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POINT OF INTEREST

Kalalau Lookout

Kokee Road, Kapa'a, Kauai, Hawaii

With its gorgeous cliffs, valleys, and beaches, the Na Pali Coast is considered among the most scenic spots on Kauai, if not Hawaii, but getting there requires some effort. Fortunately, this beautiful stretch is visible from the Kalalau Lookout, which looks out over the Kalalau Valley and to the ocean beyond it.

If you want to take in views of the Na Pali Coast but aren't so keen on the idea of taking a flightseeing trip over the valley (or hiking into it yourself), the Kalalau Lookout is a great alternative. The elevation is around 4,000 feet (1,220 meters), making for excellent views, and the lookout is easily accessed by private vehicles. Many tours of the nearby Waimea Canyon stop at the viewpoint.

  • A visit to the viewpoint is a must for travelers who don’t plan to visit the Na Pali Coast a different way.

  • The pathways from the parking area to the overlook are paved and wheelchair-accessible, but there are no designated accessible parking spots.

  • Public restrooms are available at the lookout.

The lookout is located just off the scenic Highway 550, which connects it to Waimea Canyon to the south. Although it looks out over the Na Pali Coast, it's not easy to access from the town of Hanalei, the closest central hub for visitors hiking the coast, as no road connects the entire north coast. Instead, you'll need to drive around the island, which takes a little more than 2 hours.

For the best weather and views, come early in the morning or right around sunset—you'll also get the best photos during these two times of the day. The weather is at its finest during the dry season, which runs from May through October, but beware that the summer months can be crowded with vacationing families from the US mainland.

Whether you’re visiting the Kalalau Lookout on a tour or independently, you'll likely be combining it with a visit to the nearby Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." This massive canyon is a fantastic spot for day hikes but also offers plenty of scenic viewpoints for people who’d rather stick to lighter levels of activity.

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