Park Conditions
Current Conditions
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? 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. 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 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.
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.
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
Hawaii State Parks Official Links
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 Trail: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/kauai/kalalau-trail
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