On the small island of Kauai, at the western boundary of the chain of Hawaiian Islands, you will find some of the most breathtaking and beautiful scenery on earth.  It is the isolated, nearly inaccessible Na Pali Coastline however, that will leave you completely awestruck. 

This dramatic landscape, steeped in folklore and mystery has inspired adventurers, writers and artists for countless decades, and more recently, filmmakers. Dozens of movies have been filmed here over the years.   South Pacific, King Kong, and Six Days and Seven Nights, to name just a few.

The Na Pali Coastline has remained a pristine wilderness because it is nearly inaccessible.   There are no roads on this side of Kauai, and the only land route is via a narrow trail and a two day hike along the treacherous cliffs. The only other access is by sea or by helicopter. 

Like all of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai was born of a volcano. The dramatic Na Pali Coastline has been formed by the severe hand of nature over the centuries. The rock has been sculpted into extreme 2,000 foot razor edged cliffs, with deep lush valleys, nourished by majestic, ribbon-like waterfalls. Exposed lava tubes have been carved by the relentless waves into some of the largest sea caves in the world.

This exposed northwest shoreline bears the full force of high winds and South Pacific storm squalls.   During the winter months, waves as high as 40 to 50 feet smash into the base of the towering cliffs. Frequent and heavy tropical showers wear away at the peaks, and an almost continuous veil of mist shrouds the upper elevations.   Interestingly, just a mile or two over the front range of the Na Pali cliffs, there is an expanse that is arid and desert like. 

by: Dr. Von Zuko 2007©
 

Na Pali Coast Lava Tube Caves

An ancient native legend speaks of a gigantic gray shark that lurked in these caves and guarded the waters of Na Pali.   Enemies were cast down from the rocks above to atone for their transgressions.

With the stunning crystal clarity and depth of these waters, it's difficult to imagine the giant predator as a mere legend. In fact, in exploring theses caves, it is very easy to fall victim to a sense of foreboding over the fleeting dark shadows in the deep waters. 

It is also difficult to imagine the immensity of the lava tube sea caves . . . for example, the smaller  opening on the left, has an arch that tops out at 25 feet above the water's surface!  
 

Movie Locations on Kauai

The mysterious and beautiful Kalalau Valley ignites the imagination and thirst for adventure of anyone who gets close enough to experience it.  This isolated tropical valley is also a famous setting for silver screen adventures.  Perhaps you've seen this valley in the exciting 1976 Dino De Laurentiis' remake of the 1933 classic film, King Kong.

The shear sea cliffs of the Na Pali coastline were carved by centuries of wind, rain, and powerful waves. At least one of these conical peaks should look very familiar to movie fans.  In the film "Raiders of the Lost Ark," the Hawaiian peak was featured in the films opening scenes identified as "Peru 1939."  (photo at the top of this page.)