Na Pali Coast
Visiting National Parks tops many travelers' summer vacation plans, but there are hundreds of state parks worth exploring, too. The scenery, culture, and ecological assets of many state parks are more than equal to national park standards. What's more, state parks can be extremely cheap to visit, with nominal or no entrance fees and camping from $10 per night. Here's a photo tour of 10 worthy state parks around the country.
With its fluted pali, or cliffs, and miles of undeveloped beaches, Hawaii's Na Pali Coast State Park evokes the setting of the mystical island on ABC's Lost. That show is filmed on Oahu, but here on Kauai, the best and only way to get into the heart of the park is to hike the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile path that hugs the coast, crossing five valleys and numerous wild beaches. The journey requires a tough 22-mile round-trip hike and spending several nights in rustic campsites. There is a $10 fee per person, per night to camp.
(Photo: Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau)
