Haʻena State Park

Haʻena State Park sits on Kauai's north shore and connects several sandy beaches with steep cliffs and dense rainforest. The landscape shows how nature and human land use come together here.

Hawaiian communities used the area for generations to grow taro and fish before it became a protected park. This long history of land use still shapes how the park looks and functions today.

The park preserves ancient terraces and sacred sites where taro was traditionally cultivated using Hawaiian farming methods that remain visible today. These historic gardens show how local people shaped and cared for the land over many generations.

Entry requires advance reservations, with different fees for non-residents and free access for Hawaii residents with valid ID. It is important to check access rules beforehand, as they can change and sometimes restrictions apply.

The park marks the start of the Kalalau Trail, a hiking route of roughly 11 miles that offers the only land connection to the Na Pali Coast. This path is known to hikers, but many visitors do not realize that it leads to some of the island's most isolated beaches.

Location: Kauai County

Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/haena-state-park

GPS coordinates: 22.22472,-159.58361

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:56