The N? Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Ke?e Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali (cliffs) rise as high as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the Pacific Ocean. The state park was formed to protect the Kalalau Valley.
Although inaccessible to vehicles, this coast can be enjoyed by hiking, boating in kayaks or in a helicopter from May 15 through Labor Day. The Kalalau Trail from the end of Hawaii Route 56 (called the Kuhio Highway) provides the only land access, traversing 11 miles (18 km) and crossing five major valleys (and many smaller ones) before reaching Kalalau Beach at the base of Kalalau Valley.