Gazing upon the rugged and romantic Na Pali Coast, along the North Shore of Kauai, never becomes tiresome. Most of the island is encircled by roadway, except for this stretch between Ke'e Beach and Polihale State Park, which is inaccessible to vehicles. Seeing it from the trailway, which runs along some of the coastline is enchanting enough. Seeing it from the sea—by boat or helicopter—is even more stunning. Na Pali has provided a ravishing backdrop for many films including Jurassic Park, King Kong, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many others.
"Na Pali" means "the cliffs." They were formed five million years ago and have been carved into valleys by the flow of water. The original people who came to Hawaii—first from the Marquesas Islands (2,200 miles away), then from Tahiti (2,700 miles away)—arrived in double-hulled canoes around the year 1,000 AD. Such long distance travel, over rough seas, required extraordinary seamanship and navigation (by the stars). The sequestered valleys along the Na Pali coastline were inhabited by native Hawaiians into the early Twentieth Century. Today it hosts hikers and campers (with permits) who go as far-in as their time and willingness allow. A fairly easy, two mile hike into the first valley, Hanakapiai, will yield sensational views and takes about three hours (roundtrip).
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.