Close
We're Sorry
Koke'e State Park and Museum
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Park
Hiking
Walking Tour
Sightseeing Tour
Special Collection
Science & Nature Museum
Koke'e State Park and Museum Description
Adjacent to Waimea Canyon State Park, Koke'e State Park comprises more than 6,000 acres and welcomes some 300,000 visitors a year. There is hiking throughout the park, as well as an enormous grassy lawn, wild chickens, picnic tables, and a lodge. Your family can explore the park alone or go on one of the Koke'e Wonder Walks, run by volunteers every Sunday during the summer. Accompanied by up to 20 nature lovers, choose easy, moderate, or strenous and hike as you learn about koa trees (the native hardwood that is illegal to cut down), flowering ginger, plants used to make Kauai leis, Polynesian culture, and more.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Will be able to keep up on the .9 mile Kahlia Puhi trail which has a brief uphill at the beginning but is then flat the rest of the way.
Pre-Teens & Teens: May want to conquer the steep Pihea trail that is more than three miles long and very challenging.
Planning Notes
- Eat before you go. No food is provided on the walk and the restaurant at the lodge is both slow and overpriced.
- Almost at the end of the road. The drive to Koke'e State Park is very long and winding and it will take longer to get there than you think. If your kids get car sick, plan accordingly.
- Preregistration recommended. Though not required, the guided hikes sometimes fill up.
- Go with Mr. Fujita. This volunteer guide shares his homemade mango bread and energy bars with hikers (and he'll give you the recipes if you ask).
Just the Facts
Hours: The museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors have access to hiking trails from dawn to dusk. During the summer, "Wonder Walks" are offered at 12:15 p.m. on Sundays. Check the calendar for updates.
Fees: Suggested donation of $1 for the museum.
Recommended Time: Half day
Related Vacations
A Postcard-Perfect Tropical Paradise
Kauai, HawaiiA tropical wonderland of white sand beaches, chocolate farms, and mile...
