Koke'e State Park in Hawaii

Koke’e State Park
Just north of Waimea Canyon State Park lies Koke’e State Park, a mountain-filled terrain. At the end of the park is the famous Kalalau Valley Lookout. The park can be often quite rainy, but this is usually confined to the winter and spring months from October to May. There are a large number of hiking trails in this park, which is probably the largest attraction to the park second only to sightseeing. A complete list of hikes is available at the Koke’e Natural History Museum located in the park.

The Koke’e Natural History Museum is an important resource that is open from 10am-4pm to greet and assist visitors to the park. The museum is open year-long including holidays. A suggested donation of $1 per person is requested, and funds are put directly back into the museum. The museum does receive state funding for its operation, and maintains several exhibits about the natural history of Kauai, including features focusing on plant life and meteorological conditions. Staff and volunteers at the museum have an extensive knowledge of the area, and are an invaluable resource in picking trails to hike and informing visitors of current and anticipated weather conditions. The Koke’e Museum Shop has an extensive selection of books on Hawaii as well as traditional arts and crafts.

There are two areas in Koke’e where you can make camp, at the head of the Kanaloahuluhulu meadow and close by the Kawaikoi Stream. Reservations and camping permits can be madeby contacting the Hawaii State Parks Commission at 808.274.3444.

Extra Tips
The best time to visit the park for sightseeing at the Kalalau Valley Overlook is early morning, where the sky can be clear until fog and clouds move from inland out towards the ocean. If clouds are amassing over the ocean, the valley is likely to be obscured for a longer period of time. At an elevation of 4,000 feet, it can get a bit chilly, especially when the wind picks up. A jacket and long pants essential for any long stay in the Park.

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