FAQs
Q:
How do I reserve a permit for the Kalalau Trail (Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai)?
A:
Permits for hiking the Kalalau Trail are issued via a Camping Permit for Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. In order to hike the Kalalau Trail you to need make a camping reservation for Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park via our website https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/welcome.html
As of 3/15/2022 Camping Permits are available 90 days in advance. Availability is subject to change due to evolving COVID policies. Reservation slots open at 12:01am HST 90 days in advance. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis.
Due to the high volume of users the website may be slow.
If you get a message saying the location you have selected is currently being processed for another reservation you will need to try again in a few minutes.
Q:
Is there parking at the Kalalau Trail?
A:
Limited overnight parking is available at Hāʻena State Park (the trailhead location) for those with valid Kalalau Trail camping permits.
Overnight parking spots are purchased separately from camping permits and are available through gohaena.com/faq
Note: Overnight parking spots are available for purchase up to 30 days in advance. Users will be charged for the number of days your vehicle occupies the lot (e.g. a 1-night stay requires paying for 2 days, a 4-night stay will require paying for 5 days, etc.).
Overnight campers for the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park must either:
1. Arrive by shuttle
2. Arrange for private drop-off
3. Reserve overnight parking
For shuttle service, overnight parking, and day-use reservations, please visit this site:
Q:
If I want to camp along the Kalalau Trail (Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai) in more than one location during the same trip (i.e. Hanakoa and Kalalau), can I just get a single permit for my camping stay?
A:
Yes.
Camping permits for the Kalalau Trail are issued for Kalalau only. However, they are also valid for camping at Hanakoa, which is located roughly 6 miles from the trailhead. Permits specifically for Hanakoa are not issued.
Hikers are encouraged to camp at Hanakoa if they feel the need to break up their trek due to fatigue, inclement weather, impending darkness, or the like.
Miloli'i is only accessible by boat or kayak and requires a separate overnight camping permit. Camping permits for Miloli'i are only available during the summer months.
Q:
Can I day hike the Kalalau Trail (Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai)?
A:
Not really.
Day hiking the Kalalau Trail without a camping permit is okay up to Hanakāpīʻai Valley (2 miles). However, proceeding beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley requires a valid camping permit.
No camping or hiking will be allowed if the trail is closed.
To make your reservation, please visit this site:
https://www.gohaena.com
Please note, this is not a State Camping website and all questions will need to be directed to them.
Q:
How far in advance of my camping or lodging date can I purchase a permit?
A:
Reservations are subject to change on short notice. Current rules may vary.
Please note, camping rules and availability can change daily. For any updates to the normal FAQs, please see this link: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/kauai/kalalau-trail/
As of March 15, 2022, all camping and lodging reservations for State Park locations will be available 90 days in advance, rather than the current 30 days. It will apply to all camping and lodging opportunities Statewide, with the following exceptions:
-All Oʻahu camping. (30-day advance reservations)
-Kīholo State Park Reserve, Hawaiʻi Island. (30-day advance reservations)
- All Forest Reserve Parks
The sites open at midnight HST 30 or 90 days prior to the first day on the permit depending on the campground. This is on a first come, first served basis.
Q:
What is an "undesignated campground"?
A:
Undesignated campgrounds are roughly defined camping areas, and include facilities such as restrooms, showers and picnic tables (except in wilderness areas), but no individually numbered campsites. Campers select their tent areas on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q:
How do I arrange for key pick-up for a cabin or shelter?
A:
Instructions, including pick-up times and locations are provided on your permit. In most cases, you may pick up your key from the park caretaker’s residence at the park before 4pm. You must pick up your key no later than 4 pm - late arrivals may not be accommodated. You will forfeit that night's lodging.
Q:
I have a copy of my receipt - will that allow me to check-in?
A:
No. Receipts are not recognized as proof of check-in.
You must print your PERMIT and have it during check-in. No exceptions.
The permit contains pertinent information about your stay and is required to be in your possession while camping or lodging.
Q:
Is there a "last chance to make any changes" screen before I proceed to checkout?
A:
Once you click the "checkout" button, you can no longer edit your permit.
Check details carefully before proceeding to payment. If you are in the payment module, and believe you made a mistake, you will have to cancel, log out and start all over again.
Q:
What is the "backpack"?
A:
The backpack is our version of a shopping cart. From the backpack window, you may click on "edit" to view or make changes to a permit in progress. You may also add additional permits to your order before proceeding to checkout.
Q:
I already purchased a permit, but I want to add additional people. Can I do that?
A:
Yes. Subject to fee and standard restrictions.
You may substitute or add guests to your permit at any time [subject to applicable fees] so long as you do not exceed the guest limit of the campsite, cabin/lodge, or area.
Permits are not transferable. You cannot edit the permittee of the account.
IMPORTANT: Changes to the permit must be made by 11;59 pm HST the day before check-in.
To edit you must login, select "My Reservations", then click "edit" for the appropriate permit. After editing and payment, you must print a copy of your new permit and discard the old one.
Q:
Can I change the dates of my permit?
A:
Yes. Pending availability and subject to fees, you may change dates of an existing permit.
You may add additional days to an existing permit (up to the maximum allowable consecutive nights stay), or you may switch dates entirely, availability permitting. Additional lodging fees, as well as a change fee, will apply and must be paid for at the time of the change. CHANGES TO DATES OF STAY MUST BE MADE MORE THAN 7 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR DATE OF CHECK-IN. WITHIN 7 DAYS, NO DATE CHANGES ARE ALLOWED.
However, cancellation or reductions in dates MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 15 PRIOR TO YOUR DATE OF CHECK-IN. WITHIN 15 DAYS, NO REDUCTION IN DATE CHANGES ARE ALLOWED.
Q:
Can I switch campsites or parks for my permit?
A:
Availabilty permitting, yes, within the same park, you may switch your campsite number if there is space.
No switching parks allowed. To change your stay to another park, you need to cancel your permit, request a refund more than 15 days before check-in date, and purchase a new permit for your desired site.
Q:
How do I access my permit to make changes?
A:
You must log back into your account, select "My Reservations" within the top bar, then click "edit" for the appropriate permit.
After editing and making additional required payment, you must print a copy of your new permit and discard the old one.
Q:
Is there a fee to make changes?
A:
There is a $3 fee to change your dates of stay, to switch campsite number, or to add guests. There is no change fee to add days, but you will incur the additional camping costs for extra nights.
Q:
I live in Hawai'i, but don't have a local ID. Can I still pay the resident rate?
A:
No. The permittee must have a valid Hawai'i Driver's License or Hawai'i State ID number to purchase. They must also have a Hawai'i address.
Please note, your zip code must be in the 5-digit format only. If your address has the 4-digit extension please go to the below URL to log in and update your zip code or you will not get a resident rate:
Q:
Can I still come into a State Parks office and purchase a permit?
A:
Due to evolving covid situation offices may not be open to the public. Please call your local office for more information. See our website for contact information.
Q:
What is the maximum number of nights I can camp or stay in a cabin?
A:
In most cases, you can stay up to 5 nights in any given park. After that, you, or anyone listed on your permit, must wait 30 days before staying overnight again in the same park. Certain parks or campsites allow shorter maximum stays.
Q:
How do I request a refund?
A:
Refunds must be requested at least 15 days in-advance of your check-in date. No refunds inside of 15 days to check-in. No exceptions!
To request a refund, login and click on “My Reservations”, then select the appropriate "Refund/Cancellation" link and follow the instructions.
Credit Card Refunds: Refunds for credit cards minus service fee and cancellation fee, will be credited back to your card. Card must be the same as original purchase.
Non Credit Card Refunds: Non credit card refund requests will be issued by check, minus cancellation fee ($5) and non-refundable administrative fee. Checks may take up to 12 weeks to process.
Q:
Where Can I find the most current information about visiting Haena State Park, Hiking the Kalalau Trail and camping in the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park?
A:
The most up to date information can be found on our official partner’s website Gohaena.com/faqs