Hawaii's fourth largest island, Kauai, is often called the Garden Isle. The oldest of the Hawaiian Island chain, Kauai is covered with a thick tropical forest that's accented by jagged volcanic cliffs. Some of the island's coastal mountains, thousands of feet high, drop directly into the sea.
   Ke'e Beach Park, located on the north shore, is Kauai’s most popular beach. Listed among the top ten beaches in Hawaii, its unique lagoon, filled with fish and sea turtles, attracts swimmers and snorkelers. Here at the end of Route 560, the road dead-ends at Ke'e Beach and Ha’ena State Park. Westward lies the dramatic Na Pali Coast, a land only accessible on foot or by boat. Ranked a 9 out of 10 in difficulty, the 11 mile Kalalau Trail winds through the thick, pristine coastline, into a lush river valley, and passes the gorgeous Hanakapi'ai Falls to Hanakapi`ai Beach. Continuing on to Hanakua and Kalalau Valleys requires a state permit. Occasionally, flash floods create an impassable Hanakapi`ai Stream, and adventurous hikers become stranded on the western side of the island. For those not as adventurous, boat tours and helicopters frequent the Na Pali Coast.

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