The Na Pali Coast on the island’s northwest side is Kauai’s most famous attraction and arguably the most spectacular, primitive coastline in the world. It extends from Ke’e Beach on the south and runs 16 miles to Polihale State Park on the north. Na Pali Coast State Park encompasses 6,175 acres of land located in the center of this rugged and spectacular coastline. Niihau SnorkelingIts Kalalau Trail is a don’t-miss trek for avid hikers. A wonderful variety of sunset cruises, sightseeing sails, and snorkeling tours are available, including one to the shores of Niihau.
Niihau, 17 miles west of Kauai, is the smallest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands. Also known as the "Forbidden Isle," it has long been accessible only to relatives of the island’s owners, the Robinson family.
Like the other Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is the top of an enormous volcanic mountain rising from the Pacific Ocean floor. It was formed by a single volcano about 5 million years ago, and is the oldest of the large Hawaiian Islands.
Kauai lies 33 miles northwest of Oahu across the rugged Kauai Channel, which helped protect the island from invaders, including Kamehameha I, who never managed to conquer it. Kauai’s King Kaumualii, facing continued threats of invasion, joined the Kingdom of Hawaii without bloodshed in 1810, ceding the island to the Kingdom upon his death. Terry Reim, HawaiiActive
