Illustrious vistas and sacred cultural sites abound along the Garden Isle’s highly coveted North Shore. This natural beauty and heritage is fragile, however, which is why new regulations are in place for accessing Hā‘ena State Park, to help protect some of Kaua‘i’s most precious resources from overuse.
New restrictions began after Kūhiō Highway re-opened in June 2019. The highway was closed for more than a year to repair damage from historic rainfall that pummeled the island in April 2018. If you plan to go, make sure you plan ahead and review the most recent information on the Department of Land and Natural Resources website.
Parking reservations required at Hā‘ena State Park
Determine ahead of time when you’d like to visit Hā‘ena State Park, because reservations are now required for parking. Reservations fees are $5 per vehicle and can be made up to one week in advance for either a morning (6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or afternoon (12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) slot. Only 100 visitor parking spaces are available, and passes sell out quickly, so the sooner you make arrangements, the better. Reservations grant you access to Kē‘ē Beach and provide an opportunity to hike to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach and Falls. Some of this information is fluid, so visit gohaena.com for the latest information.
Reservations required for camping near Hā‘ena
If you plan to stay within the famed Kalalau Valley by way of hiking the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, you need to make a camping reservation (up to five nights) at $20 per person per night. Overnight parking is no longer allowed at Hā‘ena State Park, so you must make a reservation with a shuttle or arrange a private drop-off to get to the trailhead at Kē‘ē Beach. Visit the State of Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast camping permits page for more information.
Take a shuttle to Hā‘ena
Opt for minimal impact and take the new North Shore Shuttle. Pick-up and drop-off points vary, including Princeville Makai Golf Club, Hanalei Colony Resort, Limahuli Garden & Preserve and Kē‘ē Beach. When you make a reservation, you also receive a paid pass to enjoy Hā‘ena State Park. Roundtrip reservations cost $15. The inaugural transportation system is operating on a trial basis, however, so locations, times and prices may vary. Visit kauainsshuttle.com for more information.
Where not to park at Hā‘ena
While other areas beyond Hanalei do not require reservations, such as Hā‘ena Beach Park, parking is no longer allowed along the side of Kūhiō Highway or within residential areas in Hā‘ena.
The goal of this rule is to prevent overcrowding, protect other drivers, minimize environmental impact and grant respect for kama‘āina who live in the area. Illegal parking is highly regulated and fines can be very expensive.
Please note that improvements continue to be made along this stretch of the highway and occasional closures of the road may take place. Before scheduling your trip, visit the DLNR website.
