Sight guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Visiting Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach
The end of the road on the North Shore, with Kēʻē Beach's reef-protected lagoon and the trailhead of the Kalalau Trail.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: The original uploader was MattWright at English Wikipedia ., CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach is a nature spot in Hanalei, Kauaʻi. Allow half a day; it is low cost. Non-residents need an advance reservation for entry and parking or the shuttle, which often sells out weeks ahead.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Hanalei
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- active, nature and outdoors
- Best months
- February and April–May
Plan a trip to Kauaʻi
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach
The end of the road on the North Shore, with Kēʻē Beach's reef-protected lagoon and the trailhead of the Kalalau Trail. The first section climbs about 3.2 km each way to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, with views of the Nā Pali cliffs, and the park also protects cultural sites and taro terraces.
Tip: Do not swim at Hanakāpīʻai Beach, which has dangerous currents; enjoy the view and turn back unless you have a permit to continue.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: Non-residents need an advance reservation for entry and parking or the shuttle, which often sells out weeks ahead.
- Where: Hanalei, surf town of taro fields, food trucks and a long bay beach.
Best time to visit Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach
Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Kauaʻi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Kauaʻi itinerary visits Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach on day 2, together with Hanalei Bay.
- No. 3 of the 17 sights in our Kauaʻi things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Kauaʻi.
Near Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach
Also in Hanalei, so you can walk between them:
- Hanalei Bay — half a day, free
- Limahuli Garden and Preserve — 2 hours, mid-priced
If you like Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach
- Nā Pali Coast — North and West Shores, Half a day
- Kōkeʻe State Park and Kalalau Lookout — Kōkeʻe, 2–3 hours
- Poʻipū Beach Park — Poʻipū and Kōloa, Half a day
- Wailua River kayak — Kapaʻa and Wailua, Half a day
Staying near Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach
Stay in Hanalei ($$$$) to walk here: surf town of taro fields, food trucks and a long bay beach. All areas to stay in Kauaʻi.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach?
Plan half a day. With Hanalei Bay nearby, it fits a half-day in Hanalei.
+Is Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach free?
No, it is low cost. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach?
February and April–May for the most comfortable weather. Do not swim at Hanakāpīʻai Beach, which has dangerous currents; enjoy the view and turn back unless you have a permit to continue.
+Do I need to book Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach in advance?
Non-residents need an advance reservation for entry and parking or the shuttle, which often sells out weeks ahead.