Waimea Canyon: closed now, what to know for later
Current status (19 October 2026): A DLNR notice lists Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōkeʻe State Park as closed after storm damage. Kōkeʻe Road is closed until further notice as well. Check the latest DLNR notices before you drive up, and do not count on spontaneous access.
When the parks are open, Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe are the high-country day trip on the west side. A scenic road climbs from the coast to a string of lookouts. The Kalalau Valley views from Kōkeʻe sit at about 4,000 feet (1,219 m), which is a rounded figure from the park description, not a measured height for each lookout.
What is open and what is not
Status as of 19 October 2026. Conditions can change, so check before you go.
| Place | Normal role | Status in October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Waimea Canyon State Park | Canyon views from the road | Closed |
| Kōkeʻe State Park | Forest park with lookouts, trails and camping | Closed |
| Kōkeʻe Road | The road up to the lookouts | Closed until further notice |
| Waimea Canyon Lookout | Main canyon view | A construction and safety closure was announced for July 2025, so check the current status |
| Kalalau Lookout | View into the Kalalau Valley | Part of the closed parks |
| Pihea Trail | Trail from Puʻu o Kila along the Kalalau rim | No hiking release |
| Kōkeʻe camping | Tent sites in the park | No camping |
The DLNR notices are the source for the reopening date. Look at them again shortly before your trip.
Kauai tours and day trips
Boat trips, helicopter flights and other tours across the island, with live prices and availability.
Lookouts and the Kalalau Valley
Two views make up most visits.
The Waimea Canyon Lookout is the main stop for the canyon, with its red and green walls. The road continues to Kalalau Lookout, which looks into the Kalalau Valley. Puʻu o Kila is the last stop at the end of Highway 550. From there the Pihea Trail starts, and the Pihea Overlook is the highest point on the Kalalau Valley rim, according to DLNR.
Views depend on the weather, so check the conditions on the day. The normal drive from Līhuʻe airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes to the canyon and 1 hour 40 minutes to Kalalau Lookout. These are undated planning values, not a current road report.
Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōkeʻe State Park: fees and camping
Regular rules for when the parks reopen.
Entry fees
Non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per private car at Waimea Canyon. Children up to 3 years are free, and Hawaii residents with a Hawaii ID are free. Kōkeʻe charges the same $5 per person and $10 per non-resident car. The Waimea ticket is also valid for the Kōkeʻe parking lots. Fees apply during daylight.
Reservations
No new advance reservation is confirmed for normal day visits. Do not count on spontaneous access when the parks reopen, and do not expect a single combined price for both parks.
Camping
Regular Kōkeʻe camping costs $30 per site and night for non-residents and $20 for residents. You can reserve 90 days ahead. For stays from 1 February 2026, DLNR points to the Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi system, so do not use old booking links. There is no camping right now.
Pihea Trail
The trail starts at Puʻu o Kila. There is no hiking release at the moment, so treat the trail as closed until DLNR says otherwise.
While the canyon is closed
Other parts of the island have their own rules, and some are also affected.
Hāʻena on the north shore
Hāʻena State Park reopened on 15 October 2026. The Kalalau Trail beyond the 2-mile point and camping stay closed. See the Na Pali Coast guide.
Wailua on the east side
The river and the designated landing are open again. Hiking to Secret Falls is closed. Read the Wailua page.
Other islands
For another high viewpoint, the volcano at Haleakala on Maui has its own guide.
Waimea Canyon: frequently asked questions
Is Waimea Canyon open?
No. A DLNR notice of 19 October 2026 lists Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōkeʻe State Park as closed after storm damage, and Kōkeʻe Road is closed until further notice. Check the latest notices before you go.
How much does Waimea Canyon cost?
Non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per private car in the regular fee table. Children up to 3 years and Hawaii residents with a Hawaii ID are free. The Waimea ticket is also valid at the Kōkeʻe parking lots.
How far is Waimea Canyon from the airport?
The normal planning drive from Līhuʻe airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes to the canyon and 1 hour 40 minutes to Kalalau Lookout. The values do not account for closures.
Can I camp at Kōkeʻe?
Not at the moment. When camping is open, it costs $30 per site and night for non-residents and $20 for residents, with a reservation up to 90 days ahead through the Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi system.
Where does the Pihea Trail start?
At Puʻu o Kila, at the end of Highway 550. The Pihea Overlook is the highest point on the rim of the Kalalau Valley. There is no hiking release right now.
When is the best time to go?
Views depend on the weather, so check the conditions on the day. The weather page shows the monthly values for the island.