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Kokee State Park, Kauai

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Quick Facts

  • Name: Kokee State Park
  • What: State park with hiking trails and the Kalalau Lookout
  • Where: North beyond Waimea Canyon
  • More Info: Hiking trails, restrooms, camping, picnic areas. $1 for walk-ins, $5 for cars.

West Side

North of Waimea Canyon on Kauai’s West Side is Kokee State Park. Spread over 4,345 acres on a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, Kokee State Park is covered in forest, wild flowers and hiking trails making it an excellent spot to see native plants and colorful endemic Hawaiian forest birds like the apapane, iwi and moa. The park also offers roughly 45 miles of the state's finest hiking trails. Some trails lead to views of Waimea Canyon, others wind through wet forests with sweeping views of valleys opening up to the North Shore.

The Kokee Natural History Museum is a must-stop shop for information about the park and the trails. Exhibits will give you an overview of the park and Waimea Canyon. Staff will also provide you with helpful assistance, advice and information on trail and weather conditions.

Beyond the museum and the Lodge at Kokee (12 rustic rental cabins for campers) are two amazing lookouts. Both the Kalalau Lookout and the Puu O Kila Lookout offer commanding views of the Kalalau Valley stretching out to the sea. This view offers a glimpse at the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast. Note that the temperature drops as you climb up to the 3,200 to 4,200 foot elevations of the park. Temperatures range from 45 degrees in January to 68 degrees in July with annual rainfall of about 70 inches, so remember to dress warmly.