One of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the Pacific has got to be the majestic Na Pali Coast of Kauai. Located in Kauai’s remote North Shore, the Na Pali Coast has been converted into a state park – all 6,175 acres of it, and still remains as isolated from civilization as it was many centuries ago. Practically inaccessible to vehicular traffic, the place is ideal for hiking and camping. However, if you want an unmitigated view of the stunning cliffs for which it is famous, the best way to get a look is to travel by helicopter or boat.

If you take a cruise along the 15-mile stretch of rugged coastline on Kauai’s northwest shore will provide you with an awesome view of the 4,000 foot cliffs, which by the way are where the Coast got its name (“Pali” means “cliffs” in Hawaiian). As you get closer, you will see these cliffs rising abruptly form the Pacific, occasionally showing gaps to reveal wide stretches of golden sand, deep, jungle valleys and mysterious sea caves in between.

The best time to go on a cruise up and down the Coast is during the winter (from December through April). That’s because humpback whales frequent Kauai waters right about this time. The captain of your chartered ship may know exactly where these wonderful sea creatures can be seen and may stop so you can take pictures and get treated to a spectacular show by these playful dirigibles of the deep, along with dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea creatures as well.

The humpback whales can be anywhere around 40 feet long and can weigh up to 85,000 pounds – the fifth largest of the world’s greatest whales. Seen only in Hawaii during the winter, they are protected by federal law so, as a result, their population is rising. When charter a boat tour during humpback season, you are guaranteed to fully expect sightings of these fantastic creatures.

A Na Pali boat tour may not only be restricted to the coastline. Both Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach (named by the National Geographic Traveler as the one of America’s Top 40 Beaches) are well-known Na Pali Coast State Park destinations. If not those, then you can also try Honopu, with its famous arch, Nualolo and Milolii with their fringing reefs.

Depending on your itinerary and how adventurous you feel, you choice of tours can be as wildly exciting as the Na Pali coastline itself. With regards to where you will start your journey, most boat companies launch from Westside harbors. However, if you’ve decided to charter some of the smaller companies, they are permitted from the quaint little town of Hanalei. There are also others that cruise to Ni’ihau where you can stop for a bit of snorkeling and/or scuba diving.

Tips to a Successful Kauai Whale Watching:

• Go with a professional boat company who knows where to find the whales and how to keep you and the whales safe.

• Choose from catamarans, zippy rubber zodiac rafts, cruise vessels, and sail boats.

• Don’t forget to bring your camera. It’s also a good idea choose waterproof disposable ones because you and the camera will get wet during the boat ride. This is especially true if you are standing in the bow area of the boat.

• Binoculars can help with closer observation of whale behavior. However, if the water is rough, be warned that binoculars can be tricky. For best results, choose binoculars with 8 x 40 or 7 x 50 dimensions.

• Choose your clothes properly. Dress for the beach, if you must, because you will get wet. Bringing a towel is a good idea. If you’ve decided to bring some extra dry clothes, make sure you place them in a waterproof bag. Also, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

• Whales are not the only spectacles you’ll see. Look for other wildlife, like spinner dolphins, albatross, and boobies (of the bird variety).

• If you get motion sickness, be sure to take homeopathic or non-prescription motion sickness prevention medication at least 60 minutes before getting on a boat. Your trip will likely include the North Shore where the winter waves swells can be 10-30 feet high, so the ride can be very bumpy at higher speeds. Non-medicated alternatives include: crackers, dry bread, papaya, or ginger. Drink carbonated beverages, especially ginger ale, and avoid alcohol.

Interesting FACT: Whales can be seen by land, too. If you’re a land-lubber and wouldn’t get on a boat for all the whales in the world, then choose a calm day to go whale watching from solid ground. An elevated spot on the shore can serve as your observation point for an unobstructed view of the creatures. Look for the white, v-shaped spouting from the whale’s blow hole that often precedes a roll, a fin slap, or even breaching (jumping out of the water).

Also another TIP: When viewing whales from land, 10 x 50 wide angle binoculars are best.