November 8, 2026
Kauai’s spectacular West Side high country is once again welcoming visitors following an extended closure caused by Hurricane Lowell. Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park officially reopened to the public on Saturday, November 7, 2026, restoring access to two of the island’s most popular natural attractions.
Both parks are now open daily during daylight hours, although visitors should anticipate reduced services and continued restrictions as crews work to restore facilities and reopen trails affected by the September storm.
The reopening marks another important milestone in Kauai’s recovery from Hurricane Lowell, which caused widespread damage across the island, including the mountainous interior. The storm forced the closure of both state parks while officials assessed conditions, addressed safety concerns and began the lengthy process of restoring public access.
For visitors, the reopening means an opportunity to once again experience the dramatic landscapes that make this part of Kauai so extraordinary. Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” offers sweeping views of colorful canyon walls, deep valleys and distant waterfalls. Farther into the mountains, Kokee State Park features cool upland forests, native vegetation, hiking trails and some of the island’s most breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the valleys of the Na Pali Coast.
Two popular destinations within Kokee State Park are also preparing to welcome visitors again. Kokee Lodge Restaurant and the Kokee Natural History Museum are expected to reopen by Thursday, November 12, bringing back dining and educational opportunities to the high-country destination.
Update
Hawaii DLNR released the following information on November 8, 2026:
Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks, located in Kauaʻi’s central uplands, reopened at 6 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. All state parks, lookouts and comfort stations between Waimea Canyon lookout and Pihea are now open. Reduced services should be expected, as popular visitor amenities such as the Kōkeʻe Lodge Restaurant and the Kōkeʻe Museum will not reopen until next week at the earliest.
The following trails are also now open:
• Nuʻalolo Trail
• Awaʻawapuhi Trail (open to the first mile marker)
• Waimea Canyon Trail
• lliau Nature Loop
• Pihea Trail
An estimated 50 percent of the historic recreational cabins were damaged, ranging from moderate impacts to complete loss. Public facilities such as the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp in Kōkeʻe State Park also suffered significant storm damage. Parks staff, along with the leaseholder community, continue to work on damage assessments and evaluate strategies to conduct short and long-term repairs to this cherished mountain park community.
DLNR’s Division of State Parks is resuming planned upgrades to the Kōkeʻe campground and it will remain closed.
All Kauaʻi state forestry lands and features are ready to open except for:
• Hunting Units: A, L – Closed
• Puʻu Ka Pele Forest Reserve (Western Ridge Section): including Makaha Pine Forest Drive, West Ridge Roads and Contour Road – Closed
• Campgrounds: Wiliwili, Kauluhaulu, Hipalau, Lonomea, Waialae – Closed
The following trails remain closed:
• Kohua Ridge – Closed
• Poʻomau Canyon – Closed
• Kawaikoi Stream – Closed
• Kukui from 1.75 down to the river – Closed
• Kuilau – Closed
• Kuamoʻo Bridge – Closed
• Okolehau – Closed
