Hāʻena State Park & Kēʻē Beach

Hāʻena State Park & Kēʻē Beach is the road-end gateway to the Nā Pali Coast combines restored taro fields, a reef-backed beach, sea-cave scenery, and the opening stretch of the Kalalau Trail. A gentle day can center on Kēʻē Beach and the cultural landscape when conditions are safe; a strenuous version follows the trail toward Hanakāpīʻai, where mud, roots, heat, and stream conditions change the character completely.

Allow five to seven hours and secure nonresident entry plus parking or shuttle reservations before arrival; day-use inventory is limited and released in advance. Hiking to Hanakāpīʻai requires the Hāʻena reservation, while travel beyond the valley requires a separate wilderness camping permit. The beach and trail are not universally accessible, and winter surf or heavy rain can remove swimming and hiking from the day.