With a powerful kona storm bearing down on the Garden Isle, state officials have shut the gates at some of Kauaʻi’s most in-demand outdoor spots, pulling the plug on coastal camping and bucket-list hikes until the weather settles down.
Polihale State Park and Hāʻena State Park, which includes the Kalalau Trail and the Kalalau shuttle service, are closed to visitors and campers until further notice. The order covers both day use and overnight permit holders and follows forecasts calling for heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging winds.
What's Closed and When
The Department of Land and Natural Resources said the closures were ordered Monday and took effect at 3 p.m., citing forecasts for severe weather across Kauaʻi and Oʻahu. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Polihale is closed to both day and overnight use, the Kalalau Trail is closed until further notice, and the state has paused issuing new camping permits while staff work to notify and evacuate people in remote areas.
The County of Kauaʻi’s official social media alert backed up the state notice and added that the Kalalau shuttle and Hāʻena State Park are closed until further notice because of incoming bad weather. The county warned that parking and trail access on the north shore will be impacted, especially for day trippers headed to Kēʻe or the Kalalau Trail, as shared by the County of Kauaʻi.
Forecast and Risks
Meteorologists say a Kona low is drawing deep tropical moisture over the islands, setting up the ingredients for serious flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect for Niʻihau and Kauaʻi, and forecasters warn of an increased risk of flash flooding, landslides and damaging winds across the north shore. Bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms could trigger rapid stream rises and coastal surge through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service Honolulu.
What Visitors Should Do
County officials are urging residents and visitors to steer clear of forested and coastal areas, to shelter in place if advised and to double-check road conditions before heading out. For real-time road and closure information, the county lists a hotline at 808-241-1725. Emergency managers also recommend that anyone in remote camping areas reach out to park staff or DOCARE officers if they need assistance, and say county and state crews are actively working to notify and help people in affected parks, according to Kauaʻi County.
Park Operations and Permits
State officials have suspended the issuance of all state park camping permits until further notice. Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers and state park staff are making the rounds to notify and evacuate campers and hikers in areas expected to be hit hardest. Visitors who already hold permits or reservations are being asked to postpone their trips and check for the latest updates on the DLNR website before heading to the islands’ state parks, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
For the most current information on closures and potential reopenings, check the latest updates from the County of Kauaʻi and follow official agency pages for safety guidance. If you are on Kauaʻi and unsure about conditions, call the county’s emergency lines or talk with your tour operator before heading toward coastal or wilderness areas.
