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 

*5:40p is LAST SHUTTLE PARK PICK UP daily. Expect longer wait times leaving the state park between 2-4p.  

 

 

 

Safety Considerations:

 

 

Swimming & Snorkeling


Do NOT swim at Hanakāpī‘ai Beach (many past injuries & deaths).  No lifeguards, unpredictable currents & rogue waves.  

 It is a long way from help with no cell service.

 

Even at Kē‘ē Beach, expect rougher ocean October to April (poor snorkeling).  Year round, lifeguards will close Kē‘ē if unsafe. 

 

Clip: Rogue Wave Injures Bystanders


Kauai Lifeguards: Snorkeling Safety

   

Hiking

 

Expect SLIPPERY / MUDDY conditions.  This hike is very strenuous and not recommended for young/elderly.


The second leg of hike from beach to waterfalls is recommended for experienced hikers ONLY

 

 

DO NOT CROSS STREAM if water is rushing or so murky you can’t see bottom.

If stream levels rise, and stream is UNSAFE TO CROSS, you should SHELTER IN PLACE until it is safe to cross. 


Kalalau Trail safety video

No refunds due to conditions at the park or closure of the beach or trail.  


 

 

Interested in nearby community projects?  Visit our partner websites:

 

Hui Maka‘āinana O Makana

Cultural stewardship with lo’i kalo (taro) volunteer activities at Hā‘ena State Park, and developer of Hawaii’s first Community-Based Subsistance Fishing Area (CBSFA).

 

Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Garden

Reservations required.  Verify garden hours at their website.  Built on the footprint of Hawaiian ancestors, Limahuli is one of the most biodiverse valleys in the Hawaiian Islands.

 

Waipā Foundation

Cultural stewardship and education in support of local food systems. Visit their grab-and-go fridge for delicious food just a short drive west of the Park & Ride lot.

 

The Hanalei Initiative

Community-led, Government-supported solutions for the north shore.