Kauai Na Pali Coast

With the Christmas holidays, our attention shifted for a few days away from blogging to some quiet family time. We hope our Hawaii visitors had a great Christmas in Hawaii, not with white snow but with lots of white sand and warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Don't forget though that during the winter months, the power of waves gets really big. Don't let yourself deceive by times when the ocean seems calm and peaceful. This will change in minutes (or seconds) and can get you by surprise. Be aware that undertows and rip currents increase during the winter months. Hawaiian North Shores become a big tourist attraction with Hawaiian surfers riding huge waves to the beaches. Enjoy the show but don't try it yourself!

With our most recent post about watching the whales in Hawaii, we are sure we got your attention to sign up for a whale watch when on Hawaii vacation or at least to keep your eyes open when you are by the ocean. Our Hawaii youtube whale videos proved that the encounter with the whales is not always planned and anticipated the way it happens. We told you that the whales are hanging out most everywhere around the Hawaiian islands but there are definitely some unique locations, which make your whale watch encounter really special. The Na Pali Coast on Kauai is one of those really special places. Famous Hawaii photographer Jennifer Crites provided us with this great shot of the Na Pali Coast from her amazing Hawaii stock photography samples for our belated 'Hawaii photo of the Week'.

Just looking at the photo, will intrigue your couriosity about to get to know more the Na Pali Coast on your next Kauai vacation. This fifteen-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kauai literally means "the Cliffs." Sheer cliffs that drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean, make much of the Na Pali Coast inaccessible. Best way to really get an impression of the magnificence of Kauai's Na Pali Coast is by Helicopter. Blue Hawaiian shows a great video clip of the Na Pali coast taken from a helicopter tour. Be aware that hiking the Na Pali Coast takes a lot of hiking experience, knowledge of the terrain and the right preparation. For hiking on the Na Pali Coast follow this link with photos of the Na Pali coast, hiking trail description (Kalaulau Trail), hiking map and much more.

Another great way to get spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast region is from the ocean. Whale watching, rafting, boat tours and sailing are top Hawaii visitors's attractions for exploring the Napali Coast. Many Hawaiians believe that the Na Pali spirits can play tricks on hikers and campers alike. It is said that the Na Pali region was the first part of Kauai to be settled. Last but not least, if you tackle one the Na Pali Hiking trails, pay close attention to the weather forecast to avoid flash flood conditions. A state hiking permit is required! However tempting the ocean looks after hours of hiking, do not swim from the Kalalau or Hanakapi'ai Beaches as the currents are strong and harzardous!

Wishing you a wonderful and safe Hawaii vacation. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations

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