Updated November 2026 • 6 Min Read
Kauai Travel Guide 2026: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon & Permits
Discover how to secure Haena State Park entry, choose between sunny Poipu and lush Princeville, and experience the dramatic Na Pali Coast by sea or air.
1. Haena State Park & North Shore Permits
Kauai caps daily visitors at the end of the North Shore highway to protect Kee Beach and the Kalalau Trailhead:
- Haena State Park Entry & Parking: Released 30 days out at midnight HST. Parking passes sell out in seconds; the North Shore Shuttle pass is much easier to book and includes park entry.
- Kalalau Trail Day Hikes: Hiking the first two miles to Hanakapiai Beach requires a Haena entry pass; hiking beyond Hanakapiai requires an overnight camping permit.
2. South Shore (Poipu) vs. North Shore (Princeville)
| Kauai Coast | Weather Pattern | Best Season | Top Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poipu (South Shore) | Dry, sunny year-round | Great all 12 months (especially winter) | Poipu Beach, Spouting Horn, Poipu Bay Golf |
| Princeville & Hanalei (North) | Lush, tropical rain showers | May – October (calm ocean) | Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach, Na Pali views |
| Kapaa (East Side) | Breezy, central hub | Year-round basecamp | Wailua River kayaking & Sleeping Giant trail |
3. Experiencing Na Pali Coast & Waimea Canyon
No road circles the entire island of Kauai, leaving the 17-mile Na Pali coastline accessible only by foot, boat, or helicopter. Pair a morning catamaran cruise with an afternoon drive up Waimea Canyon—known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific—stopping at Puu Hinahina and Kalalau Lookouts before afternoon clouds roll in. See more options on our Tours & Activities page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get permits for Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail on Kauai?
Haena State Park parking, entry, and shuttle passes open exactly 30 days in advance at 12:00 AM HST on gohaena.com. Overnight Kalalau Trail campers must secure separate camping permits up to 90 days ahead.
What is the best time of year to take a Na Pali Coast boat tour?
May through September brings the calmest North Shore ocean swells, allowing catamaran and raft tours to depart from Hanalei and explore sea caves. In winter, rough surf shifts most departures to Port Allen on the south shore.