Kokee State Park - United States

About Kokee State Park

RV quick facts for Kokee State Park

Best time to visit Kokee State Park

May through September brings the driest, clearest weather, with the best odds of unobstructed views into Kalalau Valley and along the Na Pali Coast. June and July are peak for stable trail conditions on the Alakai Swamp and Pihea routes. Shoulder months of April and October offer fewer visitors and still reasonable weather, though afternoon clouds build quickly at elevation. Winter, from November through March, is cooler and much wetter, with trail closures and slick red mud common after heavy rain.

Things to do at Kokee State Park

• Kalalau Lookout Easy

  RV parking available

  Kalalau Lookout is a roadside overlook at roughly 4,000 feet offering sweeping views into the Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast. Paved parking accommodates standard vehicles and smaller RVs, and an accessible viewing area sits steps from the lot. Early morning offers the clearest views before clouds roll in. dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/

• Pu'u o Kila Lookout Easy

  RV parking available

  Pu'u o Kila Lookout sits at the end of Kokee Road and provides another high-elevation view of the Kalalau Valley and the trailhead for the Pihea Trail. The lot is small, so arrive early if driving a larger rig. On clear days, visitors can see all the way to Mount Waialeale. dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/

• Alakai Swamp Trail Moderate

  The Alakai Swamp Trail is a roughly 7-mile round-trip boardwalk hike through one of the world's highest-elevation rainforests to the Kilohana Lookout overlooking Wainiha Valley. Expect mud, mist, and endemic birds along the route. Start early to beat afternoon clouds that often obscure the payoff view. dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/

• Pihea Trail Moderate

  RV parking available

  The Pihea Trail traces the rim above Kalalau Valley before descending into forest and joining the Alakai Swamp boardwalk. The first mile offers some of the best coastal views on Kauai with relatively modest effort. Footing can be slippery after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended. dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/

• Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls Moderate

  The Canyon Trail is a roughly 3.2-mile round-trip hike leading to overlooks of Waipo'o Falls and into Waimea Canyon. The route combines red-dirt switchbacks with panoramic canyon views often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Start from the Halemanu Road junction off HI-550. dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/

• Kokee Natural History Museum Easy

  RV parking available

  The Kokee Natural History Museum is a small visitor-run museum in the park meadow that interprets Kauai's geology, native birds, and forest ecology. It also serves as an informal trailhead hub with maps and current trail conditions. Parking accommodates cars and small RVs. kokee.org/

• Awa'awapuhi Trail Strenuous

  The Awa'awapuhi Trail is a 6.2-mile round-trip forest hike descending about 1,600 feet to a dramatic ridge overlooking the Na Pali Coast. The views at the end are among the most spectacular on Kauai, but the climb back up is strenuous. Carry plenty of water and start early. dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/kokee-state-park/