Nualolo Kai State Park
Ancient Hawaiian Fishing Village on the Nā Pali Coast — Restricted Archaeological Site, Centuries-Old Stone Platforms and Terraces, Boat-Only Access by Permitted Tours, Within Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kaua’i Hawai’i
Nu’alolo Kai is a protected archaeological site within the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kaua’i, Hawai’i. The site features the remains of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village continuously occupied for hundreds of years, significant archaeological remains including stone platforms, terraces, and evidence of ancient coastal life, boat-only access restricted to authorized tour operators with valid state permits, dramatic Nā Pali Coast cliff-backed beach setting, educational tours explaining Hawaiian history, fishing culture, and archaeological preservation, and management by the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Nu’alolo Kai is one of Kaua’i’s most significant archaeological sites — an ancient Hawaiian fishing village tucked beneath the sheer cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast. The village was continuously inhabited for centuries, and its stone platforms and terraces remain remarkably well-preserved.
Important: You cannot hike to Nu’alolo Kai — there is no overland trail access. The only way to visit is via authorized boat tours with valid DLNR landing permits. Several Kaua’i tour operators offer these excursions seasonally (summer months when ocean conditions allow safe landing).
What to See
- Ancient fishing village — stone platforms, terraces, archaeological remains
- Nā Pali Coast scenery — dramatic cliff-backed beach
- Educational tours — Hawaiian history and culture
- Marine life — snorkeling opportunities on permitted tours
Site Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nā Pali Coast, Kaua’i, HI |
| Within | Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park |
| Type | Protected archaeological site |
| Access | Boat-only — permitted tour operators only |
| No Hiking | No overland trail access exists |
| Season | Summer — ocean conditions permitting |
| Managed By | Hawai’i DLNR |
| Coordinates | 22.1350° N, 159.6950° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Nualolo Kai SP — accessible only by boat or kayak — a remote valley on the Nā Pali Coast. The site preserves an ancient Hawaiian fishing village abandoned in the 1900s. The park’s pristine reef, sea cliffs, and valley support Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and spinner dolphins.
Nearby Attractions
Nā Pali Coast — surrounding. Accessible only by water. Kokee SP — above the valley rim.
Can you hike to Nu’alolo Kai?
No — there is no hiking trail to Nu’alolo Kai. This ancient Hawaiian fishing village on Kaua’i’s Nā Pali Coast is accessible only by boat, and landing is restricted to authorized tour operators holding valid permits from the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The site contains centuries-old stone platforms and terraces from a continuously occupied fishing village. Permitted boat tours typically operate during summer months when ocean conditions allow safe landing. The site is within the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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