Ha'ena State Park

Description:

• Ha'ena State Park offers viewing of wet caves--ancient sea caves formed during a higher stand of sea, probably 4,000 years ago. Tradition credits Pele, the volcano goddess, as having dug the caves in her search for a new home. The park also offers viewing of the spectacular Na Pali Coast and swimming at Ke'e Beach, where there are lifeguard services. The trailhead for the eleven-mile Kalalau Trail is located here. There is a shorter, two-mile section of the Kalalau Trail, from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai, which is a popular day hike.

  The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the Na Pali Coast . The eleven-mile trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach in Na Pali State Park, where it is blocked by sheer, fluted Pali. The trail is almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the eleven miles will take a full day.

  Ha'ena State Park offers beach-related activities such as shore fishing and swimming. It offers scenic viewing of the Na Pali Coast and hiking on the 11-mile Kalalau Trail which begins at a trailhead here.

  Ha'ena State Park is located on the north shore of Kauai, at the end of Kuhio Highway (Highway 56).