Park Conditions
Current Conditions8
October through April: expect rough ocean and rain. Check conditions day of your visit. Snorkeling and swimming may not be permitted if unsafe.
County of Kauai Ocean Safety: Kē‘ē Beach Surf Conditions.
Plan Your Visit
Tips for a safer and more enjoyable visit.
Interested in nearby cultural/community experiences? Visitabout usfor links.
Parking lot/shuttle drop-off is 0.33 miles walk to Kē’ē Beach & Kalalau Trailhead. All entry reservations include Hā’ena State Park, Kē’ē Beach and hikes to Hanakāpī’ai Beach and Waterfall. Hiking past Hanakāpī’ai valley along coastal Kalalau Trailrequires 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 bystanders • Lifeguard safety tips
TRAIL: VERY DIFFICULT, especially for elderly/young due to constant steep ascents and descents which start right at trailhead. Hanakāpī’ai Valley hikes are 4 miles, round trip, to Hanakāpī’ai Beach, allow 3 to 4 hrs. Hanakāpī’ai Falls is 8 miles round trip t allow 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.
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 sunscreen.
Do 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.
Bring: Extra water, covered shoes, hat, sun/bug protection, extra clothes (variable weather).
No Cell Service: Download or print reservation PDF.
Be on time: Shuttles don’t wait (parking timeslots can’t be extended).
Driving Delays:Allow extra time for roadwork.
Useful Links
Transportation to Hanalei: Kauai Bus service to Hanalei. Kauai Bus stop is 0.6 miles from Waipā Park & Ride. No bus service on Sundays Walking map.
State Highway Alerts: State highway alerts.
Hawaii State Parks Links: Kalalau Trail safety video
Hā‘ena State Park: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/haena-state-park/
Hāʻena & Nāpali Coast Access: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/home/Hā‘ena-napali-access/
Kalalau Trail: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/kauai/kalalau-trai