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Keʻe Beach
Kēʻē Beach is at the Hāʻena end of the Nā Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. Hāʻena’s October 15 reopening restores day use, with the coastal trail beyond the two-mile point still closed. Check the lifeguard’s advice before entering the ocean; Go Hāʻena warns that ocean conditions are rougher from October through April.
Keʻe Beach — Quick Facts
- Reservations: Non-residents need advance day-use reservations through Go Hāʻena. Hawaiʻi residents with a Hawaiʻi driver’s license or state ID do not need day-use reservations; entry and parking are subject to availability.
- Location: End of Hwy 560, Haʻena — about 1 hour from Lihue Airport, 15 min from Hanalei
- Entry fee: Check gohaena.com for current parking and shuttle fees
- Ocean access: Swimming and snorkeling may be prohibited when conditions are unsafe. Follow posted warnings and lifeguard instructions; do not stand or walk on the reef.
- Kalalau Trail: Day use to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, Valley and Falls reopens October 15. Overnight camping and the coastal trail beyond the two-mile point remain closed until further notice, including for camping-permit holders.
- Sunset: One of the best sunset spots on Kauai — faces west with Na Pali cliffs as backdrop
Often, Na Pali Coast places as one of the top 25 destinations in the world. This rugged stretch of coast offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and hidden waterfalls sprawl across the shores of North Kauai. We recommend savoring this destination's views by land, boat, or air.
Please be aware of the new rules for the Haena State Park area as of 2019.
Overview of Ke'e Beach, North Shore Kauai
Use Go Hāʻena’s ocean and trail guidance when planning a visit. Lifeguards may close ocean access at any time of year. A park reservation does not establish safe swimming conditions.
Ke'e Beach also has some of the best sunsets on Kauai. So make sure to bring your camera!
The turquoise blue water, white sand, and lush mountains make this a prevalent Kauai wedding beach. Ke'e beach has a large grassy area behind it, making for a nice gathering spot after your wedding ceremony and a place for your photographer to take some great photos with you and your guests!
Ke'e Beach, The Start of Na Pali Coast
Grab your ticket to the Na Pali Coast if you want to experience some of the most thrill-packed, adventurous sightseeing on Kauai. Behold Kauai's North Shore for its majestic cliffs and lush valleys along this rugged stretch of coastline. As you make your way along the coast, you will be treated to more incredible scenery on the island. Plenty of people are taking a dip on this beautiful beach dotted with palm trees.
If you want to experience all the Na Pali Coast offers, one of the best ways to do it is by kayaking or boating along the coast. You can even see dolphins and whales while out there. Many outfitters will take you out, so shop around before booking your trip.
Another great way to explore this area is by taking a helicopter tour. These tours will exceed your expectations.
Directions to Ke'e Beach
The usual approach is west on Highway 560 from Hanalei to its end near mile marker 10. Kauaʻi County’s November 1 update says Kūhiō Highway near Hanalei Bridge is open to alternating traffic only; expect delays; follow posted controls and do not assume this approach is available.
Parking: Hāʻena State Park day use reopened October 15, 2026. Go Hāʻena’s November 2 notice schedules shuttle service to Hāʻena State Park to resume November 2, 2026. Confirm current park day-use, parking and shuttle arrangements. Day-use hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, Valley and Falls was reopened October 15, subject to current posted controls. Overnight camping and continuing along the coastal Kalalau Trail beyond the two-mile point remain closed until further notice. Confirm road controls and your reservation before travel. Choose the Go Hāʻena option that matches your transport and confirm current County road controls, shuttle operation and available time slots.
Essential Tips for a Ke'e Beach, North Shore Kauai Visit
If you're going to swim at Ke'e Beach, avoid the reef channel at the west end of the beach. This is where the lagoon flows into the ocean, and the current here is strong enough to suck you in like a blowhole.
Swim at your peril: In winter, the surf can come in over the reef and into the lagoon, making the water both murkier and more dangerous. Additionally, surfers use caution as powerful shore breaks and rip currents. Heed the warning signs posted and lifeguards' warnings.
Ke'e Beach, North Shore Kauai Amenities
There are facilities at Kee Beach, including restrooms, showers, water fountains, and picnic tables. There is also a lifeguard tower here staffed during regular daytime hours.
Having Fun at Ke'e Beach
Family Activities at Ke'e Beach
Ke'e Beach is a great family beach where you can relax in the sand. A coral reef over 200 yards offshore protects Ke'e Beach by creating a shallow lagoon, making this a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The reefs keep the waves here relatively calm. The water is relatively shallow here, making it an excellent place for kids to play. The lagoon has a sandy bottom perfect for wading and swimming in calm waters. The reef also serves as a nesting ground for green sea turtles, making it a popular place for snorkeling.
Lifeguards are on duty daily from 9:30-4:30 pm during the summer (roughly May-September).
Ke'e Beach Activities
Prepare for some fun at Ke'e Beach.
Kalalau Trail: This beach is the start of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail that leads to Kalalau Valley. The trail takes hikers through lush valleys, past waterfalls, and beaches only accessible by foot or boat. As one treks, savor the cliffs rising straight up from the ocean that goes on for miles.
NaPali Coast kayak tours: Many view the Na Pali Coast as one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. The tall sea cliffs, waterfalls, and spectacular beaches make it a must-see for most visitors to the island. Jump onto a kayak ride along the coast. Starting at Kee Beach, you'll paddle your kayak along the base of the towering Na Pali cliffs, into an old Hawaiian fishing village, and through a narrow lava tunnel where you can make a shore landing for a picnic lunch. After your picnic lunch, you can continue your paddle along the coast, passing sea caves and arches and through arches formed by lava flows. Soon you will encounter some of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, including Polihale Beach - the island's largest white sand beach.
Bodyboarding and surfing: Check with the lifeguard before entering. Go Hāʻena warns of rougher ocean conditions from October through April; lifeguards may close ocean access when it is unsafe. Park reopening does not establish safe water conditions.
Snorkeling: Check current ocean conditions and lifeguard instructions on the day of your visit. Swimming and snorkeling may not be permitted when conditions are unsafe. Do not stand or walk on the reef.
Swimming: Do not assume the reef or a sheltered-looking lagoon makes Kēʻē safe for children or inexperienced swimmers. Follow posted warnings and lifeguard advice, and stay out when ocean access is closed.
Sunset: With a view that stretches from the verdant cliffs of the Kalalau Valley to the craggy peaks of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay, it's easy to see why this is one of the island's most popular beaches for watching the sinking sun.
Nearby Attractions and Sights of Ke'e Beach, North Shore Kauai
Limahuli Garden: Limahuli reopens October 15, 2026. Reserve ahead, use NTBG’s current tour availability and confirm permitted road access before combining it with a Kēʻē visit.
Trail access: Day-use hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, Valley and Falls reopens October 15, 2026. Confirm road controls and your reservation first. The round trip from Hāʻena is 4 miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach or 8 miles to Hanakāpīʻai Falls. Hiking along the coastal Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley remains closed even with a camping permit; the falls route stays within the valley. A reservation does not permit entry to closed trail sections.
Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai Beach: The first part of the Kalalau Trail takes you from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai Beach along the northern shoreline of Kaua'i. This section of the trail is 2 miles each way — 4 miles total — making it a good option for hikers who don't want to do the whole 22-mile trek but still want to see some incredible scenery.
