Koke’e State Park Photo: Heath Cajandig (Flickr) / CC BY 2.0
United States › Hawaii

Koke’e State Park

ByWilderness Experts

Fast facts

  • Size: about 4,345 acres (17.6 km²)
  • Elevation: roughly 3,200 to 4,200 feet (975 to 1,280 m)
  • Neighbour: Waimea Canyon State Park, below, and the Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve
  • Gateway: Waimea, on Kauaʻi’s west side
  • Managed by: Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks

The landscape

Kōkeʻe spreads across the high plateau of western Kauaʻi, where native ʻōhiʻa and koa forest meets the rim of Waimea Canyon on one side and the Nā Pali cliffs on the other. Beyond it lies the Alakaʻi Swamp, a high-elevation bog near one of the wettest places on Earth. Native forest birds, some found nowhere else, live here along with feral chickens and wild pigs.

Best time to go

Summer and early fall bring the driest weather, though rain and fog can come any day. Nights are cool, far colder than the coast.

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Getting there and around

Kōkeʻe Road climbs from Waimea past Waimea Canyon lookouts to the Kōkeʻe Museum, the campground and cabins, and on to the Kalalau and Puʻu o Kila lookouts over the Nā Pali coast. Trails branch off the road into the forest and along the cliffs.

Things to do

The Pihea and Alakaʻi Swamp trails follow boardwalks across the bog to a view over Wainiha Valley. The Awaʻawapuhi and Nuʻalolo trails descend ridges to dizzying Nā Pali overlooks. The lookouts along the road give big views without a hike.

Staying safe

Cliff edges are crumbly and unfenced in places; stay well back. Trails are muddy and slippery after rain, and fog can make navigation difficult in the Alakaʻi. Bring warm, waterproof layers.

Know before you go

Camping needs a state permit, and the park can close after major storms. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so check Hawaiʻi State Parks for current status before you plan a trip.

Navigation
Coordinates
22.1296, -159.6572
Magnetic declination
9.2° E (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

25 places in Koke’e State Park

A spread of the park’s main places shows straight away, and the rest appear as you zoom in. You can also search above, or pick any place from the lists below, and the map will go to it. Places in bold, marked , have a short description.

Getting there 3

Park entrance

Visitor centres

On the trail 10

Trailheads

Campgrounds

Picnic site

Sights 12

Viewpoints

Waterfalls

Peaks

Map data comes from third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date, so carry a current official map (terms).

Trip types
Day hikeCar campingScenic drive

Looking for one of these closer to home?Destinations near me by trip type →

Terrain
MountainsForestCanyonsWetlands
Key hazards
Cliff edges and crumbling rimsDeep mud and heavy rainColdwet weather at altitudeFog and navigation in the AlakaʻiFalling trees in storms
Best seasons
Summer, Fall
Difficulty
Easy to strenuous
Access / trailheads
Kōkeʻe Road (Highway 550) climbs from Waimea on Kauaʻi's west side through Waimea Canyon State Park to Kōkeʻe.
Water
Streams; treat all water. Leptospirosis is present in fresh water.
Cell / satellite coverage
Limited.
Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency
Emergencies: 911 (Kauaʻi Fire Department runs rescues).
Permits & regulations
An entry fee applies to non-residents and camping needs a state permit.
Leave No Trace
Stay on trails and boardwalks through the fragile Alakaʻi, clean boots to avoid spreading weeds, and pack out all waste.
Conditions by month

October This month

Average high71°F(22°C)22°C(71°F)
Average low55°F(13°C)13°C(55°F)
Rainfall4.6 in(118 mm)118 mm(4.6 in)
Daylight, mid-month11 h 41 minSunrise 6:33 a.m., sunset 6:14 p.m.

What to bring depends on your trip: how long you’re out, where you sleep, and how far you go from the road. The planner builds the list for yours.

Plan a trip here →

Averages for 1991–2020 from NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, measured at the Kanalohuluhulu station at 3,600 feet (1,097 m)1,097 m (3,600 feet). Higher trails run colder, by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 ft (2°C per 300 m)2°C for every 300 m (3.5°F per 1,000 ft) of climb. Daylight runs from sunrise to sunset on the 15th, on the park’s own clock, for a level horizon. Valleys and slopes facing away from the sun are in shade earlier.

Before you go Conditions, permits, fire bans and closures change constantly — we summarise and link out, but always confirm with the managing agency first.
Official park website → Last verified 2026-09-21

Nearby parks

Straight-line distance between park centres. Road distance is usually longer.

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