Kōkeʻe State Park
Kōkeʻe protects upland forest and a dense trail network above Waimea Canyon and the Nā Pali valleys.
Artwork inspired by Isami Doi
Kōkeʻe protects upland forest and a dense trail network above Waimea Canyon and the Nā Pali valleys. Native birds, ʻōhiʻa, ferns, mist, and red soil create a cooler world than the beaches below. Puʻu o Kila and Kalalau overlooks can open suddenly through cloud, while trails lead into terrain where footing and navigation matter.
Bring warm rain layers even when the coast is sunny, and check trail conditions before committing. Stay on hardened routes to protect bog and forest vegetation, clean footwear to limit Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death spread, and turn around before fog erases landmarks.
- Place
- Kauaʻi
- Signature element
- Alakaʻi plateau
- Rhythm
- Half day–full day
Quick guide
- Start with
- Begin with upland forest so the larger story has a clear physical anchor.
- Look closely at
- Compare Kalalau overlooks with Alakaʻi plateau; their relationship is what makes this stop distinctive.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Use upland forest to establish the place before widening the visit.
- Look closely at
- Compare Kalalau overlooks with Alakaʻi plateau rather than treating either as background.
- Connect the story
- Native birds, ʻōhiʻa, ferns, mist, and red soil create a cooler world than the beaches below.
- Plan around
- Bring warm rain layers even when the coast is sunny, and check trail conditions before committing.
Good to know
At Kōkeʻe State Park, do not separate upland forest from Alakaʻi plateau. Bring warm rain layers even when the coast is sunny, and check trail conditions before committing.
Notice these
- upland forest
- Kalalau overlooks
- Alakaʻi plateau