Anchorage· Kauai· Hawaii
Nualolo Kai Anchorage
22° 9.6′ N · 159° 42.1′ W · approximate
The only semi-protected anchorage on the Na Pali coast, tucked behind the coast's one significant fringing reef in front of an abandoned Hawaiian fishing village, with what Pacific Cup cruising notes call the best snorkeling in the state.
Practical
Noodle's Notes gives 22-09.62N 159-42.10W, flagged as approximate by the author: 30 ft, sand. About six day-use moorings lie to leeward of the reef with their floats submerged (dive to pick up); tour boats from Port Allen use them all day, often twice, so do not take one for the night until after 4:30 pm; otherwise anchor in sand just outside the moorings but still tucked behind the reef. HAR 13-256-41 Nualolo Kai restricted zone: no motorized vessel may operate over the reef; no anchoring or mooring on live coral; state moorings are for daylight use; commercial vessels are limited to six at a time, 18 passengers each, 45 minutes on a mooring. Private boat landings on Nualolo Kai beach are NOT permitted (permitted commercial landings only). No services; no civilization. Status (State Parks notices, October 19, 2026): Na Pali and Polihale were closed for Hurricane Lowell from September 4, 2026; Haena State Park reopened October 15, 2026, but all Kauai camping remained closed and Kokee Road was closed until further notice - check the Park Notices page before relying on any landing or camping plan.
Best for
The Na Pali overnight stop in summer
Season
Summer months with no north swell
Nearby
- Nualolo Kai Ancient Village Site0.1 NM away
- Nualolo Kai Reef Snorkel0.2 NM away
- Milolii Ridge Beach (Na Pali State Park)1.1 NM away
- Honopu Arch and Beach1.7 NM away
- Na Pali Spinner Dolphins1.9 NM away
- Kalalau Beach Anchorage2.4 NM away
- Na Pali Coast Landing and Camping Permits2.5 NM away
- Kauai Summer Na Pali Season and Winter North Swell3.4 NM away