Hawaii’s Hā‘ena State Park closed on Sept 6 as Hurricane Lowell approached; 39 days later, it reopened after repairs, but overnight camping and hiking past two miles remain closed
Hā‘ena State Park on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i reopened to visitors on October 15, 39 days after it was closed ahead of Hurricane Lowell. While visitors can return to the park and resume some day hikes, overnight camping and hiking beyond the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail remain prohibited until further notice. According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the park was closed on September 6 because of safety concerns as Hurricane Lowell approached. The closure was extended to allow staff to assess hazards and complete repairs before allowing visitors back.The reopening brings back access to one of Kaua‘i’s popular coastal destinations, but restrictions remain in place as recovery work continues across the island’s state parks.
What visitors can access after the reopening
According to the DLNR announcement published on October 13, Hā‘ena State Park will be open daily from 7 am to 6:45 pm, including holidays, unless an emergency closure is announced. Shuttle services to the park also resumed on October 15. Visitors can once again undertake day-use hikes to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Valley, as well as Hanakāpīʻai Falls. However, two restrictions remain. Overnight camping is closed, and hikers cannot continue beyond the two-mile point along the Kalalau Trail. Both restrictions will remain in place until further notice.The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile route along Kaua‘i’s Nāpali Coast. The park also provides access to Kē‘ē Beach and the trail leading towards Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Falls. Visitors planning a trip should check the official park conditions page before travelling.
Park staff removed damaged trees before reopening
Entrance fee: $5 per person for out-of-state visitors. Children aged three and under enter free.
The closure was extended beyond the initial safety shutdown to give park personnel time to inspect hazards and carry out repairs. In its October 13 announcement, DLNR State Parks Administrator Alan Carpenter credited park staff and community partners Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana and the Hanalei Initiative with helping restore access. “Park staff and our partners Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana and the Hanalei Initiative worked diligently to get this iconic state park and trail back open for public use following this devastating storm,” Carpenter said. The department said the decision to reopen was made in consultation with community leaders, balancing public safety and the needs of the local community.
Around 50 local jobs depend on the park
The reopening also has an economic dimension. According to Carpenter, Hā‘ena State Park supports about 50 local jobs. He noted that the community had previously experienced a much longer closure after severe flooding in 2018, when Hā‘ena State Park and Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park were shut from April 2018 to June 2019. The 2026 reopening, he said, followed a careful and collaborative decision with community leaders.
Entry fees and reservations for visitors
The DLNR has also clarified the entry rules for residents and visitors from outside Hawaii.Hawaii residents: Entry is free with a Hawaii driver’s licence or state-issued identification. Residents do not need reservations for day passes. Thirty parking spaces are reserved for residents, and everyone in the vehicle must show Hawaii identification.Visitors from outside Hawaii: Advance reservations are required through the Go Hā‘ena website.Entrance fee: $5 per person for out-of-state visitors. Children aged three and under enter free.Parking: Out-of-state parking reservations cost $10 per vehicle.Visitors should confirm availability and access conditions before setting out, particularly if they intend to hike beyond the sections that have reopened.
Other Kaua‘i parks remain closed or restricted
Hā‘ena is not the only park affected by storm-related disruption. In its October 13 update, DLNR said Kōke‘e and Waimea Canyon state parks would remain closed until further notice because of extensive damage. Other Kaua‘i state parks also remained closed to visitation and camping, subject to the department’s latest notices. At Wailua River State Park, access to the river, designated landing area and trailhead is permitted, but individual kayakers cannot enter Fern Grotto. Hiking beyond the trailhead remains prohibited, and access to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls, is still closed.The department said refunds would be credited to visitors who missed park days, camping or lodging because of storm-related closures. Refund processing may take two to three weeks. The reopening of Hā‘ena State Park restores access to its beaches and some hiking routes, but it does not mean every trail or camping area is ready for use. Visitors should follow the remaining restrictions and consult official notices for changes.
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