Na Pali Coast on Kauai: Best Ways to See It, Go Haena Permits, and What to Pack
Marcie breaks down how to experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, emphasizing there’s no road access and you must hike, take a boat, fly by helicopter, or drive to the Kalalau Lookout in Koke‘e State Park. She explains hiking options on the Hanakapiai Trail (and the extension to Hanakapiai Falls), stresses that Hanakapiai Beach is dangerous for swimming, and recommends Ke‘e Beach instead. She compares boat tours (catamarans vs rafts; morning vs sunset), notes typical prices, and strongly advises motion-sickness prevention (scopolamine patch the night before). She covers helicopter considerations and safety, including Island Helicopters’ permitted landing at Manawaiopuna Falls. The episode details Go Haena reservations for Haena State Park (parking vs shuttle, costs, 30-day release, no cell service), best seasons for boat tours (summer), packing essentials, common mistakes, and backup plans for weather cancellations.
00:00 Na Pali Hook Story
00:40 Welcome and Big Picture
01:03 No Road to Na Pali
01:28 Hiking the Trail
02:13 Beach Safety Warning
02:31 Boat Tour Breakdown
04:09 Motion Sickness Tips
04:36 Helicopter Views
05:23 Kalalau Lookout Drive
06:31 Choosing Your Experience
07:11 Best Time to Go
07:50 Go Haena Permits
10:12 What to Bring
11:16 Common Mistakes
12:25 Backup Plans and Wrap Up
Who this episode is for: Anyone planning to see Na Pali Coast and trying to decide between hiking, boat, helicopter, or the lookout drive.
What you'll learn: Every way to access Na Pali Coast, how to navigate Go Haena permits for Haena State Park, boat tour options and motion sickness prevention, and what to pack.
Places discussed:
- Na Pali Coast
- Hanakapiai Trail and Hanakapiai Falls
- Hanakapiai Beach
- Ke'e Beach
- Haena State Park
- Manawaiopuna Falls
- Kalalau Lookout, Koke'e State Park
Activities discussed:
- Hiking the Hanakapiai Trail (and the Hanakapiai Falls extension)
- Boat tours (catamarans vs. rafts; morning vs. sunset)
- Helicopter tours, including Island Helicopters' permitted landing at Manawaiopuna Falls
- Driving to Kalalau Lookout
- Go Haena reservations for Haena State Park (parking vs. shuttle, cost, 30-day release window)
Marcie's recommendations:
- Skip swimming at Hanakapiai Beach — go to Ke'e Beach instead
- Use a scopolamine patch the night before a boat tour to prevent motion sickness
- Book boat tours in summer for best conditions
- Book Go Haena reservations early (30-day release) and don't count on cell service once you're there
- Have a backup plan ready in case of weather cancellations
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About Your Host: Marcie Cheung is a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert who has visited Hawaii 40+ times and spent 20+ years as a professional hula dancer. Through Hawaii Travel with Kids, she helps families plan authentic, affordable Hawaii vacations that respect local culture while creating unforgettable memories.
Learn more at hawaiitravelwithkids.com
Connect: @hawaiitravelwithkids on Instagram | Book a Consultation
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