Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources notifies the public that Hā‘ena State Park reopens Oct. 15 to the public following a closure that began Sept. 6 because of concern for public safety upon the arrival of Hurricane Lowell.
The closure was also extended to give park personnel time to conduct hazard assessments and complete repairs.
Park hours will be 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily, including holidays (unless there is an emergency park closure). Shuttle service will resume, and day-use hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Beach/Valley and Hanakapiʻai Falls also will be open.
Overnight camping and hiking past the 2-mile point along the Kalalau Trail will remain closed until further notice.
“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,” said Department of Land and Natural Resources State Parks Administrator Alan Carpenter. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to removing downed and damaged trees so visitors can safely return.”
Carpenter added that about 50 local jobs are supported by Hāʻena State Park, and it was a careful and collaborative decision with community leaders to reopen the park this week.
“Many remember the 18-month long closure following the devastating floods of 2018,” he said. “It’s always a balance between respecting an impacted community and realizing the economic importance of our parks.”
Park access is free to residents with a Hawaiʻi driver’s license or state-issued identification. Residents do not need to make reservations for day passes. Thirty parking stalls are reserved for residents. Everyone in the vehicle must show their Hawaiʻi ID.
Out-of-state visitors are asked to make reservations on the Go Hāʻena website. Out-of-state entrance is $5 per person; children 3 years old and younger are free. Out-of-state parking reservations are $10 per vehicle.
Update about Kauaʻi state park limited access and closures
Wailuā River State Park
Fern Grotto access restrictions:
- No individual kayakers are allowed at this time. This restriction will be strictly enforced to prevent operational conflicts and safety hazards with larger riverboats.
- Smith’s Motor Boat Tours is permitted to access the Fern Grotto landing.
River and trail access limits:
- Kayakers will be permitted to use the river, designated landing zone and trailhead.
- Hiking is strictly prohibited past the trailhead until further notice.
- Access to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) remains closed.
Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon state parks remain closed until further notice because of extensive damage.
All other Kaua‘i state parks remain closed to visitation and camping.
Check the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks “Important Park Notices” web page for a list of all park closures and access updates.
Refunds
Refunds will be credited to the accounts of anyone who missed days or overnight camping or lodging because of storm closures. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for refunds to process.
