The Na Pali Coast is a must-visit destination found on the Hawaiian islands. Located on the northwestern shores of Kauai, the Na Pali Coast is known to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. It stretches 17 miles and is notable for its breathtaking sea cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, and abundance of marine life. Hanalei Charters offers unforgettable boat tours, allowing visitors to experience this sacred place up close and personal.
Unique Marine Ecosystem of Hawaii
Boasting over 7000 known species of marine plants and animals, Hawaii is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts. The islands are home to 85% of the United States’s coral reefs, including Maro Reef, which has over 478,000 acres of reef area. There are also plentiful kelp forests and seagrass beds. Hanaelei’s coastline features lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and hidden beaches only accessible by boat. Weather permitting, our boats can also navigate along sea caves.
Diverse Marine Life
Hawaii is home to a diverse population of marine animals. The islands boast over 1,250 unique marine species that can only be found within its coral reef system. It is also home to a variety of marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals. Visitors taking a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast may even encounter humpback whales, killer whales, and sperm whales. It is also one of the best places to spot dolphins such as the spinner and bottlenose dolphin, which love to swim in crystal clear, blue waters.
Here are some of the top marine life that visitors of the beautiful and sacred Na Pali Coast might encounter:
1.Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles or “Honu”
The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is native to Hawaii. Although these animals are endangered, they are often seen swimming off Kauai’s Na Pali Coastline. In Hawaiian culture, the honu is said to be a symbol of good luck. Legend says these wondrous animals were the original guides that showed ancient Polynesians how to get to Hawaii.
2. Manta Rays
Manta Rays are one of the largest fish in the ocean. They can grow to have a wingspan of up to twenty-five feet or more and have the largest brains of all fish! Kauai is well-known for its large population of manta rays, which, unlike stingrays, do not have stingers. The Na Pali Coast is the ideal destination to catch a glimpse of these marvelous, gentle giants.
3. Dolphins
The most common dolphins around Kauai are bottlenose dolphins and Hawaiian spinner dolphins. Dolphins are very social animals and live together in pods. They communicate with each other through a variety of sounds and use echolocation to navigate their surroundings and find food. Dolphins can swim up to 20 miles per hour and can often be seen leaping out of the waters around Kauai. A boat tour in the beautiful waters of the Na Pali Coast will provide you with an excellent chance to see these intelligent and playful creatures up close.
4. Reef Triggerfish
Snorkelers visiting the Na Pali Coast will be amazed by the extensive coral reefs, which are considered some of the best in Hawaii. Among these colorful reefs live the reef triggerfish. This fish, known as the humuhumunukunukuapuaa in Hawaiian, has sharp teeth and powerful jaws and is often found searching for food along the bottom of shallow reef habitats. The reef triggerfish is also Hawaii’s state fish!
How to View These Incredible Marine Animals
The Na Pali Coast is an unforgettable natural wonder teeming with unique and diverse marine life. If you want to make the most of your trip to Kauai, book a guided boat tour with Hanalei Charters today!
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