3. KAYAK
THE NA PALI COAST IN KAUAI
Hawaii’s breathtaking “Garden Isle” offers many leisurely activities. This isn’t one of them.
Don’t let the abundance of guided tours fool you: Kayaking the Na Pali Coast isn’t for everyone. The 17-mile stretch on the northwest side of Kauai is deemed “the Everest of sea kayaking” for good reason.
Don’t let the abundance of guided tours fool you: Kayaking the Na Pali Coast isn’t for everyone. The 17-mile stretch on the northwest side of Kauai is deemed “the Everest of sea kayaking” for good reason.
Depending on the conditions, this can be a punishing paddle rife with capsizing, seasickness and sunburns. But if the weather is good, you’re relatively fit and you remember to pop a Bonine pill, you will experience some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.
There are several outfitters—such as Napali Kayak and Kayak Kauai—that offer guided day trips for around $250.Be smart and book one. Your journey begins at dawn in the bohemian town of Hanalei, where you’ll meet your guide before heading to the launch site at Haena Beach Park. After a mile of paddling, you’ll pass the bailout point. Unless you plan on staying overnight on the beach and hailing a rescue boat, there’s no turning back.
Before long, the “pali” (“cliffs” in Hawaiian) come into view—an expanse of jagged, jungle-green fingers that plunge into the Pacific Ocean. It becomes abundantly clear why so many films, from Raiders of the Lost Ark to Jurassic World, feature scenes shot on Kauai. When you want an exotic adventure flick, this is the island you cast as the star.
By late afternoon, the end is nigh. From there, it’s a lengthy, counterclockwise drive around the island back to Hanalei, where a beautiful sunset and a martini—shaken, not stirred—await. —N.O.
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