Taking Care Of Mother Nature
The beauty of Hā’ena State Park on the island of Kauai is so well known that its popularity is becoming an issue. As more visitors come to see the stunning beach coves and dramatic cliffs of the park, intensive trail usage and car parking have become problems. But that situation is being resolved by new rules governing visits to the park, including the creation of a pass reservation system.
Storms and severe flooding in 2018 caused both Hāʻena State Park and Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park to be closed for over a year. This gave the Division of State Parks the opportunity to not only repair and upgrade the infrastructure, but also ensure greater protection of the resources through new management strategies. One of these is the new park pass reservation system.
Advance bookings a must
Hāʻena State Park, home to stunning Kēʻē Beach, as well as the trailhead for the world famous Kalalau Trail and Hanakāpīʻai beach and waterfalls, is now subject to daily visitor limits of 900 people per day, requiring advanced reservations to enter the park.
Non-Hawaii residents must purchase park entry reservations (US$1 per person) or a parking reservation ($5 per vehicle) prior to arrival at Hāʻena SP.
Parking reservations includes park entry fees for the driver and passengers of the vehicle. Day use parking and park entries are available for purchase 30 days in advance of a planned visit.
Hāʻena State Park offers viewing of restored lo’i kalo (taro fields) and ancient sea caves formed during higher levels of the sea, about 4,000 years ago, as well as the spectacular Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park.
The park also offers beach-related activities, including shore fishing and swimming at Ke’e Beach.
