Ha'ena
Ha'ena, Kauai
Ha'ena is a small community on the north shore of Kauai, approximately 7 miles (11 km) from Hanalei and 37 miles (60 km) from Lihue. Backed by green mountains and cascading waterfalls, Ha'ena is at the beginning of the 11-mile (18 km) hike along the remote and scenic Na Pali Cost. Near Ha'ena is Tunnels Beach, one of the best Kauai snorkeling and diving beaches in the entire state of Hawaii. Other scenic locations nearby are Ke'e Beach, Ha'ena Beach Park and Lumaha'i Beach.
Even though Ha'ena is only 7 miles (11 km) from Hanalei, getting to this small town and its attractions takes time and requires driving on a narrow, winding road, crossing several one-lane bridges and keeping an eye open for warning signs, such as falling rocks from the nearby cliffs. The drive from Hanalei to Ha'ena can easily take half an hour, and since the area is very popular among visitors to the island, access to the town of Ha'ena and the surrounding state park is now controlled and limited by the government (see info below).
Visiting Ha'ena State Park
Access to Ha'ena State Park is controlled and only a limited number of permits are issued in the name of conservation.
Ha'ena State Park is open daily including holidays from 7 am to 6:45 pm (winter) and from 7 am to 7:45 pm (summer). Summer hours begin on April 1st. Winter hours begin the day after Labor Day.
Hawaii state residents with a current Hawaii driver license, state ID, or UH Student ID may enter the park and park their vehicle for free, first come first serve. No time limit up until dusk daily. No other IDs or documentation are accepted for free Hawaii resident entry. Anyone without accepted ID must purchase a reservation, even when traveling with a resident. Minors (under 18) are not required to have an ID.
Three options to visit Ha'ena Beach Park for non-Hawaii residents:
1. Shuttle reservations are sold roundtrip and include park entry. $40 per person (age 16+), $25 per child (age 4-15), free per child on lap (age 0-3).
2. Parking + Entry Reservations. $10 per car per timeslot plus $5 entry per person. Purchase multiple timeslots to stay longer. Morning: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm, Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Evening: 4:30 pm – Sunset
3. Entry Only for resident guests and those who do not need to park a vehicle: $5/person
Day-use entry reservations can be booked online up to 30 days in advance. For more info on Day Use Access via parking or shuttle to Ha'ena State Park (including DAY hiking at the Kalalau Trail), visit gohaena.com/info-faqs
Ha'ena Overview
- Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, green mountains and beautiful beaches
- Narrow and winding road leads to Ha'ena
- Located near the beginning of the 11-mile hike along the Na Pali Coast
- Population: 550 (2020 Census)
- Zip code: 96714
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