When you think of the Hawaii Islands, you think of commercialized luxury and a popular destination for families and couples to vacation to, and for good reason. These islands are incredibly beautiful, and for American tourists, you get the remote, tropical retreat you want without the currency exchange and the international hassle.
However, these islands are not just about resorts and golf courses. For any serious landscape photographer, all the islands, from Hawai’i to Kauai, offer immense opportunities for incredible photos. I just recently got back from a trip to Kauai, and it’s safe to say I will be back.
The “Garden Island,” as Kauai is affectionately named, does not disappoint and offers a more laid-back, isolated experience, featuring some of the wildest places you will ever see. From Mount Waialeale (the wettest place on earth), and massive, enchanting waterfalls like Wailua and Hanakapi’ai Falls, to the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” at Waimea Canyon, you and your camera will be one happy couple.
The crown jewel of Kauai is the awe-inspiring Nāpali Coast and Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Home to some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world and towering over 4,000 feet, this wild stretch of coastline has sprawling layers and valleys that are so magnificent and full of color, they don’t appear to be real.
This is a place you want to spend several days photographing, and you want to see from different perspectives to fully appreciate and capture all that it is. We were lucky enough to experience the Nāpali Coast from the land, sea, and air, and I’m excited to share my personal experience and tips for all three, to help anyone prepare for a trip to the Kauai and the Nāpali Coast.
Before I get started though, here’s a huge tip that will save you from massive disappointment: The best time to photograph the Nāpali Coast is in the morning or evening. It is commonplace for storm systems to roll in and cover the entire coastline during the day, making visibility next to impossible. So get up early or stay late for the magical views. Plus you’ll get rewarded with the best light. Nothing beats golden hour on the Nāpali Coast.
The Nāpali Coast by Land
There are two perspectives you can experience and photograph by land, and both will take some work. You can experience it from below, on the world famous Kalalau Trail. This is a strenuous, 11-mile backpacking trail that leads to Kalalau Beach, which can only be accessed by this trail or by boat. This trail is not for the faint of heart. With serious exposure and dangerous cliffs along the route, many people have died on this hike, so please do not attempt this trail unless you are a seasoned backpacker or hiker. The other caveat is you need a permit to camp overnight, and those sell out fast if you aren’t prepared.
You can also experience the Nāpali Coast from on top, and hike through to the jungle to reach where the valley opens up before you and cascades thousands of feet below. This option allows for you to photograph the immense scale of this region, and I highly recommend it.
There are several lookouts you can drive up to in Kōke’e State Park, like the Kalalau Valley and Pu’u o Kila Lookouts. These options offer incredible views without much work, but to really experience this place, you have to hike in deeper. We chose the Awaawapuhi Trail, a 6.5-mile round trip hike that starts by descends from the top of Kōkeʻe State Park and ends with one of the most breathtaking views you will ever see.
I can’t put into words how beautiful this hike is, but it is well worth the work to get there. You also get to the chance to scamper across one of the narrow spines that juts out into the valley before you, and it will test your nerves and sure footing. If you want an up close and personal experience of the Nāpali Coast, this is the best trail to take, period. But please be careful. Like any trail along the Nāpali, people die every year, so take precautions, don’t push your luck, and always watch your footing along the cliff edges.
The Nāpali Coast by Sea
Exploring the Nāpali Coast by Sea is a must. There are several amazing companies that offer a wide variety of options to get up close to these massive sea cliffs. From small high speed motor boats that can weave in and out of the sea arches and coves, to sailboats and catamarans that offer a more relaxing way to capture the sheer size of the Nāpali, a tour by sea will allow for you to capture the height of the sea cliffs, which looks stunning in photos, especially with the fog rolling in on top of the jagged green peaks.
Another benefit about traveling by sea is you have the opportunity to photograph the ocean life that frequents the North Shore and Nāpali Coast. From humpback whales to spinner dolphins, it is an absolute treat to photograph these protected animals playing and interacting in their environment. And if you get the opportunity to take a tour around sunset, you won’t forget it. Sunsets in Kauai are magical and will stay with you for a long time.
Just remember to always be cautious with your gear on the water. The North Shore is notorious for massive swell and choppy water. The one thing you don’t want is framing the perfect shot while leaning over the boat’s rail, and a massive wave sends you and your camera tumbling overboard.
The Nāpali Coast by Air
Exploring the Nāpali Coast by land allows for you to capture its vastness. Photographing the Nāpali Coast by sea showcases its size and massive heights. But experiencing the Nāpali Coast from the air will offer incredible opportunities to get wide shots of the entire coastline and you’ll be able to capture the layers that make this coastline so special.
You can choose between plane rides and open air helicopters. Most tours will take you around the entire island, and if you get the chance to experience the Kauai from above, you will never forget it. I shot around 500 frames during the one-hour flight. That’s how good a view it is.
But please, I beg you, leave the large lenses at home. Most planes and helicopters are cramped for space, and the best lens for this type of trip is a 24-70mm, or something comparable. You don’t need anything past 70mm, as these tours take you very close to the coast. You want to be able to move and shoot quickly, and a large lens will inhibit you from doing just that.
Kauai and the Nāpali Coast is one of my favorite places I’ve ever photographed. Do yourself a favor and book yourself a flight to Kauai and experience this place for yourself. If you are able to photograph the Nāpali Coast by land, sea, and air, you will come home with a camera full of photos and a memory full of incredible snapshots you won’t soon forget.
