By Kent Coules, This Week Publisher
The Nā Pali Coast of Kauaʻi is a spectacular sculpture of nature, created by a dramatic geological collision of tectonic plates resulting in huge volcanic eruptions and finished by millions of years of erosion via wind and water. Nā Pali Riders has been providing guests with an up-close view of the entire 17-mile coastline for over 20 years in Zodiac boats that are small enough to enter some of the world’s most beautiful sea caves but large enough to provide the most comfortable ride on Kauaʻi.
Owner Chris Turner, who personally captains all of Nā Pali Riders’ tours, shared these ten fun facts about this special place:
1. Nā Pali translates as “The Cliffs.”
The cliffs soar up to 4,000 feet and appear to be almost vertical in places.
2. “Accessible” and “Nā Pali Coast” do not go together.
There are no roads in the Nā Pali Coast Wilderness State Park. Aside from the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trek along a very challenging route, the only ways to see Nā Pali are by air and sea.
3. All those waterfalls have to come from somewhere.
The area boasts some of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls on earth. The reason they are so plentiful is because the central part of the Island is the wettest region in the world—over 400 inches of annual rainfall!
4. The waves can be huge.
Like the North Shore of Oʻahu, winter waves on the Nā Pali can reach as high as 40 feet. The waves have played an important part in shaping the topography of the coast.
5. The Nā Pali Coast is home to many sea caves.
And sea caves are only accessible by boat, like the Zodiac boat operated by Nā Pali Riders.
For more information on exploring the Nā Pali Coast by water, go to napaliriders.com or call (808) 742-6331. Happy exploring!
