Park Conditions

Current Conditions

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.

Interested in nearby cultural/community experiences? Visit about us for 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 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. 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.

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 sunscreen.

Do not approach animals or stand / walk on reef.

Lifeguard safety tips.
Hanakāpī’ai wave hits bystanders