Nā Pali Coast 1-day itinerary

Start at Kē'ē Beach trailhead at dawn for the most iconic hike in Hawaii — the first 3.2km of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Beach. The trail climbs through lush jungle with dramatic views of the fluted emerald cliffs plunging into turquoise ocean. The trail is muddy, steep in sections, and absolutely stunning. Hanakapi'ai Beach is a wild, boulder-strewn cove with crashing waves. Pack water and snacks — the trail is more strenuous than expected.

Drive to Port Allen or Hanalei for an afternoon catamaran or raft tour along the Nā Pali Coast. The 27km coastline is only fully visible from the ocean — towering 1,200-metre green cliffs, sea caves, waterfalls cascading directly into the Pacific, and spinner dolphins riding the bow wake. Zodiac raft tours ($150–200) get closer to sea caves while catamarans ($170–230) are smoother with snorkelling stops at reef sites along the coast.

Return to Kē'ē Beach at the end of the road for sunset — the last beach before the roadless Nā Pali wilderness begins. The reef-protected lagoon is calm for swimming and the sunset over the Pacific with the first Nā Pali cliffs as a backdrop is extraordinary. Dinner in Hanalei town — Hanalei Bread Company for poke bowls and sandwiches ($14–20) or Tahiti Nui for local plate lunches ($15–22) with a tiki bar atmosphere.