Kalalau Lookout

The basics

If you want to take in views of the Na Pali Coast but aren't so keen on the idea of taking a flightseeing trip over the valley (or hiking into it yourself), the Kalalau Lookout is a great alternative. The elevation is around 4,000 feet (1,220 meters), making for excellent views, and the lookout is easily accessed by private vehicles. Many tours of the nearby Waimea Canyon stop at the viewpoint.

Things to know before you go

• A visit to the viewpoint is a must for travelers who don’t plan to visit the Na Pali Coast a different way.

• The pathways from the parking area to the overlook are paved and wheelchair-accessible, but there are no designated accessible parking spots.

• Public restrooms are available at the lookout.

How to get there

The lookout is located just off the scenic Highway 550, which connects it to Waimea Canyon to the south. Although it looks out over the Na Pali Coast, it's not easy to access from the town of Hanalei, the closest central hub for visitors hiking the coast, as no road connects the entire north coast. Instead, you'll need to drive around the island, which takes a little more than 2 hours.

When to get there

For the best weather and views, come early in the morning or right around sunset—you'll also get the best photos during these two times of the day. The weather is at its finest during the dry season, which runs from May through October, but beware that the summer months can be crowded with vacationing families from the US mainland.

Visiting the Waimea Canyon

Whether you’re visiting the Kalalau Lookout on a tour or independently, you'll likely be combining it with a visit to the nearby Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." This massive canyon is a fantastic spot for day hikes but also offers plenty of scenic viewpoints for people who’d rather stick to lighter levels of activity.

Ways to explore

If you want to take in views of the Na Pali Coast but aren't so keen on the idea of taking a flightseeing trip over the valley (or hiking into it yourself), the Kalalau Lookout is a great alternative. With an elevation of roughly 4,000 feet (1,220 meters), the lookout makes for excellent views, and tours and private vehicles easily access it. If you don’t want the hassle of driving, many tours of nearby Waimea Canyon—the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”—stop at the Kalalau Lookout.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible with paved parking and lookout areas.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, snacks, sunscreen, umbrella

What to wear

Layers, sunglasses/hat

Not allowed

Littering, displacing flora/fauna

Amenities

Restrooms, picnic tables, interpretive signage

Address

The Kalalau Lookout sits high up at 4,000 feet elevation (1,220 meters) in Koke'e State Park. Get there via personal vehicle or on a private tour.

Driving

Reach the lookout by ascending either Waimea Canyon Drive (from Waimea) or Koke'e Road (from Kekaha). Everything’s paved. There is a parking fee.

Public transportation

There’s no public transportation to the lookout; if you don’t have a car, book a guided tour.

Best times to visit

The Kalalau Lookout is best visited early in the day, as mornings tend to be less cloudy than afternoons.

Best days to visit

Simply play it by ear and watch the weather—the best day to visit is a clear day.

Best months to visit

Kauai’s dry season runs from April to September, which gives you higher chances of visiting on sunny, clear day.

Special events

The lookout doesn’t run festivals or events, but check Koke'e State Park’s calendar to see if anything’s on during your visit.