Oah'u // #theonewhereweallgotoHawaii
Kaua'i // Coconut Coast + North
Kaua'i // Favorite Memory + Hike
Kaua'i // The Na Pali Coast
Kaua'i // Hiking Highs
Kaua'i // South + West
The Na Pali Coast is located on the northwest side of Kaua'i with cliffs rising up to 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. This rugged coast can be viewed one of three ways: by water, by air or by hiking the Kalalau Trail. I could probably sit and stare at this part of the island forever. It has a way of transporting me to a whole different world; almost like being a character in Peter Pan visiting Neverland.
Both the helicopter and boat tours were the big price tag excursions of the trip but so worth the cost. Since we were a large group, there was flexibility to see the coast whichever way we wished; so four of us saw the coast by water and three of us saw it by air. Brilliant really, because we were able to experience a little bit of both by seeing each others' videos and pictures afterwards.
The catamaran tours either leave from the north or west sides. Based upon our guidebook's recommendation, we booked with Na Pali Catamaran because this company left out of the north side, went into the sea caves during the tour, and are on the smaller side with only 15 people on board. The tour was 4.5 hours and included a deli lunch. We booked the tour in advance, and they gave us a $10 discount per person when I inquired about group rates. Sometimes you just don't know unless you ask!
The dingy took us out to the boat which was anchored in Hanalei Bay, Adam's Neverland.
Five minutes after setting sail, the spinner dolphins made their presence known.
I could not contain myself. Dolphins!! In their natural habitat. Oh the joy! >> Good thing the camera was on shutter.
Then, after the dolphins disappeared, a rainbow appeared. I was officially transported to Neverland.
A short while later, we reached the start of the Na Pali Coast in all its splendor.
Many others were out enjoying the lovely morning: kayakers, swimmers training for ultras, and hikers that appeared teeny-tiny on the beaches and trails, at least from our vantage point.
There were many sea caves and waterfalls along the coast.
To even think that this place exists is astounding. It is much too beautiful to put into words, and even pictures are just an attempt to snapshot the radiant beauty of this coast.
The magnificent views continued mile after mile.
Psalm 96:11-13 ~ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for He comes, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness.
Just for a little perspective, this is Honopu Beach. See the small opening? It's large enough for a helicopter to fly through.
This sea cave was my favorite. The water was a brilliant indigo color.
After reaching Nu'alolo Kai, we stopped for lunch and to snorkel the reef before heading back the way we came.
Favorite moment while snorkeling: a graceful green sea turtle swimming toward Adam and I.
While we were on the water, the others were seeing Kaua'i and the coast by air for an hour tour with Jack Harter Helicopters.
The aerial videos and pictures they took are incredible! It is a completely different vantage point and amazing to see the contrast between the perspectives.
They enjoyed their tour and pilot and would highly recommend this operator.
From our research, we had read many suggestions that recommended the air or water tours as the very first to do upon arriving. I think otherwise. For our group as a whole, we appreciated the tours and the information because we did this at the end of the trip, after experiencing much of the island already. It gave us some perspective and relation to where we were and what the guides were talking about. Not to mention, ending the trip by seeing the entire coast was like icing on the cake.
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