Permit Comparison
Kalalau vs Hāʻena Permits
Not sure whether you need a Kalalau permit or a Hāʻena reservation? This guide explains the difference between overnight Nāpali Coast permit access and Hāʻena day-use access.
Short answer: The simple rule: if you want to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai or camp overnight along the Nāpali Coast, you need a Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit. If you only want to visit Hāʻena State Park, Kēʻē Beach, Hanakāpīʻai Beach, or Hanakāpīʻai Falls, you need a Hāʻena day-use reservation instead. A Kalalau permit includes entry to Hāʻena State Park, but it does not include parking.
Choose
Which one do you need?
Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit
Best for hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai, continuing toward Hanakoa or Kalalau Beach, and overnight Nāpali Coast camping permit access.
- Required beyond Hanakāpīʻai.
- Allows entry into Hāʻena State Park so you can reach the trailhead.
- Does not include parking.
- Overnight parking is separate through Go Hāʻena and requires a valid overnight permit.
- Users book permits through the official State of Hawaiʻi permit system.
Kalalau Permit GuideKalalau Permit AlertsKalalau Reopening Activity
Hāʻena day-use reservation
Best for Hāʻena State Park, Kēʻē Beach, Hanakāpīʻai Beach, Hanakāpīʻai Falls, and the first section of the Kalalau Trail only.
- Includes day-use access depending on reservation type.
- Does not allow hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai.
- Reservation types are Parking + Entry, Shuttle + Entry, and Entry Only.
- Users book through the official Go Hāʻena reservation system.
Hāʻena Reservation GuideHāʻena Reservation AlertsHāʻena Reopening Activity
Access
Kalalau permit vs Hāʻena reservation
Does a Kalalau permit include parking?
No. A Kalalau permit can get you into Hāʻena State Park to reach the Kalalau Trail trailhead, but it does not include parking. Kalalau overnight parking is separate and is reserved through Go Hāʻena after you have a valid overnight Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit.
What are the Hāʻena reservation options?
Parking + Entry
Shuttle + Entry
Entry Only
Hāʻena Reservation GuideHāʻena Parking PassHāʻena Shuttle Guide
What if the reservation you need is sold out?
If Kalalau permits are sold out, HawaiiPass can monitor selected Kalalau permit dates and email you when matching cancellations appear. If Hāʻena reservations are sold out, HawaiiPass can monitor selected Hāʻena dates and reservation types, including Parking + Entry, Shuttle + Entry, and Entry Only.
HawaiiPass is independent and does not issue permits, reservations, parking passes, or shuttle tickets. You still book through the official system.
FAQ
Kalalau and Hāʻena permit questions
Do I need a Kalalau permit or a Hāʻena reservation?+
If you want to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai or camp overnight along the Nāpali Coast, you need a Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit. If you only want Hāʻena State Park, Kēʻē Beach, Hanakāpīʻai Beach, or Hanakāpīʻai Falls, you need a Hāʻena day-use reservation.
Can I hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach with a Hāʻena reservation?+
Yes. A Hāʻena day-use reservation covers access to Hāʻena State Park and the first section of the Kalalau Trail, including Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Hanakāpīʻai Falls.
Can I hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai with a Hāʻena reservation?+
No. Hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai requires a valid Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit.
Does a Kalalau permit include Hāʻena State Park entry?+
Yes. A valid Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit includes entry to Hāʻena State Park so you can reach the Kalalau Trail trailhead.
Does a Kalalau permit include parking?+
No. A Kalalau permit does not include parking. Kalalau overnight parking is separate and is reserved through Go Hāʻena after you have a valid overnight Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit.
What is the difference between Parking + Entry, Shuttle + Entry, and Entry Only?+
Parking + Entry includes parking for the selected time slot and park entry. Shuttle + Entry includes shuttle transportation and entry. Entry Only is for visitors being dropped off, walking, or biking and does not include parking or shuttle transportation.
What if Kalalau permits or Hāʻena reservations are sold out?+
HawaiiPass can monitor selected Kalalau permit dates or selected Hāʻena dates and reservation types, then email you when matching cancellations appear. HawaiiPass does not issue permits or reservations or guarantee availability.
Does HawaiiPass book permits or reservations for me?+
No. HawaiiPass is an independent alert service. You still book through the official State of Hawaiʻi permit system or the official Go Hāʻena reservation system.
Should I monitor both Kalalau and Hāʻena?+
Monitor Kalalau if you need overnight Nāpali Coast camping permit dates. Monitor Hāʻena if you need Parking + Entry, Shuttle + Entry, or Entry Only for Hāʻena State Park day use. If your trip needs both overnight Kalalau access and separate overnight parking, make sure each official requirement is handled.
Can Hāʻena alerts help me get a Kalalau permit?+
No. Hāʻena alerts are for Hāʻena day-use reservation types. Kalalau permit alerts are for overnight Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit dates.