DLNR shut Hā‘ena State Park on September 6 in advance of Hurricane Lowell, citing rising surf and unstable shorelines. The 39‑day closure gave staff time to assess hazards, remove fallen trees, and seal erosion pockets before visitors could return.
The park reopened on October 15, opening daily from 7 am to 6:45 pm, with shuttle service restored. Hikers can once again trek to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, Valley, and Falls, yet overnight camping and any stretch beyond the Kalalau Trail’s two‑mile marker remain forbidden.
State Parks Administrator Alan Carpenter thanked park crews and partners Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana and the Hanalei Initiative for their tireless work. Carpenter said the decision followed consultations with local leaders to balance safety and community needs.
The park supports about 50 jobs in the region, Carpenter noted, echoing the economic strain felt during the 2018‑2019 closure caused by flooding. The swift reopening aims to restore some normalcy for residents and tourists alike.
Other Kaua‘i parks, including Kōke‘e and Waimea Canyon, stay closed until further notice, and visitors to out‑of‑state camps will need to secure reservations. DLNR will process refunds for missed days in two to three weeks, according to the department.
DLNR will continue monitoring storm damage and assess when the Kalalau Trail can safely reopen beyond the two‑mile limit. A full‑trail reopening is expected in early 2027, pending further repairs.