This Hawaiian Coastline Was Just Named One of America’s Most Breathtaking Natural Wonders

When Travel + Leisure released its list of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the U.S. you need to see in your lifetime, it was no surprise that the Nāpali Coast was named among them. As the publication notes, dramatic barely begins to describe this mountainous stretch spanning 17 miles along the North Shore of Kauaʻi. 

This legendary coastline is made up of emerald pinnacles that rise along the shoreline while towering multicolored cliffs laced with waterfalls cascade into deep, narrow valleys. The question isn’t whether to visit, it’s how. The coastal range can only be accessed on foot or via a helicopter, flightseeing, or boat tour. 

The fit and adventurous can backpack the 22-mile (round-trip) Kalalau Trail, which starts from Ke’e Beach. You’ll navigate cliff-hugging turns, narrow switchbacks, and sheer drop-offs while taking in some of the world’s most incredible scenery.

It takes at least three days to cover and requires a permit to hike and camp beyond mile 2, located at the Hanakāpī‘ai stream. Permits are available 90 days before your planned start date (at midnight HST) and sell out quickly, so plan on logging in as soon as they’re released. Up to four persons and five days max are allowed on the permit.

A helicopter tour provides a stunning aerial view of the Nāpali Coast without all the effort. Plus, you’ll see many other parts of the island. When heading to the skies in a helicopter, you can hover near waterfalls and dip into deep canyons, as the aircraft is highly maneuverable. 

Depending on the specific tour, highlights typically include Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waipoo Falls, Mānāwaiopuna Falls (often referred to as Jurassic Falls, having been featured in 1993’s “Jurassic Park”), spectacular beaches along the North Shore, including Hanaelei, and much more. 

Flightseeing in a small plane offers a more affordable, smoother ride. It’s better suited for those prone to motion sickness or who tend to be nervous fliers. Plus, you’ll get to higher altitudes with wider panoramas. The flights include many of the same sights as a helicopter tour, but from a slightly further distance. That includes everything from the lush valleys of Mt. Waialeale to the gorges in Waimea Canyon, and of course, the  Nāpali Coast’s towering sea cliffs.

Boat tours provide yet another perspective of the Nāpali Coast. Many also include an opportunity to snorkel (gear included). You might see spinner dolphins and even sail right into ancient sea caves. The downside is that the water can get rough in this area. Those prone to seasickness will be better off joining a flightseeing or helicopter tour, especially in the winter months. 

BONUS: Travel + Leisure highlighted two more coastal gems worth planning a trip around, including Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where you might have the chance to see an eruption. Witnessing the fiery orange glow after dark is absolutely mesmerizing. Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with an eruption, you can usually see steam coming out of the active volcano vents. Florida’s Coral Reef was also featured as the only coral reef system in the contiguous U.S. It’s a paradise for snorkelers and divers with sea turtles, dolphins, rays, parrotfish, and much more.