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Makua Beach ā¢ North Shore
Complete Guide to Reservations, Hiking & Visitor Logistics
Important: Haena State Park has a daily visitor limit of approximately 900 people and requires advance reservations. Book 30 days ahead at gohaena.com. During peak season (May-September), all pass types sell out within minutes to hours of the 12:00 AM HST release. Explore the interactive map ā for nearby activities while you're planning your trip.
šļø Kee Beach
Snorkeling in calm summer lagoons with sea turtles and tropical fish
š„¾ Kalalau Trail
Iconic coastal hike to Hanakapiai Beach (2 mi) or Falls (4 mi)
š Napali Coast
Dramatic 100-foot sea cliffs and pristine wilderness access
$40 adults | $25 ages 4-15
$10/vehicle + $5/person per timeslot
$5 per person
Reservations open exactly 30 days prior at 12:00 AM Hawaii Standard Time. During peak season (May-September), parking passes sell out within minutes to hours. Set calendar reminders! If you miss the release window, check the 7:00-8:00 AM daily cancellation window for last-minute openings.
Shuttle Benefits: No driving stress, guaranteed seating during reserved time, free parking, supports community sustainability by reducing traffic on the narrow Kuhio Highway. Perfect for those without rental cars or who prefer hassle-free transport.
Parking Benefits: Maximum flexibility for extended stays, ability to purchase multiple consecutive timeslots for full-day hiking, freedom to explore at your own pace, opportunity to time activities around weather. However, competition is fierce and parking spots are extremely limited (only 70 available for visitors).
Insider Tip: Shuttle riders who arrive on the earliest departure (6:20 AM from Waipa) experience several hours of peaceful solitude before peak crowds arrive 10 AM-3 PM. Morning arrivals significantly enhance the experience.
Summer months (May-September) offer calm lagoon conditions ideal for snorkeling with 30+ foot visibility. Marine life includes parrotfish, yellow tangs, Moorish idol fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Important: Winter brings dangerous currents, high surf, and rip tides. Always bring reef-safe sunscreen and check conditions before entering the water.
Booking Recommendation: Peak season (May-September) sees competition most intense; parking sells out within minutes. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-early October) offer significantly better booking availability while maintaining favorable weather conditions.
Streams and waterfalls present extreme flash flooding danger. Heavy rains anywhere in the watershed can cause rapid, dangerous water surges. Never cross a stream if water appears rushing, murky, or rising. Hikers have become stranded at Hanakapiai Beach when inland rainfall made return crossings impossible.
Hanakapiai Beach is particularly dangerous with powerful shore break and rip currents. The distinctive "Hanakapiai wave" can sweep people into dangerous waters without warning. Never attempt ocean entry at Hanakapiai. Only Kee Beach (with lifeguard supervision) is safe for swimming and snorkeling.
Check Park Conditions on GoHaena.com on the day of your visit for real-time information on trail status, ocean closures, and weather forecasts. Conditions vary substantially day-to-day.
Cellular service does NOT exist at the park - download your reservation PDF in advance. 911 calls are possible, but data service is not available.
Best Strategy: Arrive on the earliest shuttle (6:20 AM from Waipa Park & Ride)
Visit GoHaena.com exactly 30 days before your visit at 12:00 AM Hawaii Standard Time to reserve your spot. Set a calendar reminder now to ensure you don't miss the release window!
Explore Interactive Map & More Activities ā