Ke'e Beach
Ke'e Beach
4.5
About
This is one of Kauai’s best beaches for snorkeling. The waters are normally calm, but snorkelers should avoid the reef channel at the west end due to stronger currents. Besides snorkeling and swimming, the tide pools are a hit with the kids, too. What’s more, you get to drink in the sweeping views of the towering Na Pali cliffs; make sure you stay for the sunset. Pro tip: Reserve entry passes and avoid driving—parking fills up by early morning with hikers bound for the Kalalau Trail. Take the Kauai North Shore shuttle to get there. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Beachbum29877
Atlantic Beach, NC74 contributions
Dec 2019
For 28 years I have visited Kauai, and I certainly understand about “over tourism.” That being said, when the great storm of April 2018 happened, the state park took the opportunity to redo how and who gets to visit Ke’e Beach, Haena, and the KalalauTrail. I understand they had a chance to rethink how things are done. It is interesting to see the film blogs that were posted by the powers that be. Who is getting the short end of the stick here is the primary business of the island and that is the tourists. Look at it and decide for yourself. I was there in December and early January. I tried thirty days prior and waking up at east coast time at 6 in the morning to get a permit for the morning and afternoon. I was able to find one day where I could get a morning and afternoon time so I could hike the first two miles of the Kalalau. It takes over an hour to get there from the South Side. Now I tried to go back in February and even when it was five o’clock in the morning in Kauai, there wasn’t a single afternoon day available. In my opinion someone is gaming the system to the benefit of a few. Locals can go anytime just by showing their ID. If you spend all that time and money to get to Kauai, think again if you plan to visit Ke’e, the trail, or Haena. It will be very difficult to get a pass. Also for the record, now if you are lucky of enough to get a pass, you have to haul your stuff a quarter of a mile to get to the beach. Also after all the redo, the restroom facilities are pathetic. There is one stall and urinal in the men’s side with no changing area. Oh Yes, they do have a shuttle at 15 dollars per person. There will come a day when there is a day of reckoning when they kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RN9865
Corning, NY121 contributions
Apr 2023
We have been going to Kauai yearly since 2008. We refuse to be price gouged by paying $35 a person to ride a short shuttle. I went on the go haena site every night at 11:59 pm to try to reserve a parking spot. No availability? I think it’s a scam. I am thinking of selling my time share in hanalei. We bought it because we loved the north shore so much. Now we feel unwelcome. It’s so frustrating. The people who have no problem paying $35 a person for those over 15 need to check their privilege.
Written 29 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda W
1 contribution
Oct 2022
It is a bit difficult to get just a parking spot with the reservation. I think it's somewhat of a scam to make you purchase the shuttle ride for $35 per person. It seems a bit high priced for a pretty short ride. I would think around $10 would be more appropriate. It seems like all of the parking spots for cars are saved for the locals which is great for them. But how many of them actually go there? That being said, we had a wonderful time there. The beach was not crowded and we had a whole section to ourselves. We also walked up to the first look out which was a very muddy trail and looked out at the beautiful views of the coast and Ke'e Beach. Our shuttles drivers both ways did not say a word to us and were not friendly. One did play some music which was entertaining. The person at the stop at Ke'e drop off was very friendly and helpful, however.
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Swede9
San Clemente76 contributions
Jul 2022
When we visited Kauai back in 2018 then the road to the beaches on this side of the island were closed. So this year we planned ahead and booked 2 days to use the shuttle. Just make sure you plan ahead, reservations open 30 days in advance and fill up that day during peak season. Yes it is a little on the expensive side but you paid all that money to come to Hawaii, and the funds help keep the beach and facilities from being over used. Parking was super easy and the personnel running the shuttle check in and parking are very friendly and helpful. The shuttle drivers were fun and full of information on the way there and back. Be aware anything you bring with you must be carried on your lap on the shuttle there is no overhead storage. The beach is beautiful, lots of chickens to keep you entertained, it seems kid friendly and never got too crowed even during July peak time. The snorkeling is easy and best at high tide. We hiked over to Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach on the Kalalau Trail, it was steep and hot but well worth the effort. Bring lots of water. Overall it was a good time and will go again next trip.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake M
San Francisco, CA9 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Found the shuttle experience to be lacking. The beach is very nice, but Tunnels beach is just as nice and totally free. The shuttle stop is half a mile walk from the beach, which is fine, except you have to walk the half mile back to the shuttle just to find out if you can make it on the shuttle that you want. And just so you know, you won't. The shuttles run nowhere near frequently enough in the early afternoon. Be prepared to wait an hour for shuttle with a lovely view of a parking lot. A parking lot which is, by the way, mostly empty, despite the fact that reservations were impossible to get for said parking lot. Also, in case you were wondering if you can explore the area, forget it. Because it's impossible to get a shuttle from anywhere other than the beach parking lot, because the shuttles are completely full in both directions, so you can't get on a shuttle. So r didn't get a chance to see anything other than the beach.
Written 24 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rissa P
2 contributions
Dec 2022
In the past, it was hard to get a day pass to bring guests with us but there is a new program that lets kama'aina bypass the online (always sold out) option! So I was very excited to be able to take my brother and his girlfriend up twice while they were here. It still costs $5/day for guests but you aren't locked into the time frames and don't have to worry about getting it 30 days in advance. The down side is that you have to go up to Hanalei in person between 8-10 am on either a Tuesday or a Wednesday in order to do it. (Although with this being a new program, that may change so be sure to check for yourself!) Email info@gohaena.com for current information.
Another helpful thing is that if you have a handicap placard or plate, they will open the gate for you to drive to the beach portion. While the walk is absolutely lovely, it was challenging with a walker so I was very grateful for this option.
We were there in the winter, so the surf was too rough to snorkel. But they enjoyed hiking and I enjoyed working on my art at a picnic table. It was a great "studio" for the day!
Another helpful thing is that if you have a handicap placard or plate, they will open the gate for you to drive to the beach portion. While the walk is absolutely lovely, it was challenging with a walker so I was very grateful for this option.
We were there in the winter, so the surf was too rough to snorkel. But they enjoyed hiking and I enjoyed working on my art at a picnic table. It was a great "studio" for the day!
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MareZech
Wilmington, DE10 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Great visit to Kee Beach via the shuttle. Shuttle system was well organized and easy to do. I had read an article in the Hawaiian Airlines regarding why they now do the reserved shuttle due to the negative environmental impact of too many people visiting the park so I had a greater appreciation for why they changed to the reservation system. Yes you have to plan ahead and need to pay a fee but you need to do that for a ton of activities like boat trips and lauas. I read reviews with people complaining about the reservations but I feel we should be respectful of this beautiful land, we are visitors and think about what it would be like to live there with all that traffic and people. So make your reservation in advance, hike the trail and enjoy the beach, it was a wonderful experience!
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dregehr
82 contributions
Jan 2020
In order to park your vehicle at the park you have to purchase a pass online in advance which we did several weeks before hand. The beach is very big with lots of coral and shells, unfortunately there is no snorkeling in the winter due to high wave activity which is normal for that time of the year. I loved just walking the beach it was clean and very beautiful.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy H
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
I think it is horrible they are charging to enter Ke'e Beach. This is my 10 time to Kauai. The best island of them all. This island has views that are breath taking and have always been accessible without paying for entry. I remember being able to just drive up on the beach, almost any beach!!!! It is sad that what was once easy to get to is now either charged or blocked. My favorite part of Kauai has always been being able to explore which now is very limited. I was utterly surprised there were charges to view look outs at Wiamea Canyon. Seems petty in the scheme of what one pays to get to the island .... I get tourists can be disrepectful; but for those that are not and value the islands nature, beauty, and history this is incredibly disappointing as I did not even consider not being able to get into an area I have visited numerous times.........
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeppesPop
Boston, MA8 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked in advance for admission and parking permit, very easy but we are off season in Feb.
Unfortunately no snorkeling as the waves are too high, and the Na Pali Coast trails were also closed because of rain. With lower waves it would be a nice place to swim, there is a reef that partly blocks the waves.
Easy parking, and about a .25 mile walk to the beach which has bathrooms, places to change, and outdoor showers.
Lots of shade here, and a nice long beach for walking. If you like to plan in advance, the entrance to Limahuli Garden and Preserve is right by the entrance to the park - might be a good thing to do at the same time.
Unfortunately no snorkeling as the waves are too high, and the Na Pali Coast trails were also closed because of rain. With lower waves it would be a nice place to swim, there is a reef that partly blocks the waves.
Easy parking, and about a .25 mile walk to the beach which has bathrooms, places to change, and outdoor showers.
Lots of shade here, and a nice long beach for walking. If you like to plan in advance, the entrance to Limahuli Garden and Preserve is right by the entrance to the park - might be a good thing to do at the same time.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie
Vail, Colorado
Are there places to rent beach chairs at the beach, or should you bring your own?
Written 15 May 2023
Peter D
San Francisco, California
hi there. I have this same question, but the answer isn't clear here. can you camp at ke'e beach? we were wanting to do that before sarting kalalau the next morning!
Written 29 September 2022
Hi, what are some places to stay in Haena? Trip Advisor doesn't have any hotels in Haena (quite odd). Also, are there any good restaurants in Haena?
Written 19 April 2020
I'll second Wayne's response. Stay in Princeville. The drive is short. One caveat: A good bit of road work continues from Lihui all the way up to Hanalei and beyond. Sometimes landslides occur and there are considerable delays. Those problems likely will diminish as more repair work is completed. Although we were slightly delayed a few times, we certainly had no complaints, considering the magnitude of the issues with which the road crews were dealing.
Written 19 April 2020
Hi, Going back to Kauai In Spring. I'd like to again book an all day (?) bust tour from Kapaa area hotel to the ends of North shore (including Ke'e beach). Last I knew the end of the road was open but restricted and bus tours had not yet resumed.
My Question - any all day North Shore / Ke'e beach bus tours operating now ??? Thanks SteveC
Written 1 January 2020
Parking reservations are for a half of day. Purchase them on-line. When we went we bought parking passes for both the morning and afternoon on the same day. However, there appeared to be no one checking if the people coming in the morning stayed or not. If you buy a shuttle bus pass, you will park a mile or two away (for free) and the shuttle will take you right to the beach.
Written 23 January 2020
A Tripadvisor member
How far is the walk in without a parking pass? Where do we park? Is there a shuttle? Taxi's? Ubers? Thanks!
Written 29 August 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Aloha,
How/when/where to pick up the shuttle. Didn't see anything about it on web site where I was able only to get "entry" passes. All parking passes were sold out for the next week or so when I'll be there. So wish I had looked up this info earlier!
Thanks!
Written 29 August 2019
Sorry this is late. The parking passes go extremely quickly. The shuttle pass includes entry to the park. It was very easy to book and the ride was quick. I definitely recommend it. The shuttle from the North Shore had a pickup spot in Princeville and Hanalei.Go the the Kaui Shittle website (I can't post it on here sorry) On the site at Reservations and gives you the details. We were able to walk to our shuttle stop in Princeville, but I believe they charge for parking if you have to park. It is at a golf course.
Written 8 September 2019
If I have a permit for Miloli'i Campsite will that gete past the checkpoint on the Kalalau Trail?
Written 28 August 2019
I recommend double checking with Hawaii DLNR, but I would not think Miloli'i camping permit would also work at Ha'ena/Kalalau. They are different parks and access points.
Written 29 August 2019
I have not been to Ke'e since 2017 but want to go next month. Trying to get info on the parking pass. Very little info on gohaena site and they don't respond to questions. As visitor, I need a pass, but they are sold out 14 days in advance! Checked at just after midnight and the next 13 days are sold out and only morning passes available for 14th day. These were also all gone within a few hours. How does one get an afternoon pass? Is everyone buying their pass 14 days in advance? Or is there a "secondary market" for these passes? Also, how does it work with morning vs. afternoon pass? If I go in morning, do I have to leave before 1230? Do they have your name on list or do you have to find a place to print out the voucher?
Written 22 July 2019
If they are not available it could be the locals reserving them all - they are only allowing 100 cars per day. The locals stopped us a couple of times and it was clear they wanted no one down the road. But I had little difficulty getting one.
Written 30 July 2019
hello, i noticed the two different parking times (6:30am and 12:30pm). if you purchase a 6:30 parking ticket do you have to leave by 12:30pm or can you stay all day. also if you purchase a 12:30pm parking ticket are there going to be open parking spaces anytime after 12:30 or do you have to wait for a parking space to open?
thanks
metalman
Written 5 July 2019
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