The Napali Coast is one of the most dramatically beautiful places on earth. Located on the North Shore of Kauai, the drive north of Hanalei, on route 56, brings you to Ke'e Beach, the Kalalau Trail and the Napali Coast. You have the option to drive to this spot or to take the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Keep in mind that the necessary parking and park entry permits and shuttle reservations
are very popular. Be sure to plan your trip well in advance.
Ke'e Beach marks the start of the Napali Coast and the head of the Kalalau Trail. The parking area and Shuttle Drop Off point are just a few steps to the pathway for entry to the Park. The path is well marked. Ke'e Beach is half a mile in, and a short distance more brings you face to face with the KalalauTrailhead. Keep in mind this trail very challenging.The Kalalau Trail leads to Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau Beaches. Day hiking to Hanakapi'ai Valley is about four miles round trip is allowed for visitors holding the park entry ticket.
The Napali Coast Wilderness Park and the Kalalau Trail are well known by experienced hikers and those loving wildlife. Overnight camping permits are reserved through the State of Hawaii Division of Parks Be sure to inquire about the permits well ahead of your stay on Kauai.
Recently Announced is that hikers/campers will be able to leave their vehicles at the Ha'ena State Park parking lot overnight with the appropriate parking pass.
Transportation to Ke'e Beach and the Kalalua Trail can be reserved through Kauai North Shore Shuttle.
Use the map below to view the route and stops along the North Shore Shuttle.
The schedule of stops is updated on a regular basis.
The stop at Tunnels Beach and Haena Beach has been added to the schedule of shuttle stops. Tunnels is known for magnficent snorkeling with both small and large fish. Please do use your reef safe sunscreen and do not stop on the reef. A bit further down the road and on the right hand side of the road is Ha'ena Beach. This is a lifeguarded beach. Take the time to walk the this beach. A special view awaits you.
HINTS for EXPLORING KAUAI NORTH SHORE
(RT 560/56)
1. Plan ahead and review the options for transportation. Expect that traffic may be a bit heavy and from time to time.
2. Pay attention to the time for catching the return by shuttle. Boarding the return shuttle is on a first come, first serve basis. The last shuttles run at 5PM.
3. If you decide to drive keep in mind you will need to secure a parking permit and admission to the park in advance. Tickets cannot be purchased at the park.
4.. Pack water, food, sunscreen and beach equipment.
5. Use only reef safe sunscreen at this and all beaches on Kauai.
6. Bring the spirit of aloha, respect for nature and gratitude for the beauty of the Napali Coast. New limits on numbers of visitors per day are necessary to preserve this area.
7. Tunnels Beach and Haena Beach, do not require beach entry permits. The option of driving to Tunnels is open, be aware that parking will fill up quickly during the day. The stop has recently added to the route.. For detial see North Shore Shuttle
8. The Limuhuli Garden and Preserve is located along Hwy 560. If you plan to visit be sure to purchase a ticket for the self guided tour. If you driving be sure to have a parking permit in advance.
Original Post: June 2019 Announcement of Opening of Ha'ena Beach and State Parks and Wilderness Park - June 2019 The North Shore of Kauai is known for its dramatic beauty, none more
spectacular than the Napali Coast. The April 2018 devastating flooding washed out the roads leading to and the infrastructure of Ha'ena and Napali Coast Hawaii State Parks. For nearly one year travel North of Hanalei was restricted so that repairs could be made.
Last month the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources announced the reopening of these two State Parks.
The Hanalei Initiative announced the shuttle reservation system for transportation to the Parks and stops along the way on June 2019. This will likely be the most convenient way to travel to the amazing spots between Hanalei and the northernmost end of the road (Route 560). Starting June 17, 2019 reservations for the North Shore Shuttle and the purchase park entry tickets will open. Actual travel via the shuttle begins on June 21.
#HikingNapaliCoast #Ke'eBeach #HaenaBeach