Hāʻena State Park
Hāʻena State Park is Kauai’s crown jewel—the gateway to the legendary Nā Pali Coast and home to the breathtaking Keʻe Beach. This sacred Hawaiian place marks the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore and the beginning of the iconic Kalalau Trail, one of America’s most spectacular hikes. Reservations are mandatory for all visitors—book early as parking sells out quickly!
🚨 NEW Reservation System – February 2026!
- Starting Feb 1, 2026: NEW camping system at explore.ehawaii.gov
- Day-Use (Parking/Shuttle): Book at gohaena.com
- Non-residents MUST have reservations!
- Hawaii residents: Free entry with valid ID
Reservation System – REQUIRED
| Reservation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| 🅿️ Parking | Limited spots, 30 days in advance, gohaena.com |
| 🚐 Shuttle | Every 20 min, 6:20 AM – 12:40 PM |
| 🥾 Kalalau Permit | 90 days in advance, 12:01 AM HST |
| ⛺ Camping | explore.ehawaii.gov (NEW Feb 2026!) |
| Parking Slots | Time |
|---|---|
| 🌅 Morning | 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| 🌇 Afternoon | 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM (sunset) |
Shuttle Service
| Shuttle Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Main Pick-Up | Waipa Park & Ride (FREE parking) |
| 📍 Alternate | Princeville Makai Golf Club (no parking) |
| ⏱️ Frequency | Every 20 minutes |
| 🕐 Hours | 6:20 AM – 12:40 PM |
Keʻe Beach
| Beach Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach | Protected lagoon, snorkeling (calm days) |
| 🌅 Sunset | One of Hawaii’s most spectacular! |
| 🏛️ Cultural | Sacred Hawaiian site (hālau hula) |
| ⚠️ Currents | Strong during winter swells! |
Kalalau Trail – Nā Pali Coast
| Trail Section | Distance | Permit? |
|---|---|---|
| 🥾 Hanakapiʻai Beach | 2 miles | Day-use reservation only |
| 🥾 Hanakoa | 6 miles | ✅ Kalalau permit required |
| 🥾 Kalalau Valley | 11 miles | ✅ Kalalau permit required |
| Kalalau Permit | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Release | 90 days in advance, 12:01 AM HST |
| ⛺ Camping | Hanakoa (6 mi) + Kalalau (11 mi) |
| 🅿️ Overnight Parking | Separate purchase at gohaena.com |
| 🎟️ Entry | Kalalau permit = park entry included |
Park Hours
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer (Apr 1+) | 7:00 AM – 7:45 PM |
| 🌙 Winter | 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM |
| 🅿️ Parking Lot | Opens 6:30 AM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Hā’ena SP — gateway to the Nā Pali Coast. The park’s reef, tropical forest, and sea caves support Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, and native forest birds.
Nearby Attractions
Nā Pali Coast — Kalalau Trail starts here. Kauai’s North Shore — surrounding.
Do I need a reservation for Hāʻena State Park?
Yes! All non-Hawaii residents must have reservations to enter Hāʻena State Park and Keʻe Beach. You can book either a parking pass or shuttle ticket through gohaena.com. Hawaii residents with valid ID are exempt from fees but still subject to parking availability. Parking spots are released 30 days in advance and sell out quickly!
What changed in February 2026 for reservations?
Starting February 1, 2026, Hawaii State Parks implemented a NEW camping reservation system at explore.ehawaii.gov. You must create a new account on this platform to book Kalalau Trail camping permits for dates on or after Feb 1, 2026. Day-use reservations (parking/shuttle) remain at gohaena.com.
Do I need a permit to hike to Hanakapiʻai Beach?
You can day-hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiʻai Beach without a Kalalau camping permit. However, you still need a Hāʻena State Park day-use reservation (parking or shuttle). To hike beyond Hanakapiʻai—to Hanakoa (6 miles) or Kalalau Valley (11 miles)—a Kalalau permit is mandatory.
When are Kalalau permits released?
Kalalau camping permits are released 90 days in advance at 12:01 AM Hawaii Standard Time (HST). These permits are extremely competitive—set an alarm and be ready to book the moment they become available. A valid Kalalau permit also grants you entry into Hāʻena State Park, eliminating the need for a separate day-use reservation.
Is overnight parking available at the trailhead?
Yes, but limited. If you have a valid Kalalau camping permit, you can purchase overnight parking at the Hāʻena State Park trailhead separately through gohaena.com. You must secure your Kalalau permit first before buying overnight parking. Spots are limited and may not always be available.
🏝️ Gateway to Nā Pali
Stand at the edge of the legendary Nā Pali Coast, snorkel at sacred Keʻe Beach, and embark on one of America’s greatest trails. Book at gohaena.com for day-use and explore.ehawaii.gov for camping permits (NEW Feb 2026!).
Explore More Hawaii State Parks
Hāʻena State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Hawaii. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Hawaii guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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