By Hawaii.com Team
An aerial view of the Kalalau Valley and Nā Pali Coast from the Kalalau Lookout in Kōkeʻe State Park. Photo by Wirestock Creators (Shutterstock).
Koke‘e State Park offers sweeping views of some of the most gorgeous vistas on Kaua‘i. From the red chasms of Waimea Canyon State Park to the lush valleys of the Nā Pali Coast, you don’t want to miss taking a scenic tour of this pristine region of the Garden Isle.
To get here, take Kaumuali‘i Highway to Waimea Canyon Drive and follow the road up the steep incline until it intersects with Koke‘e Road. Continue on this road, and it will take you through Waimea Canyon State Park until reaching Koke‘e State Park at about mile marker 14.
Stop and treat yourself to the many different landscapes along the way, including phenomenal views of Waipo‘o Falls plunging 800 feet into the ravine below. There are plenty of places to pull over and snap pictures. Just be aware of other drivers as you do so.
Once Koke‘e State Park begins, so do the incredible vistas. The pinnacle, however, is at the end of the road after mile marker 18 where the clouds cling to your car and a crisp mist settles in the air. The lookout here, Pu‘u o Kila, offers one of the best perspectives of Kalalau, a Nā Pali Coast valley where Native Hawaiians once resided. Elevated around 3,600 above sea level, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of this tropical beauty as its fluted peaks surround you in an epic embrace.
A scenic pathway in Kōkeʻe State Park. Photo by Wirestock Creators (Shutterstock).
You can experience even more hidden wonders of Koke‘e State Park by embarking on a hike. Enchanting forests dripping in native ferns and decorated with ‘ohia trees frequented by Hawaiian honeycreepers are part of this adventuresome allure.
If you’ve got strong legs, the Nuʻalolo Trail (between mile markers 15 and 16) or the ‘Awa‘awapuhi Trail (located at mile marker 17) are a perfect fit. These two trails, each more than six miles long, are deceivingly easy during the first leg but require a strenuous ascent on the way back. Still, the midway views are spectacular and perhaps some of the best the Nā Pali Coast has to offer.
Even though you’ll need to fill your vehicle with a full tank of gas before journeying to this west side attraction, there is little doubt this trip is worth the time and effort.
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The Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum serves as the cultural and educational heart of Kōkeʻe State Park. While many visitors head straight for the Kalalau Valley lookouts or Waimea Canyon’s viewpoints, those who pause at the museum are rewarded with a deeper understanding of the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
The museum is located about 15 miles up Kōkeʻe Road, making it the perfect stop before heading into the park’s trails or scenic overlooks. From its rustic stone-and-wood exterior to the welcoming atmosphere inside, the museum feels like an invitation to slow down, learn and connect with the land.
Kōkeʻe State Park is known for its high-elevation forests, endemic plants and rare bird species. Without context, these landscapes can be easy to simply admire and move past. The museum gives visitors the tools to truly appreciate what they’re seeing — from the story of how these forests formed to the delicate balance that sustains them today.
The exhibits are compact but rich in detail. Displays highlight:
Native Birds: Learn about species like the ʻapapane and ʻamakihi, many of which are only found in the Hawaiian Islands.
Plant Life: See how native ferns, ʻōhiʻa lehua and koa trees create the backbone of Kauaʻi’s upland forests.
Cultural History: Explore the early days of wilderness protection on the island and the deep connections Native Hawaiians have with the land.
Geology and Climate: Understand how erosion, rainfall and volcanic activity shaped the dramatic canyons and valleys that make Kōkeʻe so unique.
One of the most valuable aspects of the museum is its knowledgeable staff and volunteers. They are often hikers and naturalists themselves, eager to share trail maps, current weather conditions and recommendations based on your interests and skill level. Planning to hike the Canyon Trail to Waipoʻo Falls? Curious if the Alakaʻi Swamp Trail is too muddy? This is the place to ask. The staff’s insight often means the difference between a good hike and a truly memorable one.
The museum’s gift shop is more than a souvenir stop. It carries a curated selection of:
Books on Hawaiian flora, fauna, and history
Locally designed T-shirts and prints
Educational materials for keiki (children)
Unique gifts and keepsakes connected to Kauaʻi’s wilderness
Every purchase helps support the non-profit that runs the museum, making it a meaningful way to contribute to preservation and education.
The Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum is open daily, including holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to support the museum’s programs and upkeep.
For more information, visit the Koke‘e Natural History Museum website.
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