it’s not suitable for most travelers, and access is limited due to permit requirements and weather-related closures. 

Even the shorter day hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach (2 miles in) is moderately strenuous and doesn’t offer the same broad views you get from a boat. 

4. Kayaking – Epic, but Only for the Brave and Fit

Kayaking the Na Pali Coast is a dream adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also physically demanding, requiring a full day of paddling in open ocean conditions. 

Only available in the summer months (May–September), this 17-mile journey takes you alongside cliffs and into caves, but it’s unsuitable for beginners or those prone to seasickness or fatigue. 

Most visitors find that a boat tour offers all the same sights and thrills—without the physical strain or time commitment. 

5. Scenic Lookouts – Great for a Glimpse, Not the Full Experience

If you’re not up for a hike or boat ride, scenic lookouts offer beautiful vistas from afar. Locations like Kalalau Lookout and Puʻu o Kila Lookout in Kokeʻe State Park give you high-elevation views of the valleys and cliffs—but these don’t provide access to the coast itself. 

You’ll see a sliver of Na Pali’s beauty, but you’ll miss out on the sea caves, beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife only accessible by boat. 

Why a Rafting Tour with Na Pali Riders Is the Best of All Worlds 

1. The most accessible way to see the entire Na Pali Coast 

1. No hiking, paddling, or flying is required 

1. Comfortable, guided, and interactive 

1. Close-up views of sea caves, cliffs, beaches, and marine life 

1. Fun and safe for families, couples, and groups 

Our Zodiac raft tours are small-group experiences that get you closer to the coastline than any other tour. You’ll glide into sea caves (ocean conditions permitting), cruise beneath waterfalls, and snorkel in warm, tropical waters teeming with life. 

Unlike helicopters or hikes, this fully immersive experience engages all your senses and creates lasting memories. 

Choosing the Right Way to See the Na Pali Coast 

Still weighing your options? Here’s a quick comparison chart: 

Final Thoughts For Viewing The Na Pali Coast: Make It Easy, Make It Epic 

The Na Pali Coast is a place that is raw, untouched, and majestic. But because it’s inaccessible by road, choosing the right way to explore it makes all the difference. 

If you want the easiest, safest, and most rewarding way to see this legendary coastline, look no further than a Zodiac raft tour with Na Pali Riders. 

Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding adventure, jaw-dropping views, or unforgettable wildlife encounters, our boat tours offer the best of everything—no experience or effort required. Book your Na Pali Coast raft tour today and discover why so many visitors say it’s the highlight of their entire trip to Kauai