|
Kauai
State Parks
Ahukini
State Recreation Pier
End of Ahukini Road (Highway 570) off Kuhio Highway (Highway 56),
Lihu'e
Ocean
Pier fishing. Pole fishing and crab netting only.
0.9
acre
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ha'ena
State Park
End of Kuhio Highway (Highway 56), Ha'ena.
Scenic
wildland park. 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. Beach-related activities, shore fishing,
viewing of spectacular Na Pali Coast and swimming at Ke'e Beach.
Trailhead for 11-mile Kalalau Trail.
6.7
acres
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Koke'e
State Park
15
miles north of Kekaha on Koke'e Road (Highway 550) at 3600 feet
elevation; adjoins Waimea Canyon State Park.
Commanding
views of the lush, amphitheater-headed Kalalau Valley from 4000
feet elevation. Wildland picnicking, tent camping, trailer camping
and lodging. Hiking in native rain forest and along rim of Waimea
Canyon; additional trails in neighboring forest reserves. Excellent
area for study of native plants, forest birds and insects. Seasonal
plum picking and trout fishing. Pig hunting in public hunting
area.
4,345.0
acres
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Na
Pali Coast State Park
Trailhead for Kalalau Trail at end of Kuhio Highway (Hwy. 56)
in Ha'ena State Park; Kalalau Valley also accessible by commercial
boats from May 15 through September 15; Miloli'i (May 15 through
Labor Day) and Nu'alolo Kai accessible by boat.
Exceptionally scenic sea cliffs and valleys which can be viewed
from land along the coastal Kalalau
Trail
or by air and sea with commercial operators. Primitive recreational
experience with choice of a day hike to Hanakapi'ai (2 miles one-way)
or an 11-mile backpacking trip to a primitive camp at Kalalau
and overnight stopovers at Hanakapi'ai and Hanakoa. Trail traverses
high sea cliffs and lush stream valleys with plunging waterfalls
and is strenuous. The trail to the falls and beyond Hanakapi'ai
is recommended for experienced hikers only. Primitive camping
provided at Miloli'i also. Knowledge and skills of primitive outdoor
living required for backpacking and camping along this coast.
Day expeditions to Nu'alolo Kai by commercial boats. Shore fishing
and seasonal goat hunting. Ocean conditions are unpredictable
and can be dangerous - swimming and wading are not recommended.
Day use permits required on Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley.
Boat landing restrictions - inquire at district office. No drinking
water available - all water must be treated.
6,175.0 acres
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polihale
State Park
End of 5-mile long dirt road from Mana Village, off Kaumuali'i
Highway (Highway 50).
Picnicking,
tent camping and trailer camping on wild coastline with large
sand beach backed by dunes. Scenic setting, colorful sunsets and
good views of the high sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast. Swimming in
summer; shore fishing. Hot, dry area. Picnic shelters.
137.7
acres
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russian
Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park
On east bank of Waimea rivermouth off Kaumuali'i Highway (Highway
50).
The
boulder-built fort stands as a reminder of Russia's short-lived
adventure (1815-1817) in the Hawaiian Islands. Self-guided walk.
17.3
acres
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wailua
River State Park
Poli'ahu Heiau Brochure
Hikinaakala Heiau Brochure
Along
banks of Wailua River off Kuhio Highway (Highway 56): boat excursions
at Marina Section on south bank; riverside picnicking, historic
sites and scenic overlooks on Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580); and
Wailua Falls at end of Ma'alo Road (Highway 583) from Kapaia.
Lush
river valley with riverboat cruise (fee charged) to Fern Grotto,
an unusual fern-clothed cave set in a tropical garden; scenic
vistas of attractive waterfalls and Wailua River Valley; the Wailua
Complex of Heiau (National Historic Landmark)--remains of heiau
(places of worship), pu'uhonua (places of refuge), birthstones
and bellstone at this once important seat of chiefly power; river
fishing and picnicking in riverside coconut grove; and dining
and gift shopping at Marina Section.
1,092.6
acres
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waimea
Canyon State Park
11.1 miles north of Kekaha on Koke'e Road (Highway 550); adjoins
Koke'e State Park.
Rim
overlooks of one of the State's scenic treasures--the deep, colorful
gorge of Waimea Canyon. Also viewpoint of Ni'ihau Island, wildland
picnicking and short nature trail. Adjacent forest reserve with
long, strenuous hike into and out of the canyon. Seasonal trout
fishing. Pig and seasonal goat hunting nearby.
1,866.4
acres
Kauai
County Parks and Beaches
Princeville,
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei
Bay
Famous for its spectacular beauty, Hanalei Bay is a long half-moon
of sandy beach carved into the base of a sheer cliff on one side
and narrowing into a rocky point on the other. The beach is a
great spot for walking or throwing a Frisbee around. At the westernmost
curve of the bay, you'll find a calm shoreline where the water
is relatively quiet even when most of the north shore is too rough
for safe swimming.
Kee
Beach
This is a famous movie location and excellent snorkeling area,
located at the foot of the Na Pali Coast Trail. Kee Beach appeared
in the popular television mini-series, The Thorn Birds.
Lumahai
Beach
Between Haena and Hanalei Bay is the most photographed beach on
Kauai. Lumahai Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man
right out of her hair" in South Pacific.
Coconut
Marketplace, Kapaa Kauai
Wailua
River State Park
Wailua River State Park ranges over 1,000 acres and includes Lydgate
Park, some archeological sites, and a picnic area at the south
side of the river. It is also near a number of heiau.
Lydgate
State Park
Lydgate has much to offer the visitor. Fine picnic grounds, an
excellent swimming area for the keiki (children), and a wonderful
stretch of beach for sunning or a stroll. There is also a great
playground built by volunteers from the community. The coconut
grove here once served as a place of refuge for the ancient Hawaiians.
Those who could reach the boundaries of the refuge before being
caught were spared punishment or even death for breaking a kapu
(law). The Wailua River begins near the north end of the park.
Photo by: Fred Patricio, Jr.
Niumalu
Beach Park
Niumalu (shade of coconut trees) Beach Park ranges over three
acres and offers picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Camping
is allowed with a County permit. Kayaking up-river and sailboarding
are also popular.
Kalapaki
Beach
The white sands and gentle waters of Kalapaki Beach are ideal
for sunning, swimming, and sailing. Kalapaki Beach also is the
home of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, and Kauai
Lagoons--40 acres of freshwater tropical lagoons that serve as
a sanctuary for exotic wildlife.
Poipu Beach, Koloa Town
Poipu
Beach Park
Poipu is located near the southern-most tip of Kauai. The beaches
in this area are favorites for snorkeling and scuba diving. Lots
of fun in the sun in Poipu!
Kukuiolono
Park
From Kalaheo, travel Papalina Road for a little less than a mile
and you'll see a sign indicating Kukuiolono Park. Kukuiolono means
"light of Lono," which has its origin in the fires that
were built on the hillside to guide Hawaiian seafarers. The park
features a beautiful Japanese garden, legend stones, and a panoramic
view. But don't tarry too long. The gate closes to cars at 6:30
p.m. Open daily 7am-6pm. Golf course starting times from 7am-3pm.
(808) 332-9151.
Shipwreck
Beach
For many years this was one of the best "hidden" beaches
on Kauai. Today, the sandy, rock-studded beach is still beautiful.
But it is no longer hidden. A major resort now borders the beach,
which means it's harder to have the beach all to yourself - but
easier to find a cool drink when you tire of beachcombing.
West
Side (See Kokee State
Park)
Polihale
State Park
Just past the Pacific Missile Range Facility gate on Highway 50,
a sign posted by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau points to a dirt cane-hauling
road angling off to the left. Follow the road for about five miles
and you'll arrive at Polihale State Park. The park has a beautiful
3-mile long beach. However, the ocean here can be dangerous, with
a severe shore break and rip currents.
A better bet is found at the 3.4 -mile mark along the cane road,
where the road curves near a large monkeypod tree. Take the fork
to the left and park almost immediately. Walk north along the
beach until you come to a hollow in the coral. This is Queen's
Pond. It's usually calm here except when high winter surf comes
over the reef.
Salt
Pond Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park is a place where the swimming is usually
safe year around. Camping is allowed with a County permit. The
crescent beach is partially protected by reef. A toddlers bathing
pool is created by rocks that form a small lagoon. Swimming is
good and there are tidepools to explore. It's also a great spot
for sunsets. |
