Choose Your Adventure: What You Can Do
Once you pass through the gates of Hāʻena State Park, the absolute magic of the North Shore opens up to you. Depending on your fitness level and how much dirt you want on your boots, you can customize your day with three incredible park itineraries:
Relax at Kēʻē Beach:
You don’t have to tackle the rugged cliffs to enjoy the park. You can spend your day lounging on the golden sands of Kēʻē Beach, exploring the lush coastal boardwalks, and soaking in a postcard-perfect view of the fluted Nāpali cliffs dropping straight into the Pacific.
Hanakāpīʻai Beach
Hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach
(4 Miles Round-Trip): Take a world-class day trek along the first segment of the iconic Kalalau Trail. You’ll climb 600 vertical feet through wild tropical overgrowth, catch breathtaking ocean vistas, and drop right down onto the historic boulder-strewn sands of Hanakāpīʻai Stream mouth.
Hanakāpīʻai Falls
Trek to Hanakāpīʻai Falls
(8 Miles Round-Trip): The ultimate day-hike challenge. You’ll hike the first 2 miles along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, then turn inland for an additional 2-mile boulder-hopping climb deep into the valley canopy. Standing at the base of the roaring, 760-foot Hanakāpīʻai Falls is an unforgettable reward before your 4-mile trek back to the trailhead.
The Absolute Boundary:
Day-use visitors are strictly prohibited from hiking on the Kalalau Trail past the Hanakāpīʻai Stream boundary sign. A valid state camping permit is legally mandatory to step one inch past Mile 2, even if you are just day-hiking and have no intention of sleeping on the beach.
You do not need an overnight camping permit to experience the first two miles of the spectacular Nāpali Coast line. Day-hikers are permitted to trek from the Kēʻē Beach trailhead up to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, and an additional two miles inland to Hanakāpīʻai Falls.
However, access to Hāʻena State Park is strictly capped by the state to protect the resource. All non-Hawaiʻi residents must secure an advance park reservation voucher before arrival. There are absolutely no standby entries or ticket sales at the gate. Depending on your transportation plans, you must secure either a Shuttle Voucher, a Self-Parking Pass, or an Entry-Only Pass to legally step foot on the trail.
North Shore Shuttle
The easiest and most reliable option. Includes round-trip transit from Princeville/Hanalei and your mandatory park entry fee. Tickets open up 30 days in advance.
Self-Parking Pass
Extremely limited spots that sell out in seconds 30 days in advance at midnight. Requires booking morning, afternoon, or sunset parking vouchers.
Entry-Only Pass
Ideal if you have a local ride-share, want to bike in, or hold a separate commercial drop-off voucher. Does not include parking or shuttle access.
Understanding the “Entry-Only” Pass System
If you choose the Park Entry-Only Pass, you are paying strictly for your legal right to step foot inside Hāʻena State Park and access the Kalalau Trailhead. Because this pass excludes a parking space and excludes a seat on the North Shore Shuttle, you must arrange your own logistics to physically reach the front gate.
Here are the 3 legal ways to utilize this pass:
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1. Taxi & Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft): You can take a taxi or ride-share to the designated drop-off zone at Hāʻena State Park. Crucial Insider Tip: Finding an Uber or Lyft up to the North Shore trailhead in the morning is relatively easy, but getting cell service to call a ride-share back from the trailhead in the afternoon is notoriously unreliable. Always pre-arrange a scheduled taxi pickup window for your return journey.
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2. Walking or Bicycle Access: If you are staying nearby in the Wainiha or Hāʻena area, you can ride a bicycle or walk down Highway 560 straight to the park entrance. Bicycle racks are available near the park entry point.
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3. Legal Drop-Off by Friends or Family: A friend or family member can drive you to the park entrance drop-off zone. However, they are strictly prohibited from idling, waiting for you, or parking a vehicle anywhere near the park boundary without a valid parking pass of their own.
Day-Hike Safety & Rules
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The 8-Mile Reality Check: Hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Falls is an 8-mile round-trip endeavor that takes 5 to 6 hours. Do not attempt it in flip-flops or thin fashion sneakers; the volcanic clay requires high-traction footwear.
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Flash Flood Protocol: Hanakāpīʻai Stream is highly volatile. If it begins to rain heavily while you are at the waterfall, the stream can flash flood instantly, trapping you on the wrong side. If the water turns brown and rises, stay on high ground and wait for park rangers.
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No Ocean Swimming: Hanakāpīʻai Beach features deadly, invisible rip currents and sudden shorebreaks. There are no lifeguards here. Do not enter the ocean under any circumstances.
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Pack Out Your Trash: There are no trash receptacles along the trail or at the beach. Keep Kauaʻi beautiful by packing out every piece of waste you bring in.
