Hā‘ena State Park Reopens After Hurricane Lowell's Impact

Hā‘ena State Park on the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i reopened to visitors on October 15, 39 days after its closure due to Hurricane Lowell. The park had been closed since September 6 for safety concerns as the hurricane approached, and the closure was extended to allow staff to assess hazards and complete necessary repairs.

Visitors can now enjoy day-use hikes to popular destinations such as Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Hanakāpīʻai Falls, but restrictions are still in place. Overnight camping is prohibited, and hikers are not allowed to venture beyond the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail until further notice. This limitation is part of ongoing recovery efforts across the island's state parks.

The reopening of Hā‘ena State Park restores access to one of Kaua‘i’s most beloved coastal destinations, but the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) emphasizes that safety remains a priority. The park will operate daily from 7 am to 6:45 pm, including holidays, unless an emergency closure is announced. Shuttle services to the park resumed on the same day as the reopening.

According to DLNR State Parks Administrator Alan Carpenter, the decision to reopen was made in consultation with community leaders, balancing public safety with the needs of the local community. Carpenter praised the efforts of park staff and community partners, including Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana and the Hanalei Initiative, for their hard work in restoring access after the storm.

Economic Significance of Park Reopening

The economic impact of the park's closure was significant, as approximately 50 local jobs depend on Hā‘ena State Park. Carpenter noted that the community had previously faced a much longer closure after severe flooding in 2018, emphasizing the importance of this reopening for local livelihoods.

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Entry fees are set at $5 per person for out-of-state visitors, while children aged three and under can enter for free. Hawaii residents can access the park without charge by showing a valid state-issued ID and do not need reservations for day passes. Parking reservations for out-of-state visitors cost $10 per vehicle.

While Hā‘ena State Park is now open, other Kaua‘i parks remain closed or have restricted access due to storm damage. The DLNR has provided updates on the status of various parks, including Kōke‘e and Waimea Canyon, which are still closed. Visitors are encouraged to check the official park conditions page before planning their trips to ensure they are aware of any restrictions or changes in access.