Info & FAQ's
Please consider also visiting alohapledge.com
Read entire page to ensure awareness of all policies prior to purchase.
Safety/trail warnings in “Plan Your Visit” below.
9:33 am 3/29/23 ALL shuttle service canceled/refunded for the rest of the day due to weather concerns.
Check website 5-6a / 5-6p Hawaii time for NEW availability that may arise due to cancellations.
Spring is on its way! Longer days mean afternoons are a GREAT time to visit the park!
3/12/2023: Time difference between Hawaii and US mainland changes +1 hour in areas that “spring forward”.
How to Go Hā'ena
Aloha!
Our community is privileged to manage the state park’s access. We ask for your respect and compliance with rules which have resolved unsafe/poor experiences and impacts of overuse on our natural resources, cultural spaces and roads. Find out more: About Us. Mahalo!
Review these sections prior to emailing or purchase *Camping Section also below.
Reservations: who needs to reserve, options, website tips, and how to cancel/change.
Plan Your Visit: Helpful tips and safety warnings.
Shuttle & Waipā Park & Ride: policies/procedures, driving map, shuttle details.
Visiting Hā'ena State Park
If you do not have a Hawaii driver license or state ID, you must reserve in advance online to visit the park or HIKE.
Residents with Hawaii driver license or state ID may enter the park and park their vehicle for free, first-come first-serve. No time limit up until dusk daily (or overnight with camping permit). No other IDs or documentation are accepted for free entry. Residents or others without accepted ID must purchase a reservation (see next section). Minors (under 18) are not required to have ID.
The park is open daily including holidays 7:00a to 6:45p. Parking lot opens 6:30a. Shuttles run 6:30a to 6:00p (last park pick up daily).
Reservation Options
NO discounts of any kind are offered for any reservation option. National or other state passes not accepted. ADA info here.
All options include entry to Hā’ena State Park, visiting Kē’ē Beach and hiking to Hanakāpī’ai Beach and Waterfall. Hiking past Hanakāpī’ai valley along the coastal Kalalau Trail or overnight camping requires permit (see camping below). Read safety/trail warnings below prior to purchase.
Dates open 30 days prior at 12 a.m. Hawaii time (4/29 opens March 30, 4/30 on March 31). Green circle = available. Red X = NOT available. Parking / entry reservations sell out immediately. We do not waitlist or accept email reservations. Check 5-6a/5-6p for NEW availability from cancellations.
RESERVATION OPTIONS *All options include day use entry/hiking as describe above.
10% cancel fee applies to all purchases.
1. Shuttle: best availability, includes roundtrip transportation from Hanalei (free parking, map link below).
2. Parking + entry: Sell out immediately by 12:01a.
3. Entry only: only if you don’t need to park a vehicle. *Parking outside the park violates terms of purchase.
1. Shuttle reservations sold roundtrip and run every 20 minutes 6:30a-6:00p. $35 ages 16+, $25 ages 4-15, ages 0-3 free on lap. IMPORTANT: Shuttle ticket holders MUST ride shuttle. Read SHUTTLE section below for policies and more details.
2. Parking + entry reservations sell out by 12:01a. $10/timeslot (plus $5 entry/person). Purchase multiple timeslots to stay longer. Enter the parking lot anytime after timeslot begins but you MUST leave by timeslot end. All visitors named on reservation must arrive together in one vehicle (no multiple trips). Make a separate reservation for each vehicle. Parking Timeslots: *choose START time in reservation drop-down menu:
- Morning: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Evening: 4:30 pm – sunset.
3. Entry Only ($5/person): For resident guests and those who do not need to park a vehicle. ***Caution: State park visitors may not park outside the park. Doing so violates our terms of purchase. Tickets are $200+ and cars can be towed from nearby destinations.
Mahalo! Shuttle riders help us to restore peace in Wainiha and Hā‘ena and fees support community projects and jobs (About Us).
MAKING RESERVATIONS
10% cancel fee applies to all purchases.
TIP: AFTERNOONS are a great time to visit the park! Shuttle ticket holders can ride standby in the afternoon. See shuttle section below.
TIP: Issues during reservation usually due to poor cell signal / weak wifi. Also try a different device, browser, and credit/debit card. Do not resubmit or navigate from page while payment is processed.
TIP: Check that your auto-complete doesn’t insert your own name into all the individual names for your party.
TIP: Uncompleted parking purchases are released at 12:15a and also check 5-6a/5-6p for NEW availability arising from cancellations.
TIP: Failed purchase(s) may result in pending credit card authorization(s). We release authorizations immediately, but your bank may take longer.
TIP: Tickets emailed with PDF attached (check your spam folder). CHECK PDF for accuracy and reply to email if you need corrections.
LARGE GROUPS: Make several SHUTTLE reservations of 2-6 instead of one large reservation. Removing individuals requires cancellation of entire reservation (10% fee).
Read ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE emailing (“shuttle” section below). Email info@gohaena.com for fastest response. If your need isn’t resolved via email, leave a message for our System Manager at 808-635-8370.
Changing or Canceling Reservations
To CHANGE your DATE/TIME or remove individuals, you must CANCEL your reservation (policy below) and PURCHASE NEW RESERVATION. Check website 5-6a / 5-6p for new availability arising from cancellations. We do not waitlist and cannot make changes by email, except corrections so that visitor names match IDs. *Transfer of full reservation is prohibited.
To CANCEL, reply to confirmation email or email WS# (see PDF) to info@gohaena.com. Cancel 3+ days prior for automatic refund less 10% fee. Cancels less than 3 days prior are refunded if we resell your released space. Cancel early for best chance of refund. We do not refund unused or missed reservations for any reason including rain or closure of trail or beach. *We fully refund shuttle reservations if service is suspended.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Spring is on its way and longer days mean afternoons are a GREAT time to visit the park! Effective 3/12/2023: last PARK SHUTTLE PICK UP IS 6PM.
Tips from fellow state park visitors for a safer and more enjoyable visit.
Parking lot/shuttle drop-off is 0.4 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 / Waterfall. Hiking past Hanakāpī’ai valley along coastal Kalalau Trail or overnight camping requires permit (camping below).
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 and no hiker rescue due to high stream levels. News clip (wave injures beach bystanders) Kalalau Trail safety video
TRAIL: VERY DIFFICULT, especially for elderly/young due to constant steep ascent/descent which start right at trailhead. Hikes are 4 miles RT to beach (allow 4+hrs), 8 miles RT to falls (allow 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. PDF trail map / brochure
Note: Archaeological sites protected by law. Do NOT pick up rocks, do NOT sit on or disassemble rock walls.
OCEAN: Enter ocean only at Kē‘ē Beach. Expect rough ocean October to April. Year round, lifeguards close the beach if unsafe. No refunds for weather or beach closure. Use reef safe sunscreen. Do NOT approach animals or walk on reef. News clip (wave injures beach bystanders)
PREPARE: Check Park Conditions for weather / trail / ocean conditions. Watch safety videos, read trail info.
Bring: EXTRA WATER, covered shoes, HAT, sun/bug protection, extra clothes (variable weather).
Be on time: Shuttles don’t wait (parking timeslots can’t be extended). DOWNLOAD PDF to a phone/device OR PRINT. *No cell service in area.
SHUTTLE: Read entire shuttle section below to ensure awareness of all policies. Ask attendant if you plan to visit stops outside of state park. Expect an extended wait between 2-4p leaving the state park. Avoid the crowds and linger at the park! Last shuttles of the day rarely crowded.
Driving from south/east shore? Allow EXTRA time for roadwork delays. Highway roadwork alerts.
Hawaii State Parks Links
Kalalau Trail safety video and PDF trail map / brochure
Hā‘ena State Park: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/Hā‘ena-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-trail
Shuttle and Waipā Park & Ride Information
Mahalo! Shuttle riders help us to restore peace in Wainiha and Hā‘ena and fees support community projects and jobs (About Us).
Shuttles run every 20 minutes everyday from 6:30a (Waipa) to 6:00p (last pick-up at state park).
Google Map to Waipā Park & Ride GPS coordinates: 22.201069, -159.510416. FREE PARKING ALL DAY at Park & Ride, but NO overnight parking. All shuttle tickets are round-trip, and return rides first-come, first serve from any shuttle stop. Check Schedule & Stops for route map, service schedule.
Shuttle ticket holders MUST ride the shuttle for park entry. Park attendants will not allow shuttle ticket holders entry if not on shuttle.
Shuttle riders MUST check in at Waipā Park & Ride FIRST, then you can get on or off at any stop. Staying in Wainiha or Hā‘ena? Email us proof of accommodations address along with reservation WS# 2+ days prior for approval to board at a nearby stop. No parking at route stops.
You are guaranteed a seat at your reserved departure time (check-in 5 minutes prior). Shuttle ticket holders can RIDE STANDBY all day long and afternoons are a GREAT time to visit the park!. No need to email, just go to Waipā Park & Ride. *Groups of 5+ please ride standby 11a or later.
Small beach gear is ok (folding chairs, snorkel gear, umbrellas). NO large items such as surfboards, large coolers, etc. You may need to carry some items on your lap or by your feet. No storage at park. Do not leave belongings on shuttle.
Need transportation from other towns? Kauai Bus has service to Hanalei. Kauai Bus stop is 0.6 miles from Waipā Park & Ride. Walking map.
Shuttles reduce cars and support community projects and jobs (About Us). Mahalo for your support!
CAMPING
NOTE: Only Kalalau Trail camping permits include entry to Hā‘ena State Park or Kalalau Trail. Camping permits for other locations do NOT. Access to Miloli’i is via OCEAN only. Contact Hawaii State Parks for camping permits (links below).
Kalalau Trail camping permits required to hike PAST Hanakāpī’ai Valley, even just for a day hike. NO overnight camping in Hā‘ena State Park or the parking lot. State Parks allows camping only at specific locations on Kalalau Trail, with permit. Camping permit must list all hikers, IDs checked at park entrance. Purchase Camping Permits up to 90 days in advance. *Review safety warnings at State Parks website.
Limited OVERNIGHT PARKING available for Kalalau Trail Camping Permit holders. Purchase parking for all days your vehicle will be in parking lot Book overnight parking here. Do NOT park your vehicle outside of park, vehicles left overnight elsewhere may be ticketed. *Hawaii residents must purchase camping permits, but can park overnight for free with camping permit and Hawaii driver license or state ID.
Campers can be dropped off / picked up at park entrance. Parking lot opens at 6:30 a.m. Show your Kalalau Trail camping permit and ID. All campers must be named on permit. Park attendant will provide additional pick-up instructions. Make your plans in advance- no cell signal at park.
Need shuttle transportation? Note that there is NO overnight parking at Waipā Park & Ride. Vehicles left overnight at Waipā may be towed. Kauai Bus services Hanalei (link in shuttle section). No discount on shuttle reservations for those who only need one way ride, or who already have park entry through a camping permit. With camping permit and shuttle reservation, take any shuttle from Hā‘ena State Park on any date in your permit.
PARK AND TRAIL links at Hawaii State Parks
Kalalau Trail safety video and PDF trail map / brochure
Hā‘ena State Park: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/Hā‘ena-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-trail
Proceeds from access fees support community projects and jobs. Find out more at About Us. Mahalo!
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hawaii residents need to make a reservation to visit Hāʻena State Park? No. Residents with valid Hawaiʻi driver license or state ID do not need to make reservations to enter or park at Hāʻena State Park. There are a limited number of spaces for residents managed on a “first-come, first-served” basis. While we make every effort to accommodate resident use, there is no guarantee there will be parking spots available upon your arrival.
Do I need a reservation to visit Hāʻena Sate Park? If you do not have a State of Hawaii driver license or state ID, you will need an ADVANCE paid reservation made online. All 3 types of entry include access to Ke‘e Beach lagoon and day hiking on Kalalau Trail as far as Hanakāpī’ai Beach and/or Hanakāpī’ai Waterfall. Hiking further or overnight camping requires permit (see camping).
Can I make reservations upon arrival at the Park? No. Reservations must be made online in advance prior to arrival. *Cell service is not available at the park.
Do non-residents need a reservation to visit the park with a Hawaii resident with valid state ID? YES. All park visitors who do not have valid Hawaii ID, still need to have a valid Park Entry Reservation even if they are with a Hawaii resident with ID. Purchase Park Entry Only reservations for all passengers in your vehicle without ID. All residents must have their Hawaii driver license or state ID to gain free entry to the park.
I’ve booked the wrong date or time, or the road, beach, or trail were closed, can I change or be refunded? We allow changes and cancellations to reservations done well in advance as detailed above.
I purchased an Entry Only ticket; where do I park? There are no parking options available at Hāʻena State Park without a Parking voucher. The preferred use of Entry Only and form of transportation with an Entry pass is carpooling with a family / friend resident with State Issued ID.
There are no more parking reservations, can I just park along the side of the road? Parking at other nearby destinations or along the highway shoulder is prohibited, and vehicles found in violation are subject to $200+ fine and/or towing.
If we purchased a morning parking pass, do we need to purchase an afternoon timeslot to stay all day? Yes, multiple time slots can be purchased to stay at the Park for an extended period.
My reserved parking timeslot is 6:30am – 12:30pm. Does that mean I have to leave the Park by 12:30? Yes, you can enter anytime within your reservation time slot but must leave the Park when your reservation ends.
I booked a morning parking pass and I’m hiking to Hanakapi’ai Falls. Do I have to be back by 12:30pm? Yes, the time periods listed on your reservation ticket must be followed to allow other visitors to make their reservation. We recommend booking both morning and afternoon timeslots when hiking to Hanakapi’ai Falls.
I have a Kalalau Trail camping permit. Do I need a reservation for Hāʻena State Park? NO. Valid overnight Kalalau permits allow for the entrance/transiting of Hāʻena State Park. However, if you wish to park your car in the Hāʻena State Park lot while camping, you will need to reserve overnight parking through goHaena.com
I have a Kalalau Trail camping permit. Can I leave my car overnight in the parking lot? Yes, Overnight parking is available at Hāʻena State Park for those with Kalalau Trail Camping Permits. Purchase Overnight Parking AFTER you obtain your camping permit from State Parks.
How do I obtain a camping permit for overnight hiking on the Kalalau Trail? See our camping section above for helpful links to state parks trail and permits.
Mahalo! We hope you enjoy your visit to Hāʻena State Park! For further assistance and best response, please first review this entire page and then email info@gohaena.com and provide your order number if available.