Koke'e State Park
Koke'e State Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A beautiful state park encompassing 4345 acres and containing 45 miles of scenic trails.
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1 within 3 miles
Attractions
16 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
297 reviews
Excellent
229
Very good
59
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
1
By the beach
Ocean City, NJ568 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Koke’e is what I consider, when I visited, part of a few parks that all offer great views. I feel that this park system is truly a must see when going to Kauai. There are numerous waterfalls, mountains and valleys. I would recommend packing a lunch and eating it at one of the spots that offers a spectacular view.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy K
Chicago, IL297 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This park seems ot be part of the Waimea Canyon, and is the last 5 miles or so on the Hwy 550/552, and the worst maintained (although it seems they were resurfacing on our visit). The two overlooks actually let you see down to part of the Napali Coast (Kalahau Valley), so that tis different. Getting there is an experience, especially the last one, which can be skipped, or even walked ot. There are some military installations up there, which have unclear purposes, and restricted. The Museum is pretty minimal, and the Nature trail although easy walk is difficult to sort out what is being labeled.
Written February 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqueline O
Irvine41 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We didn't realize that the Waimi Canyon drive took us to this state park too. The change in flora and cooler temperatures was unexpected. It was like entering a different state. We went in late afternoon and unfortunately the view from the final lookout was clouded over (socked in). But that didn't put a damper on our drive.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coldings
Copenhagen, Denmark587 contributions
Sep 2022
Koke'e State park is accessed by a well-paved road in good condition from the coastal town of Waimea. Although the climb is relatively steep any car and driver can make the journey and once you are up there you have a large selection of hikes of all levels at your disposal. Apart from the mandatory, astonishing Waimea Valley Outlook we hiked the Pihea Vista Trail starting at the end of the paved road and following the ridge of one of the most spectacular valleys on the Na Pali Coast. If you go all the way to the small Pihea lookout at 4,285 ft at the end, you should be aware that the last bit is very steep and can be very muddy and thus represent a clallenge for inexperienced hikers in sneakers.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA2,670 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Koke'e State Park is at the end of the road (550) which starts as Waimea Canyon Road in Waimea on the south shore of Kauai. It is probably most well known for its magnificent views over the Na Pali Coast on the NW shore of the island, a region with no roads and which one either must see from the sea or air, or access directly on foot via Ha'ena State Park and the Kalalau trail on the north shore. Koke'e offers great, fairly up-close views from above and inland, without any hiking since one can just drive up the road through Waimea Canyon State Park to Kalalau Lookout and Pu'u O Kila Lookout. From Pu'u O Kila, there is a trail partly along the ridge giving more views, to another lookout and through swampy areas and more forest. The views and hikes are excellent and well worth a long visit. The drive to Kalalau Lookout is easy, but just after that, as of June 2023, the road has a short stretch with numerous and deep potholes. One can negotiate it even in a regular car if done with care, however, and that rough stretch is limited, the rest of the road being ok if not good.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4Bug-a-Boos
Oregon310 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This is such a beautiful area! Definitely worth the drive. We took the advice of others and went early in the day, and we were really glad we did. It can get really busy, it seems, as the day goes on. There were more restrooms than I had anticipated so that was nice. We found a nice picnic area (near the museum) and had a picnic lunch after we had done all of our exploring. It was a wonderful day and one of the best of the trip.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
irawine
Benicia, CA637 contributions
Oct 2022
My wife and I drove up into Koke’e State Park and enjoyed the views of the coast and the “other side” of the Nepali Coast, in particular. We left the parking lot around noon and by then it was jam-packed. We also hiked along the Pihea Trail for a bit and enjoyed the experience. Based on our reading, we did not feel compelled to do the hikes to enjoy the views of the coast. Definitely recommended.
Written November 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon K
Barling, AR7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The drive through the canyon up to the lookouts was great. Unfortunately we went on a semi-rainy day. A bit hazy for most of the drive, but at the very top lookout , a marine layer of clouds blocked the view to the Nepali coast. Still with the drive.
Written March 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff B
Surrey, Canada257 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
My wife and I did some great hikes in this park and I will try to break them down for you.
Pihea Trail-7 1/2 mile return-moderate grades. Found this trail has such stunning views that it takes an hour to go 10 minutes because you are stopping to take so many pictures. This is a great trail that traverses the cliff edge as you look down on the Kalalau valley. The trail can be slippery after a rain and clouds can roll in and eliminate the view quickly. Try to get there early as it tends to be clearer in the morning. Even if you go 10 minutes down this trail and back you will be treated to great views. The trail starts at the end of the park road.
Canyon Ridge Trail To Waipo'o Falls- 3 1/2 mile return moderate hike. This is a great hike with beautiful diverse views of the forest ,canyon and the waterfalls. You start the hike at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout just before the 13 mile marker. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot. You start downhill into a forest for the first 1/2 mile.The trail levels out and you start to climb up a ridge. You end up on top of an exposed canyon ridge with beautiful red soil and stunning views. You hike along the edge of the canyon rim for a 1/3rd of a mile and then drop down into a forest again. Straight ahead the trail leads to a 20 foot waterfall about 5 minutes in. This is the end of the trail. As you return back to the canyon ridge there is a side trail to the left that leads to the top of the 800 foot Waipo'o falls. There is a small 20 foot waterfall that drops form a ledge another 150 to 200 feet and then drops again. Great picture spot ,outstanding canyon views but be careful of the hazards. Retrace your steps back to your vehicle. When you are on the road out of the park at the 12 mile area you can get great pictures of the ridge and waterfall you were on. Great short hike if you have a few hours.
Awa'awapuhi Trail-6.2miles return difficult trail. Trail starts just past the lodge at the 17 mile marker. It is a gradual downhill all the way as you make your way out the valley. You drop 1200 feet of elevation which you have to climb on the way back. No views until you are 2 miles in and the real views are at the end of the trail . Jurassic Park ridged cliff views looking out towards the Awaawapuhi and Nualolo valleys. Great place to stop and have lunch and take endless photos of the incredible views. Again go early as the clouds can roll in later on. We had a 1/2 hour of views and then the clouds ruined the fun. People coming in as we left saw NO view. Save your energy as the hike out can seem longer than the hike in.
Nualolo Trail-7 1/2 miles difficult trail. Trail starts immediately before the lodge past the 15 mile marker. You start this trail going up a small ridge then dropping steeply down. This trail is supposed to have the same elevation drop as the Awaawapuhi trail but it drops more steeply and levels out and drops steeply again. The Awaawapuhi trail is more gradual and more constantly down. The Nualolo trail weaves its way through lush vegetation and forests. The views open up by the 2 mile mark. There is a spur trail to the Nualolo cliff trail which is now closed due to erosion. The trail continues along a steep ridge and you must be focussed on your footing. I loved it but my wife was a little nervous. At the end of the trail the vistas are north to the Awaawapuhi valley and you can see down the whole Napali coast. I went way past the the end of trail sign and took some awesome pictures. You must be cautious and aware of your footing at all times. The soft soil is also unstable in places and could crumble under your feet if you were to close to an edge. Be careful as a slip here could be your last. The views here are the best on the island and this hike was my favourite. It was very windy at the end of the exposed trail and the hike out is very steep. It would be very difficult and slippery if had rained previously. This is a must do hike for serious hikers. I thought it had everything Awaawapuhi trail had and a lot more as you had the Napali coast view.
Other Great Hikes outside the park
Kalalau Trail
West Nounou Trail
Hoopii Falls
Okolehao Trail
Wailua Falls
Kuilau Ridge Trail
I hope you have found this review helpful. Enjoy Kauai!!!
Pihea Trail-7 1/2 mile return-moderate grades. Found this trail has such stunning views that it takes an hour to go 10 minutes because you are stopping to take so many pictures. This is a great trail that traverses the cliff edge as you look down on the Kalalau valley. The trail can be slippery after a rain and clouds can roll in and eliminate the view quickly. Try to get there early as it tends to be clearer in the morning. Even if you go 10 minutes down this trail and back you will be treated to great views. The trail starts at the end of the park road.
Canyon Ridge Trail To Waipo'o Falls- 3 1/2 mile return moderate hike. This is a great hike with beautiful diverse views of the forest ,canyon and the waterfalls. You start the hike at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout just before the 13 mile marker. The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot. You start downhill into a forest for the first 1/2 mile.The trail levels out and you start to climb up a ridge. You end up on top of an exposed canyon ridge with beautiful red soil and stunning views. You hike along the edge of the canyon rim for a 1/3rd of a mile and then drop down into a forest again. Straight ahead the trail leads to a 20 foot waterfall about 5 minutes in. This is the end of the trail. As you return back to the canyon ridge there is a side trail to the left that leads to the top of the 800 foot Waipo'o falls. There is a small 20 foot waterfall that drops form a ledge another 150 to 200 feet and then drops again. Great picture spot ,outstanding canyon views but be careful of the hazards. Retrace your steps back to your vehicle. When you are on the road out of the park at the 12 mile area you can get great pictures of the ridge and waterfall you were on. Great short hike if you have a few hours.
Awa'awapuhi Trail-6.2miles return difficult trail. Trail starts just past the lodge at the 17 mile marker. It is a gradual downhill all the way as you make your way out the valley. You drop 1200 feet of elevation which you have to climb on the way back. No views until you are 2 miles in and the real views are at the end of the trail . Jurassic Park ridged cliff views looking out towards the Awaawapuhi and Nualolo valleys. Great place to stop and have lunch and take endless photos of the incredible views. Again go early as the clouds can roll in later on. We had a 1/2 hour of views and then the clouds ruined the fun. People coming in as we left saw NO view. Save your energy as the hike out can seem longer than the hike in.
Nualolo Trail-7 1/2 miles difficult trail. Trail starts immediately before the lodge past the 15 mile marker. You start this trail going up a small ridge then dropping steeply down. This trail is supposed to have the same elevation drop as the Awaawapuhi trail but it drops more steeply and levels out and drops steeply again. The Awaawapuhi trail is more gradual and more constantly down. The Nualolo trail weaves its way through lush vegetation and forests. The views open up by the 2 mile mark. There is a spur trail to the Nualolo cliff trail which is now closed due to erosion. The trail continues along a steep ridge and you must be focussed on your footing. I loved it but my wife was a little nervous. At the end of the trail the vistas are north to the Awaawapuhi valley and you can see down the whole Napali coast. I went way past the the end of trail sign and took some awesome pictures. You must be cautious and aware of your footing at all times. The soft soil is also unstable in places and could crumble under your feet if you were to close to an edge. Be careful as a slip here could be your last. The views here are the best on the island and this hike was my favourite. It was very windy at the end of the exposed trail and the hike out is very steep. It would be very difficult and slippery if had rained previously. This is a must do hike for serious hikers. I thought it had everything Awaawapuhi trail had and a lot more as you had the Napali coast view.
Other Great Hikes outside the park
Kalalau Trail
West Nounou Trail
Hoopii Falls
Okolehao Trail
Wailua Falls
Kuilau Ridge Trail
I hope you have found this review helpful. Enjoy Kauai!!!
Written January 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicoley21
Santa Clarita, CA5 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
I cannot say enough good things about Koke'e State Park... as an out of state camper who is weary about new places, I was so pleasantly surprised about everything in Koke'e. The campsites are easily marked and separated by beautiful ginger groves, or if you'd like more open spaces you can camp anywhere on the enormous grass field that makes up the center of the state park. The more separated 'undesignated' campsites each have a water spout (definitely okay for drinking) and a table. There was a lodge/restaurant that provided excellent cover from the afternoon mist where my friends and I grabbed a cup of coffee and did some reading. They also serve some good lookin' food, but the restaurant and store are closed by 330/4. Each night we cooked in the very convenient 'Comfort Zone' which had a dozen tables, a bathroom, dishwashing sink, power outlets, cover from the rain and wind, and actually had light so we could cook at night.
There are a variety of hikes with trailheads from within the campground and plenty just a few miles away. I would recommend doing the Awaawapuhi, Nualo, and Pihea trails... each one is so unique and has spectacular views of the coast.
There are a variety of hikes with trailheads from within the campground and plenty just a few miles away. I would recommend doing the Awaawapuhi, Nualo, and Pihea trails... each one is so unique and has spectacular views of the coast.
Written August 9, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I enjoy hiking, but we're unsure if we should hike Waimea Canyon or up at Koke'e. Or both? Thoughts?
Written March 14, 2021
Do you have to buy a "numbered" permit for the undesignated sites at Kokee? How does one go about that? The .gov site doesn't have any such option, only for the 8 (out of 9!) designated spots.
Thanks
Written July 8, 2020
You buy the parking permit from a dispenser at each lot. It’s a daily permit and is good at all the lots in the park.
Written July 8, 2020
Are the grills propane or charcoal at the campsites?
Written May 13, 2019
We have a permit to camp one night. What time can we arrive that morning to select our spot?
Written May 10, 2019
Sorry, we didn't camp at all but I suggest you get in touch with the State Parks Department to find out when you can arrive. The website should be on your permit or a toll free number for inquiries.
Written May 11, 2019
Camping permits?
I would like to go there with one friend but there is actually just one permit remaining on the date we want to go. It would just be one tent. Would it be fine (we would like to buy two permits but cannot) or do we really need two permits?
Written February 19, 2019
If you have one tent then you should only require 1 permit, since you will only be using one camping space with one tent. Enjoy your camping.
Written February 20, 2019
I will have a mini van that I will be camping in. Can you park at campsites?
Written January 2, 2019
There are different camp sites. The one we saw right next to the Kokee Natural History Museum, has a parking lot at the entrance of the camp site, then people pick spots on the open area to set up their tents. At least for this camp site, maybe you can't sleep in your mini van.
Written January 2, 2019
This place is gorgeous, with mind-blowing views. It'll awaken a sense of optimism and joy in you. Don't be macho, just have fun and enjoy.
Written October 8, 2018
There are places to camp, remember that Kauai gets alot of rain. The campsites we observed were rather primitive.
Written October 9, 2018
My fiancee and I are getting married in Kauai and are hoping to camp in Koke'e for a few nights beforehand. Since we have never been to Kauai before we are wondering about transportation/ parking. We will be renting a vehicle to get around but are concerned about where we are expected to park once we arrive at the park? Having trouble getting directions etc as well to the entrance. Do we have to hike to the camping area? If so, how far in? Any info is appreciated!
Written July 25, 2018
Howdy! Congrats if you already got married. I’ve idea to camp particularly here beforehand. The worry-wart would caution against mudslides that occasionally cut off the upper island from the lower.
Written January 6, 2019
How strict is the camping permit policy? Do they count how many people are camping in each site?
Written July 11, 2018
Depends where you are. Heading out to Sugi grove you can get away w/o permits. At the state park they mainly check that each tent has a permit on it....they may check permit, just make sure each tent has a permit as in get a permit and print a few out.
Written July 11, 2018
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