How to Visit Haena State Park and Kalalau

Kauai’s north shore, with its quaint villages, winding roads over single-lane bridges, and pristine beaches, will transport you to a place and time reminiscent of old Hawaii. At the end of the road, Haena State Park is home to Ke’e Beach and is also the starting point for both the Hanakapiai beach and waterfall trail and the Kalalau Trail. Haena State Park is open daily from 7 am to 6:45 pm, including holidays.

In recent years, the State of Hawaii has implemented a permit system for non-residents to visit Haena State Park, and while it may seem complex, it really isn’t! Read further to learn the where, what, and how to visit Haena State Park and hike Kauai’s famously scenic Kalalau Trail.

Rule # 1: Advanced reservations and permits are required

All vehicles, walk-in entries, and shuttle riders visiting Haena State Park and day hikers accessing the Kalalau Trail are required to make advanced reservations and/or purchase parking permits. Entry fees to the park are $5 per person for non-residents. There are additional fees to apply for a parking pass ($10) or to use the Kauai North Shore Shuttle ($40 ages 16+, $25 ages 4-15, ages 0-3 free on lap). There is a 10% cancellation fee for each canceled reservation.
 
 

Rule #2: Day entry parking is limited

There are only 100 parking stalls in the parking lot – 70 allocated visitor parking stalls and 30 Hawaii resident parking stalls. Reservations may be made online at [gohaena.com](https://www.gohaena.com) up to 30 days in advance at 12 am Hawaii Standard Time and no later than the day before your visit. If you haven’t made a reservation for a parking permit, you can also check between 7-8 am daily for new availability due to cancellations. Make sure to bring identification with you, as all visitors named on the reservation must arrive in one vehicle. Reservations are not permitted to be shared or resold. Parking permits are in high demand and have been sold out nearly immediately after being posted online.
 
 

Rule #3: Permit required for hiking beyond Hanakapiai Beach

The first two miles on the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach is the perfect mildly strenuous day hike, offering scenic glimpses of the Napali Coast while you wind around the narrow coastline. Once at Hanakapiai Beach, enjoy lunch next to the peaceful freshwater stream, find a spot on the beach to take a nap, or hike an additional two miles (one way) inland to the staggering 200-foot Hanakapiai Falls. However, hiking beyond Hanakapiai Beach requires a camping permit for the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. Without a valid camping permit, you run the risk of being fined by the State DLNR.

*If you have a valid camping permit for the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, you do not need to make a park entry reservation for Haena State Park.
 
 

Rule #4: Limited overnight parking permits for hikers are available

If you are able to get overnight parking at Haena State Park, consider yourself among the fortunate. Overnight parking permits must be purchased at gohaena.com after securing a camping permit. Otherwise, those with permits to camp overnight at the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park/Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai must either use the shuttle service or arrange for private drop off. Overnight camping permits are available for reservation 90 days in advance at camping.ehawaii.gov. Camping permits cost $35 per person, per night and are good for up to five consecutive nights.
 
 

Rule #5: Skip the parking and take the Kauai North Shore Shuttle

Not really a rule, but we recommend that those wanting to explore Haena State Park take advantage of the Kauai North Shore Shuttle! We love the Kauai North Shore Shuttle because you are guaranteed a seat during your reserved ride time and the shuttle runs every 20 minutes. You can also standby for another ride time with your shuttle reservation. Reservations can be easily made online by visiting [gohaena.com](https://gohaena.com). Prices range from $40 for ages 16+, $25 for ages 4-15, and 0-3 are free on lap. Small beach gear is allowed, such as folding chairs, snorkel equipment, and umbrellas. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough space for surfboards, large coolers, or other large items.

If you decide to take the Kauai North Shore Shuttle, there is only one parking option. Park for free at the Waipa Park & Ride between 6 am – 6:40 pm daily. Travel time to Haena is approximately 20-25 minutes. If you are staying in Haena, it is possible to be picked up at a shuttle stop near your accommodations; however, you will need to email the State proof of accommodations and your shuttle reservation 2+ days prior for approval to board at a nearby shuttle stop. Route stops are Wainiha Store, Hanalei Colony Resort, Haena Beach Park, Limahuli Garden, and Haena State Park. There is no parking allowed at these stops.
 
 

COSTS TO GO

• Non-resident daily entry fee: $5
• Non-resident parking stall permit: $10
• North Shore Shuttle fee: $25-40 with reservations

Haena State Park is one of Kauai’s most pristine and delicate treasures. The road to get to Haena State Park is narrow, meandering over one-lane bridges and mountain stream crossings, past the openings of the wet and dry caves, and leading to perfect white sand beaches with crystal clear water lapping gently against the shoreline. To put it simply…it’s paradise.