Nā Pali Coast State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located on the island of Kauai's beautiful north shore and just a few minutes from the quaint town of Hanalei, Nā Pali Coast State Park is best known for its breathtaking cliffs and coastal views. With temperate weather that rarely falls below 65 degrees or rises above 90 degrees, this 6,000-acre park is home to incredible (albeit rugged) hikes, secluded camping, and the rich history of the Polynesian explorers that once inhabited the land. It is not uncommon to see the remnants of homes and myriad cultural sites during a trip here. If you're in the mood to cruise, driving to Ke' e Beach or the city of Princeville is worth it for the views alone. Ke'e beach is said to be where the hula dance originated, and it is from here that during summer months, a two-mile hike from nearby Hanakapiai Beach leads to the 300-foot high Hanakapiai Falls. Driving about an hour further will bring you to Lydgate Beach Park, where lava rock walls protect the water from the open ocean and make for excellent snorkeling.
Spring 65-78 F
Summer 71-83 F
Fall 70-82 F
Winter 63-76 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Nā Pali Coast State Park
Renting an RV with RVshare perfectly marries the adventure of travel with the warm comforts of home, allowing for ease of travel that simply can't be matched. Making memories on the road has never been more fun; you can find an RVshare rental close to Nā Pali Coast State Park.
Kawaikoi Campground
Kawaikoi Campground is located within Koke'e State Park, nestled next to the Kawaikoi Stream about a 30-minute drive from Nā Pali Coast State Park. Kawaikoi Campground has beautiful landscapes and serene views in large supply, although the campground itself has few simple amenities beyond the pretty scenery. Rugged and simple, Kawaikoi has a composting toilet and two trail shelters. It also has non-potable water, trash receptacles, and picnic tables. Stay aware that travel into this campground should only be attempted in good weather conditions, as the area is prone to flash flooding. Driving here in a motorhome can get bumpy, so ensure your RV can manage the trip.
Ha’ena Beach Park Campground
Right at the northern tip of Kauai is Ha'ena Beach Park, a five-acre park with no designated camping spots but plenty of grassy areas to park. Ha’ena Beach is situated right next to Mount Maka, an imposing green mountain. Some of the benefits of staying at Ha'ena Beach are lifeguards on duty from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, picnic tables, and an open pavilion. There are no full hookups or 30/50 amps, and the sites are back-in only. This campsite also features cold showers and comfort stations, allowing for great endings to sandy days. You can collect shells easily on the beach, explore a nearby cave, or just relax and soak up the sun in this laid-back part of the world.
Anini Beach Park Campground
Getting to Anini Beach requires a slow drive down a winding one-lane road, coming to a stop at the park's entrance to purchase a camping permit. Once you have one, feel free to park where you wish in the campsite, which happens to be one of the most secluded on the island. Once you have parked, you are mere footsteps from the water. There are many activities waiting for you at Anini Beach, beyond just the sheer enjoyment of staying on Kauai. You can learn to windsurf with ease when you sign up for windsurfing lessons, available for a nominal fee. Snorkeling is ideal here as the surf is much calmer than many spots on the island, and sea turtles are a common sight. The campground itself has showers and pavilions, as well as comfort stations and picnic tables. There are no full hookups here.
Lucy Wright Park
If you'd rather be closer to society during your trip to Kauai, Lucy Wright Park is ideally suited in the picturesque town of Waimea, a six-minute drive from Nā Pali Coast State Park. Nā Pali Coast State Park has an ancient and historic beauty, and as such, requires a permit to hike or camp there to ensure its safety. Lucy Wright Park also requires a permit. Once you have a permit, though, you can camp anywhere in the park. There are many restaurants and pubs located nearby, and it's located right off the Kaumualii Highway. This is a good area for surfing due to the quality of the waves. This is a much more active place to park, and people are generally up and about at all hours of the night. These are back-in only sites, with no full hookups available.
What to Do at
Nā Pali Coast State Park
Inside Nā Pali Coast State Park
Hiking is an enormously popular activity with Nā Pali Park, and it's easy to see why. The park is chock-full of trails twisting through jungles, through sea cliffs, and bordering the coastline. Experience with hiking is key here, though, as the paths can be tricky to navigate, and the weather is prone to change. Kayaking is also hugely popular, but mainly during the summer months when the weather is better. There are many different types of wildlife to see here, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and butterflyfish.
Outside Nā Pali Coast State Park
Once you make your way outside of the park, there are many activities waiting for you. For one thing, you'll never go hungry here. There are many restaurants and eateries to choose from, and there are plenty of shops and other activities here too.
Restaurants
Hanalei Dolphin
This restaurant features exceptional seafood with incredibly fresh fish. It's an established local haunt, meaning you won't be disappointed.
Type: Seafood
Location: 5-5016 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Bar Acuda
Undoubtedly one of Kauai's trendiest places to unwind, drink wine, and eat tapas.
Type: Tapas
Location: 5-5161 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Kalypso Island Bar & Grill
Comfortable, airy restaurant with relaxing vibes and light bamboo decor.
Type: Hawaiian, American
Location: 5-5156 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Hideaway's Pizza Pub
Italian eatery featuring fresh-made pizzas, pasta, and salads.
Type: Italian
Location: 5300 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville Kauai, HI
Fresh Bite Kauai
Fresh salads and sandwiches served in a laid-back atmosphere.
Type: Deli
Location: 5-5100 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Shopping
Poipu Shopping Village
Everything you could want in a shopping trip. Set amidst a lovely garden, unique and eclectic finds are all around in one-of-a-kind shops, complete with jewelry stores, art galleries, and boutiques.
Location: 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr Ste K10, Koloa, HI 96756
Coconut Marketplace
Another shopping center with great and unique finds. Coconut Market place is refurbished, and it's easy to relax on one of their benches.
Location: 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746
Historic Kong Lung Market Center
Combining the ancient and the urban, history meets the present in this trendy marketplace. There are plenty of bakeries, chic jewelry stores, and trend-setting boutiques to choose from.
Location: 2484 Keneke St, Kilauea, HI 96754
Princeville Center
Center with a night market and staples for residents and tourists.
Location: 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
Kukui Grove Center
Family-friendly destination complete with shopping and restaurants.
Location: 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
Sightseeing
Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
See the whole island in less than an hour from above, complete with breathtaking views and epic landscapes.
Location: 3730 Ahukini Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
Princeville Botanical Gardens
Kauai is aptly named the garden isle, and you can appreciate it in all its full beauty here.
Location: 3840 Ahonui Pl, Princeville, HI 96722, USA
Kayaking at Hanalei Bay
Kayak through pristine waters for an unforgettable day.
Location: 3-5971 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746, USA
Leila Nā Pali Sunset Dinner Sail
Sail through impressive green cliffs and dine on amazing food all at the same time.
Location: Holo Holo Charters, 4353 Waialo Rd #5a, Eleele, HI 96705, USA
Kauai Ultimate Off-Road Ranch Tour
Exhilarating 4WD vehicles and incredible landscapes make up this one-of-a-kind journey.
Location: Kipu Ranch Adventures, 235 Kipu Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA
How to Get to
Nā Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali is located approximately 41 miles from the Lihue Airport. You can drive to Haeana Pl from the airport by staying on HI 51 for about 30 miles then turning right onto Kuhio HI. After almost nine miles, you'll reach HI 560 and the park.
Entering Nā Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali Coast State Park is open for day and night use. Hiking and camping permits are required to enter.
Nā Pali Coast State Park Per person : $20.0
Non-Hawaii residents can expect to pay $20 a night.
You can keep the comforts of home with you as you navigate this big wide world, and make wonderful memories along the way with an RV. Visit RVshare to find an RV to rent near Nā Pali Coast Park. Be sure to share all of the wonderful memories you've made together, and when you do, be sure to tag RVshare on social media or send your pictures to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Nā Pali Coast State Park
Visit Na Pali Coast State Park anytime from April to November. These are the months when the dry season visits the island, giving you ample opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy all the park has to offer.
Na Pali Coast State Park is a tropical climate with mild year-round temperatures that fall between 65-90 degrees. You won't have to worry about snow in the winter, but it is the island's rainy season.
At this state park, you'll have the opportunity to have some extraordinary wildlife encounters, such as marine wildlife near the coast and feral goats and pigs inland. The state park is also home to black-tail deer.
Unfortunately, you can't bring a camper to this state park. If you want to RV camp, check out the nearby campgrounds at Anini Beach Park, Lucy Wright Park, or Kawaikoi.
Your pets are always welcome at Na Pali Coast State Park. But, dog owners, bring a leash no longer than six feet and always keep your four-legged friend on it.