Haʻena State Park, State park in Kauai County, Hawaii
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
