Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

The Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is located on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, and is known for its stunning natural beauty and rugged terrain.


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Summary

The park covers over 6,000 acres and includes towering cliffs, lush valleys, and secluded beaches. There are many good reasons to visit the park, including hiking, camping, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Some specific points of interest to see include the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiai Beach, and the Waimea Canyon. The park is also rich in history, with ancient Hawaiian settlements and sacred sites scattered throughout the area.

Visitors to the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park should be aware that the terrain can be challenging and access to some areas may be limited. However, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including native birds, plants, and sea turtles. The best time to visit the park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak season and permits are required for camping and some hiking trails.

Overall, the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Hawaii. Its natural beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife make it a unique and unforgettable experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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