Koke’e/Waimea Canyon Use fee

Question

Quit yer bitchin’! Pay the $10/car and $5/pp and make it a magical day. We had an absolutely stunning day today visiting Koke’e and Waimea Canyon. Simply the best weather we have ever had for a visit. We went up early enough that the park staff were not on hand to “remind” people to pay the fee.

We drove directly to the Kalalau Lookout parking lot (it would be great if they could trim some trees) and then hiked the 2 mile round trip along the damaged road to the “real” lookout IMO at Pu’u O Kila. The walk was serene and beautiful and the payoff at the end was extraordinary. And with the road closed there weren’t a bunch of people elbow to elbow looking for their IG money shot. We followed with a short stroll down the Pinei trail.

We headed back down the hill and stopped at both Waimea viewpoints and listened to constant whining about the fee (the one time fee at your first stop covers all future stops on that day in both parks).

You’ve dropped $5-10k to come to Kauai. Gladly pay your fee and thank those who are trying to keep this experience so special for you and those after you!

Answer

Visiting Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon on Kauai is truly a spectacular experience, and the entrance fees help maintain the trails, viewpoints, and overall park facilities. As noted, there is a $10 per vehicle fee and a $5 per person fee, which is a one-time payment that covers all stops within the parks for that day.

Many visitors find that paying the fee is a small price to ensure the park remains beautiful and accessible. Arriving early can allow you to explore without crowds, especially if certain areas are less accessible due to road closures or maintenance. For example, hiking the 2-mile round trip to the Pu’u O Kila lookout offers a serene experience with breathtaking views and fewer people.

Some suggested stops and activities within Koke’e and Waimea Canyon:

Kalalau Lookout: Offers dramatic views of the Na Pali Coast, though some tree trimming would improve visibility.
Pu’u O Kila Lookout: Accessible via a short hike, provides panoramic canyon views and is less crowded.
Pinei Trail: A short and easy trail perfect for a peaceful stroll and experiencing native flora.
Waimea Viewpoints: Multiple pull-offs on the drive down the canyon with great photo opportunities.

Paying the fees is straightforward: once you pay at your first stop, it covers all the subsequent stops for that day, so there’s no need to pay multiple times. The staff on-site appreciate visitors who support park maintenance, and it contributes to keeping the trails safe and enjoyable for everyone.

In summary, the small fee is worthwhile for the extraordinary experience, less crowded hikes, and the upkeep of these iconic Hawaiian landscapes. Being courteous and following park rules helps ensure future visitors can enjoy the magic of Koke’e and Waimea Canyon as much as you do.

Koke’e/Waimea Canyon Use fee

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