Hawaii – Kauai – Na Pali Coast
The Na Pali Coast is a stretch of coast in the north of the island of Kauai. The picturesquely rugged rocky coast begins just behind Haena at Kee Beach and runs from here in a westerly direction. This stretch of coast is not developed, i.e. there is no road past it that can be used. There are several options for visiting the coast. You can hike to it, rent a helicopter and get a brief overview of this coastal region in a one-hour sightseeing flight, or approach it from the sea side by boat. Which of the options is chosen also depends on the condition and the time available to the visitor.
We first visited from the air and then hiked the Na Pali Coast experience up close. In any case, both options are recommended, although in our opinion the more lasting impression can be gained by the slower way (on foot). If you have some stamina, you should not miss this up-close “experience”. We have described the hike on the Kalalau Trail, which lasted several hours, in more detail on another page. The approximately one-hour scenic flight takes you over Waimea Canyon and then along the Na Pali Coast. There are a sufficiently large number of airlines that offer these flights. The helicopters take off from all three airports, Port Allen in the south, Lihue on the east coast and Princeville Airport in the north. The costs are between 80 and 100 US$ p.p.
We took off from Princeville Airport with Papillon Hawaiian helicopters (Tel. 826 6591).
In addition to the pilot, there is room for four other passengers in the helicopter. One in the front next to the pilot and three other passengers in the back seats. Everyone receives a set of headphones with a microphone, so that good communication is possible during the flight.
The view of the mountain range off the Na Pali Coast is impressive. Waimea Canyon can be seen from the air in all its dimensions.
The side of the Na Pali Coast facing away from the sea is very rugged. View of Waimea Canyon from a helicopter perspective. Our pilot pulls the helicopter in a climb over the Na Pali cliffs.
On the return flight, the bizarre courses of the mountain ranges with their volcanic origin are clearly visible. Inland, we fly over one of the many waterfalls.
The Na Pali Coast is a stretch of coast in the north of the island of Kauai. The picturesquely rugged rocky coast begins just behind Haena at Kee Beach and runs from here in a westerly direction. This stretch of coast is not developed, i.e. there is no road past it that can be used. There are several options for visiting the coast. You can hike to it, rent a helicopter and get a brief overview of this coastal region in a one-hour sightseeing flight, or approach it from the sea side by boat. Which of the options is chosen also depends on the condition and the time available to the visitor.
We first visited from the air and then hiked the Na Pali Coast experience up close. In any case, both options are recommended, although in our opinion the more lasting impression can be gained by the slower way (on foot). If you have some stamina, you should not miss this up-close “experience”. We have described the hike on the Kalalau Trail, which lasted several hours, in more detail on another page. The approximately one-hour scenic flight takes you over Waimea Canyon and then along the Na Pali Coast. There are a sufficiently large number of airlines that offer these flights. The helicopters take off from all three airports, Port Allen in the south, Lihue on the east coast and Princeville Airport in the north. The costs are between 80 and 100 US$ p.p.
The Waimea Canyon with its foothills into the green tropical forest on the Na Pali cliffs with a view into the interior, all seen from a helicopter perspective.
On the pictures above we can admire the view during the helicopter approach to the Na Pali coast.
The ridges and foothills of the Na Pali cliffs are impressive from a helicopter perspective. The Na Pali cliffs rise steeply from the sea.
From a bird’s eye view, Kee Beach and the Na Pali cliffs form a magnificent natural backdrop, which is probably unique in the world in its uniqueness.
A twin-engine plane is landing in front of us and we have to wait until it is rolled out. The flight is an experience not to be missed. The magnificent landscape will be remembered for a long time.
