Beautiful. You absolutely have to take a boat ride down the coast if you are in Kauai at least…read moreonce in your life.

I'd like to be transparent, I'm a little bit confused about a few things…read more.. I had reservations made ahead of time to hike the famed Kalalau Trail 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach and another 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Falls. Upon driving to the Kalalau Trailhead, I entered Ha'ena State Park. I thought to myself, "oh, wow, cool, I didn't even know Kalalau Trail was within a state park!". Now, lol, after parking my car and reviewing the Kalalau Trail hiking guidelines, it was time to venture over to Hanakapi'ai Beach. Not even 1 minute into the trail, there was a clear sign stating I was now entering Na'Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. What??? But I thought Kalalau Trail was part of Ha'ena SP?! So both? What's the difference between Ha'ena SP and Na'Pali Coast SP? I guess the only thing to do is venture over to Google and search for the answer... The only reasonable solution I discovered on Google is Ha'ena SP hosts the parking lot for Kalalau Trailhead. But, once you start hiking on Kalalau Trail land, you're officially now entering and located within Na'Pali Coast boundaries. And with this info...I believe there are more options for activities within Ha'ena State Park, although I never got around to do any exploring. Now, if you're specifically visiting here for the Kalalau Trail, I'm convinced it's Na'Pali Coast territory, lol. Finally, trying to get to the bottom of this strange mystery, is when visiting Kokee State Park on the opposite side of the island of Kauai, most of the overlooks and lookout points there showcased the Na'Pali Coast. But I guess for Kokee SP, you're not actually inside Na'Pali Coast State Park land, you're just admiring the views and sceneries of the Na'Pali Coast from high above. Lol, yes...maybe I should have been better prepared ahead of time. With all this said...let me quickly return to the Kalalau Trail and provide a few highlights about the experience and what you can expect inside Na'Pali Coast State Wilderness Park... - While hiking to Hanakapi'ai Beach, a lot of the beautiful Na'Pali Coast setting will be revealed. There were moments to take a break from the trek to appreciate the landscape. - When the clouds went away and the sun shined, the coastline illuminated the Pacific Ocean waters. - You'll also capture a vantage point of Kauai's lush green island vegetation and rain forest appearance. In total, that's what I believe made Na'Pali Coast State Wilderness Park rewarding. It's hiking among nature until Kauai's colorful coast comes into appearance. The surroundings exude that vintage, tropical, Hawaiian image that tourists anticipate when visiting. At the time of visiting Kauai, I found it difficult to understand whether I was hiking Kalalau Trail within Ha'ena SP or Na'Pali SP. After completing some detailed internet research, I'm confident the popular hike is connected with Na'Pali. And with that understanding, Na'Pali Coast is a winning state park.

Quite a hike to a beautiful fall. Be prepared with hiking shoes. Do not go when it's raining…read morebecause it gets very slick. Only for those that are prepared to hike. Not for children or older adults who don't hike.

The park is now opened but there are many changes. 1. You…read moreneed to make reservation for parking or shuttle or walking in. For overnight camping or hiking pass Hanakapi'AI, you will need to get permit. 2. Check website gohaena.com for parking and shuttle reservation. For parking reservation, you will need to book at least 1 month in advance. You can reserve from 6:30 to 12:30 or 12:30 to 4:30 pm, and then 4:30 pm to sunset. They will not let you pass the gate if you do not have permit. 3. For walking in, you also need to make reservation in advance. $1 per person. 4. For shuttle, it is including hop on and hop off from Princeville Makai golf club to Ke'e beach and costs about $15 per person. 5. Parking reservation and shuttle reservation will include park entry. In a way, it is good that they can limit amount of cars driving in and people using the trail. We did not plan in advance so ended with shuttle. Down load the hop-on hop-off pass on cell phone. We took the shuttle from Princeville. It takes about 1 hour to get to Ke'e beach because they have to pick up people along the way (hanalei villages, Hanalei resort, Waipa park and ride). Then walked 0.3 mile from parking to Ke'e beach or entrance. The shuttle back to Princeville runs every 45 to 60 min. The shuttle from Ke'e beach to Waipa parking runs every 30 min. Last shuttle is at 4:30 pm. We ended up taking the shuttle fromKe'e beach to Waipa and walked 20 minutes (over a mile) to Hanalei village. We got some lunch but could not wait for our shuttle back to Princeville... ended taking uber. If you plan to visit, make sure check the website and make reservations in advance. The trail is slippery since it is raining every day for past weeks. - bring good traction shoes. - 1 L water per person at least. - snacks. There are no shopping until Hanalei village. - bathrooms is at Ke'e beach and outdoor shower. They are decent and have toilet papers. - it is quite strenuous hike. So, I would not recommend anyone with walking or gait problems. - kids older then 6 probably ok hiking this trail.

Views of Waimea Canyon from the opposite side…read more November 2021. Saw a long trail alongside a cliff on the opposite side of Waimea Canyon and put it on my bucket list to hike it. March 26, 2022, started the Canyon hike from the Puu Hinahina Lookout. We had previously that morning done 2 hours of hiking the Pihea Trail off of the Puu o Kila lookout in Kokee Park, 7 miles away. Had started this hike in November 2021 but turned back after 30 minutes. This time we came prepared with hat, hiking poles, hiking boots, long sleeve pants, long sleeve shirts, water, hat, granola bars and fruit sticks. The first 45 minutes of the hike are the toughest part, steep downward hike over muddy terrain, broken by deep ruts and cuts into the surface. Dense tree cover means the trail never dries out, even though it had not rained in weeks. Slippery even with hiking boots and hiking poles. Tree roots ready to trip you with every move. And no view, as the tree cover prevents you from seeing Waimea Canyon. Eventually the trails levels out, with a parking lot for those who have joined the trail a mile farther up from the Kokee road at the Halemanu road, shaving an hour off the hike. Dense jungle gives way to peeks of Waimea Canyon, and finally on a spur to the right the Cliff overlook, where we see goats scrambling on the cliffs nearby. In a distance, the long trail alongside a cliff on the edge of Waimea Canyon. Trail continues downward, through water ravaged terrain, tree roots at every corner of the trail. Boulders start appearing, and finally an opening, a long plateau leading to the falls. This is the long trail alongside the cliffs with panoramic views of the Waimea Canyon, but from the opposite side. Don't get too close to the edge, as steep drop-offs along the canyon rim. More boulders, and boulder hoping down the steep trail, and then a fast-running stream. On the left is a walk to a large pond, and mini waterfalls, and on the right is the top of the Waipoo Falls. Cliffs of stone formations in the distance. No view of the falls themselves, as you are literally on top of the falls. Took 4 hours to do the complete hike, probably a record slow time, as we were passed by numerous toddlers, and at least two different encounters with hikers going barefoot!

Pu'u Hinahina Lookout from my POV, is the 2nd best lookout located within Waimea Canyon State Park…read more The most well known overlook is Waimea Canyon Lookout...located at Mile Marker 10 of the park. This Pu'u Hinahina is situated on the right hand side of Koke'e Road at Mile Marker 13.5. It can't be missed. And just like at Waimea Canyon Lookout, there is plenty of parking here as well. Now...I'd like to point out how tricky all these lookouts and vista points are here, not just among Waimea Canyon, but in this Pu'u Hinahina area. Let me try to explain... So, there's actually no Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, there are two observation points within Pu'u Hinahina. They are... - Canyon Viewpoint - magical! One of the superior perspectives representative of Waimea Canyon. - Ni'ihau Viewpoint - waste of time. Nothing to see. You need 15 seconds at this overlook before turning around. Both Canyon Viewpoint and Ni'ihau Viewpoint are short walks on paved pathways. Also within this Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, you have the prominent Canyon Trail leading to Waipo'o Falls. Canyon Trail is the most popular hike at Waimea Canyon. I noticed there's a separate Yelp category for writing about Waipo'o Falls and I'll delve more into the hiking experience over there, but let me at least start here with the basics... After checking out Canyon and Ni'ihau Viewpoints, the next logical step while at Pu'u Hinahina Lookout is to hike the 1.8 mile (each way) Canyon Trail. The estimated hiking time is 2 - 3 hours. I'll just sum up the hike right now... There's not much to see along the way to Waipo'o Falls. I started daydreaming about my next activity while at Waimea Canyon. Overall, it's a casual walk downhill among a tropical rainforest. This means that the return trip back uphill to the trailhead is moderately strenuous. I actually never discovered the real Waipo'o Falls. Supposedly it's one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii, yet instead I arrived at two small pools with mini trickledown waterfalls. I spoke with fellow visitors and they said this Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls is deceiving, and that at the end of the hike, you're actually standing on top of Waipo'o Falls. And if you'd like to get real views of Waipo'o Falls, you have to do some intense rock repelling down the cliff faced walls which is dangerous. Ultimately, Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls was disappointing especially with the bar for it set very high. Lastly, just to mention, it doesn't happen often, but there were threatening clouds in the sky as I started along Canyon Trail. And me thinking I'm in a Hawaiian paradise and impervious to weather conditions, what could go wrong? Well, yes, I got caught in an afternoon thunderstorm without rain gear. I was drenched for the remainder of the day. This was for the middle of August. Just something to keep in mind because the weather can swiftly change. And finally, lol, gotta put this out there. The island of Kauai is home to roosters and chickens all over the place. During my visit I had never seen anything like it. Returning back to the parking lot, I had some leftover pancakes from breakfast and fed them. They're pretty much waiting and anticipating you'll approach them. They'll gladly eat out of your hands too as they aren't shy. Overall, Pu'u Hinahina Lookout has its up and downs. Canyon Viewpoint is a masterclass setting. Ni'ihau Viewpoint needs a makeover. Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls was a letdown. Still, in the grand scheme of exploring Waimea Canyon, stopping by here at Pu'u Hinahina is a Must Do because of its accessible location inside the park.

This is a must do lifetime bucket list. If you make it to this point two things are for sure. 1)…read moreYou are on the wettest place on earth. Fortunately it was not raining in this spot the 15 minutes I was here but chances are it will be 99 percent of the time. Its the most stunning view Ive ever seen in my life. 2) You will be inspired to the depths of your soul. It just looks unreal. If you can go to Kauai!

There are 2 ways to get there. By Nualolo Trail (between cabins and Kokee Lodge), or Awaawapuhi…read moretrail near 17 mm (past Kokee Lodge). We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. Awesome view of Na Pali and Forest reserve. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. YELP 365 - 244/365

The Waipa Park & Ride serves as a key shuttle hub for Hāʻena State Park, and it's convenient for…read morevisitors accessing Ke'e Beach and Kalalau Trail. You'll have to book the shuttle bus ticket includes park entry for specific time slots of departure although returning is flexible with cutoff time. It costs about $40 per person plus booking fee, from my experience you'd be better arrive 10 minutes before your time slot to check in, as the shuttle bus leaves sharp on time.

I am a fool and went AGAIN when the fog was setting in. Well, at least you get a great view of the…read morevalley just 0.1 miles in so you don't actually have to go in far to get the great views. This time I went after a rain and it was even muddier than when I went 8 years ago. I have nothing major to add, the hike hasn't really changed. I will add ONE tip however. If you are going to the end, when you FIRST hit the fence, put a natural trail marker for yourself on the fence. Because on the way back we missed the turn off to go back towards the trailhead and headed instead towards the Alakai Swamp trail. We realized our mistake when we started seeing boards and steps we didn't see prior. The first time you hit the fence is when the trail splits (you'd go left to the top of the Vista and right to go to Alakai Swamp trail). We spent about 20 minutes try to find our way back. The GPS on google maps wasn't the most helpful because it doesn't distinguish between two turn offs on the trail that are technically probably about 50 feet apart but impossible to know when on the ground because those turn offs are at a major height difference and you can't see one from the other. As you are headed back down from the top, the fence continues along towards Alakai so you if you keep following it, you may not ended up where you need to be.

Oh lord this hike nearly killed me…read more Short version: Go to the half mile marker and turn around, it really isn't worth the effort climbing up to the Pihea Vista. I was fooled by the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. Or screwed over by weather. Either way it was a tough hike. We visited in the morning because everything I read said there would be fewer clouds. Unfortunately for us, the clouds stuck around nearly the entire time. All we saw was the top rim of the canyon and it looked like a brewing cauldron. The clouds were constantly moving up and around. We briefly saw the ocean through a hole in the mist before it filled back in. At least the views South were clear. The first half mile was pretty easy, and I am NOT in shape. So if I could haul myself up and down the not-so-flat trail, anyone can do it. A lot of the ups and downs are kind of a choose your own adventure style trail. I often studied the terrain before ascending and descending, even if not too difficult, because I have a bad ankle and sometimes do poorly on uneven ground. Some areas looked slick so I stuck to the very edges where I could use trees for support. There are plenty of spots along this first half mile that should offer great photo ops. Clear of trees and brush, but also free of any safety barriers. Please be careful near the edge! The breezes up here are fantastic and the air is so fresh. I did enjoy being away from the crowds and in the quiet. And other hikers on the trail were very friendly and respectful.

It's a great trail on Kaua'i and the starting point is at the ends of Olohena Road and Waipouli…read moreRoad. It will feel like you are walking through an endless valley and forest. There used to be a swing at the scenic point in front of the mountains, but as of August 2026, that is no longer there. Keep in mind that especially after rainfall and storms, the trail gets very muddy in some stretches. After about 2 miles in, you will eventually reach this old wood bridge that turns into Kuilau Ridge Trail, which you can continue on if you desire and have transportation arrangements at the other end.

This trail was perfect! Loved that it was not on the side of a cliff or just completely up an…read moreincline. I felt like I was walking through Jurassic park. There's an amazing swing that give such a fun experience to the trail. It was very wet I recommend having spare clothes but it was great. As you walk you see the mountain with a giant waterfall. To me it was a perfect track through the trees. The bridge is at the very end and there is a water area you can traverse down to right past it.

A great place to see waterfowl including Hawaiian stilt and coot, sanderling, golden plover and…read moreothers. Free public access. Just park and walk around. Found most birds toward the back.

Stopping here is a must. A beautiful bird sanctuary on the former site of a sand mine. We saw a few…read morelocal fowls, but none so kind as to pose for a picture. We did however find a geocache located nearby. Beautiful water views and lots of local greenery too.