Landmark· Kauai· Hawaii
Na Pali Sea Caves (Open Ceiling Cave)
22° 10.8′ N · 159° 38.4′ W · approximate
Lava tubes widened by the surf into sea caves along the Na Pali cliffs; the best known is the open-ceiling cave, whose collapsed roof floods the chamber with blue-green light from above.
Practical
Capt Andy's (a permitted operator): caves are entered only by small, agile vessels on calm days and always conditions permitting; larger boats cannot safely enter; the open-ceiling cave depends entirely on swell. Operators do not publish cave positions; the coordinate is the USGS GNIS 'Napali' cliff feature, used only to place the entry on the coast (approx). HAR 13-256-41: commercial vessels must keep a radio listening watch within 300 ft of a cave entrance, must confirm no other vessel is inside before entering, and a vessel leaving a cave has right of way. A yacht should not attempt the caves; at most explore by dinghy on a flat calm summer day, watching for surge and other traffic.
Best for
Calm-summer dinghy look from outside the caves
Season
Summer flat calms only
Nearby
- Kauai Summer Na Pali Season and Winter North Swell0.3 NM away
- Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park0.3 NM away
- Na Pali Coast Landing and Camping Permits1.2 NM away
- Kalalau Beach Anchorage1.3 NM away
- Kalalau Trail1.6 NM away
- Na Pali Spinner Dolphins1.8 NM away
- Honopu Arch and Beach1.9 NM away
- Hanakapiai Beach2.9 NM away