The Pu'u o Kila Lookout at Koke'e State Park near Waimea, Hawaii (Kauai) is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back universal access trail that leads to a stunning view of the Kalalau Valley and its dramatic mountain range along the Na Pali coast.
This is not a hike, but rather a quick walk along a paved and universal access trail that leads to the lookout point. The views from the Pu'u o Kila Lookout are stunning - especially if you show up to find no fog or clouds blocking your view, since the tradewinds generally blow in thick blankets of fog into the area. As the tropical air rises to the elevation of ~4,000 feet, it releases moisture that creates the lush rain forest in the uplands. Within the valley itself, basalt ridges have been carved out by numerous waterfalls that cascade down the mountain, slowly eroding the landscape.
Parking & Fees
Visitors will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit several dozen vehicles and overflow parking can be found on the road. There's a vehicle entry fee in addition to individual fees as of June, 2022. By paying for one parking lot, the tickets are valid for all parking lots that require fees for both the Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke'e State Park. Note that for visitors with valid Hawaiian drivers licenses, there are no fees to park or enter.
Warning
Cliffs: Do not cross the fence as these cliffs are thousands of feet tall.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
This is not a hike, but rather a quick walk along a paved and universal access trail that leads to the lookout point. The views from the Pu'u o Kila Lookout are stunning - especially if you show up to find no fog or clouds blocking your view, since the tradewinds generally blow in thick blankets of fog into the area. As the tropical air rises to the elevation of ~4,000 feet, it releases moisture that creates the lush rain forest in the uplands. Within the valley itself, basalt ridges have been carved out by numerous waterfalls that cascade down the mountain, slowly eroding the landscape.
Parking & Fees
Visitors will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided. The lot is large enough to fit several dozen vehicles and overflow parking can be found on the road. There's a vehicle entry fee in addition to individual fees as of June, 2022. By paying for one parking lot, the tickets are valid for all parking lots that require fees for both the Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke'e State Park. Note that for visitors with valid Hawaiian drivers licenses, there are no fees to park or enter.
Warning
Cliffs: Do not cross the fence as these cliffs are thousands of feet tall.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
