Park Conditions

Current Conditions

Check conditions at the links below on the day of your visit. Snorkeling and swimming may not be permitted if unsafe.  Expect rougher conditions and more rain October through AprilWatch this page for announcements. 

National Weather Service          North Shore Weather Forecast
Hawaii State Parks                       Kalalau Trail Information and Status

County of Kauai Ocean Safety  Kē‘ē Beach Surf Conditions.  

Plan Your Visit

Tips for a safer and more enjoyable visit.  

Looking to explore local culture and community?  Visit our about us page for community links.


Parking lot/shuttle drop-off is a 0.33 miles walk to Kē’ē Beach & Kalalau Trailhead. All entry reservations include Hā’ena State Park, Kē’ē Beach and hiking trail to Hanakāpī’ai Beach and Waterfall.  Hiking past Hanakāpī’ai valley along coastal Kalalau Trail requires camping permit.


SAFETY: Bring extra water. Expect slippery / muddy conditions (wet rocks) year-round.  Fellow hikers warn do NOT hike with baby carriers.  Sandals / “flipflops” can lead to injury. Streams in this area are high risk for unexpected, FLASH FLOODING. Do not cross stream if water is rushing or murky.  If stream levels rise, SHELTER IN PLACE until safe to cross.  No cell service (no hiker rescue during high stream levels). Enter ocean only at Kē‘ē beach.  Hanakāpī’ai wave hits bystandersLifeguard safety tips


TRAIL:   VERY DIFFICULT, especially for elderly/young due to constant steep ascents and descents which start right at trailhead. Hanakāpī’ai hikes are 4 miles round trip to Hanakāpī’ai Beach (3 to 4 hrs), or 8 miles round trip to Hanakāpī’ai Falls (6 to 8 hrs).  Waterfall hike has stream crossings, expect slow going (experienced hikers only).  Allow faster hikers to pass. No speakers/drones. Review Hawaii State Parks links below. Archaeological sites are protected by law. Do not pick up rocks, sit on, or disassemble rock walls.

PDF trail map / brochure

OCEAN:Enter ocean only at Kē‘ē:   Expect rough ocean October to April.Year round, lifeguards may close the beach if unsafe

Use reef safe sunscreenDo not approach animals or stand / walk on reef

Lifeguard safety tips

Hanakāpī’ai wave hits bystanders

 

Prepare

Prepare: Watch safety videos, read trail info, including all signage at the park.

Check conditions at links at top of page.

Bring: Extra water, covered shoes, hat, sun/bug protection, extra clothes (variable weather).

No Cell Service:  Download or print reservation PDF in advance.

Be on time: Shuttles don’t wait (parking timeslots can’t be extended)

Driving Delays: Allow extra time for roadwork. State highway alerts


Useful Links


Kauai Bus service to Hanalei.  If you don’t have a car, Kauai Bus stop is 0.6 miles from Waipā Park & Ride. 

No bus service on Sundays  Walking map


Hawaii State Parks

Hā‘ena State Park https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/haena-state-park/

Nāpali Coast  https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/home/Hā‘ena-napali-access/

Kalalau Trailhttps://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/kauai/kalalau-trail