Kauai Camping Tips to Keep You Informed ~ Courtesy of TryKauai.Com ~ Aloha Vacation Planning for the Island of Kauai

Camping on Kauai
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Currently, There are NO VENDORS offering any Raft or Boat Pick-ups or Drop-offs for via for Kalalau.
When on Kauai, call (808) 245-3564 for a easy update from the National Weather Forecast at Lihue Airport

Please Call the County or State Divisions for information on Camping or Hiking Permits directly:
Please refrain from calling Lilikoi for camping permits as I can not assist you in this area. Your kind understanding is appreciated. I am flooded with calls as of lately, and feel badly that I can not offer any answers. This page was built to deliver as much information as possible to get you prepared & keep you safe ... have fun backpacking and/or camping or on Kauai!

State Campsites	County Campsites
Polihale Sate Park Milolii State Park Kalalau State Park Hanakoa Hanakapiai Kokee State Park	Lucy Wright Park Salt Pond Park Hanamaulu Beach Park Lydgate Beach Park Haena Beach Park

KAUA'I DISTRICT for DLNR ~ Division of State Parks
3060 Eiwa Street, #306 ~ Lihu'e, HI 96766-1875
Phone: (808) 274-3444 ~ Fax: (808) 274-3448

County of Kauai ~ Department of Recreation
4444 Rice St., Pi'ikoi Building, Suite 330
Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766
Phone: 241-4460 ~ Fax: 241-4497

Activity Links

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Keep in mind that permits for camping can be applied for before your trip to Kauai and only up to a year in advance. They are also limited to a certain number per month. You may not be able to get one if they are sold out of them. Also to hike beyond the 2.5 miles into Hanakapi'ai Falls, you will be required to have a hiking permit.

* Remember: "The lack of planning on your part , does not constitute an emergency on our part." ~ Author Unknown

The following are helpful links that will give you a head start:
(Please keep in mind that the links are constantly changing 0 my apologies for any broken links you encounter)

Hawaii State Parks -Informational Link
New Official Site: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org

KAUA'I DISTRICT for DLNR ~ Division of State Parks
3060 Eiwa Street, #306 ~ Lihu'e, HI 96766-1875
Phone: (808) 274-3444 ~ Fax: (808) 274-3448

County Parks on Kauai
Request For Camping Permits - Instructional PDF File

... your INDISPENSABLE guide to Kaua'i Beaches

Keeping you SAFE while you are here! Click on the KBE image Link to go to the most comprehensive Beach & Ocean Safety website for the Garden Island.

Camping Permits Available - 4 new Locations!
Permits are now available at:
West Complex
     Kalaheo Neighborhood Center - (808) 332-9770
     Hanapepe Recreation Center - (808) 335-3731
East Complex
     Kapa'a Neighborhood Center -
    (808) 822-1931 or (808) 822-0511
     Kilauea Neighborhood Center - (808) 828-1421
Monday through Friday
except for holidays - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

County of Kauai
Department of Recreation
4444 Rice St.
Pi'ikoi Building, Suite 330
Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii 96766
Phone: (808) 241-4463 ~ Fax: (808) 241-4497
Email: recpermits@kauai.gov

Camp Grounds:
Lucy Wright Park
Salt Pond Park
Hanamaulu Beach Park
Lydgate Beach Park
Haena Beach Park

This County Recreation Agency Provides:
Quality recreational and leisure time experiences for residents and visitors of the County of Kauai.

Camping Permits are issued for the following beach parks:

Haena Park
(closed every Monday from 10 am to 12 noon on Tuesday for maintenance)
Hanalei Blackpot Park
(weekends and holidays only)
Anini Beach Park
(closed every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon on Wednesday for maintenance)
Anahola Beach Park
(closed every Thursday from 10 am to 12 noon on Friday for maintenance)
Hanamaulu Beach Park
(closed every Wednesday from 10 am to 12 noon Thursday for maintenance)
Salt Pond Park
(closed every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon Wednesday for maintenance)
Lucy Wright Park
(closed every Monday from 10 am to 12 noon Tuesday for maintenance)
Camping permit fees are $3.00 per adult, per night for non-residents and free for residents of the State of Hawaii. Children under the age of 18 years are also free.

Contact The County of Kauai, Parks Permit Section
Phone: (808) 241-4463 ~ Fax: (808) 241-4497
Office Hours 8:15 am to 4:00 pm Hawaiian Standard Time, Monday thru Friday
Closed Saturday, Sunday and all Holidays
* Please Note that in about 3 months the Parks and Recreation Divison of DLNR will be merging again into a single Department and their main office number is (808) 241-4460.
Email: recpermits@kauai.gov

Hawaii State Parks CAMPING PERMIT INFORMATION is available here: Informational Link
Request For State Camping Permits - Instructional State PDF File
KAUA'I DISTRICT for DLNR ~ Division of State Parks
3060 Eiwa Street, #306 ~ Lihu'e, HI 96766-1875
Phone: (808) 274-3444 ~ Fax: (808) 274-3448
* Please note that the State of Hawaii permiting division does not have an email and if you have questions pertaining to your permit request, your only option is to call them directly. Our apologies for this inconvenience if you are overseas.

Again, you need to contact the Division of State Parks @ 3060 Eiwa Street, #306, Lihue, Hawaii 96766 (808) 274-3444 for a state-controlled site. It is highly recommended that you contact them before your arrival because the sites do fill up, particularly during our peak season from May - December. The state requirement is that you send a copy of the driver's license or passport of every adult who will be camping, as well as the names of any minors. Include your intended dates of travel. The permits are free and you should get them as soon as you formulate a plan. During the busy months, they recommend at least 6 months in advance.

You can rent gear @ Pedal 'n Paddle in Hanalei @ 826-9060, Kayak Kauai in Hanalei @ 826-9844 or in Kapaa @ 822-9179. You can also buy gear in Hanalei @ the Village Variety @ 826-6077 or at the Waipouli Variety @ 822-1014 in Kapaa on the East Shore. In Koloa, go to the Discount Variety @ 742-9393. Of course, there is always Kmart or Wal-Mart in Lihue.

Here is a free phone directory of Taxi Cabs on Kauai (subject to change without my knowledge). Please call on your own for a quote:

Ace Kauai Taxi Service 4019 Hoolepe St Hanamaulu, HI (808) 639-4310
Akiko's Taxi 5258 Laipo Rd Kapaa, HI (808) 822-7588
Aloha Taxi & Tours PO Box 1801 Lihue, HI (808) 639-2222
Brian's Taxi 4438 Laukini Rd # B Lihue, HI (808) 245-6533
City Cab 2979 Ohiohi St Lihue, HI (808) 245-3227
Hanalei Taxi 4489 Aku Rd # B Lihue, HI (808) 639-1188
K Limo Taxi PO Box 1207 Lihue, HI (808) 245-4970
Kauai Taxi Co Rice St Lihue, HI (808) 246-9554
North Shore Cab Company, PO Box 1369, Kilauea HI 96754 TEL: (808) 639-7829 FAX: (808) 828-6264
Roger Andres Taxi & Limousine 1970 Hanalima St # N204 Lihue, HI (808) 639-4195
Scotty Taxi 4411 Kale Pl # 4 Lihue, HI (808) 245-7888
Southshore Cab 2837 Poipu Rd Koloa, HI (808) 742-1525
Wiki Wiki Town Cars & Tours PO Box 321 Kapaa, HI (808) 652-7715 * Island wide & on call 24/7

* Here's the scoop on taxi fares not including tip. Rates are county regulated at $3.50 a mile these days (subject to change without notice as it is difficult for me to keep up with these updates - this update dated 03/21/08) . Make sure that your taxi turns on the meter so you can see your costs. Lihue to Poipu is running about $49-50 each way.

Kauai Hiking Trails
MAHA’ULEPU DUNE HIKE Starting at Shipwreck Beach in Po’ipu, this leisurely hike along the sunny south shore trail provides great vantage points for whale watching from November to April. Secluded coves for sunning and snorkeling year around. Rating: Easy Distance: 2 Miles Time: 1.5 to 2 Hours Driving Time: 30 Minutes

KOKE’E STATE PARK – WAIPO’O FALLS

From Po’ipu, drive 12.5 miles west on Hwy. 50 to Hwy. 550 in the town of Kekaha. Drive north 15.5 miles to the trail head on the right of Halemanu Road. Parking is available on both sides of the road. The trail meanders through heavily wooded forests & rocky terrain. The destination, is a flowing waterfall & cool mountain stream. Rating: Easy to Moderate Distance: 3 Miles Time: 2 to 3 Hours Driving Time: 1.5 Hrs.

AWA’AWAPUHI TRAIL

Drive 1.6 miles past the Koke’e State Park towards the Kalalau Lookout on Hwy. 550 before the 17 mile marker, you will see a clearing to the left, there is ample parking. The trail takes hikers through a lush tropical forest. It provides views of breathtaking valleys with numerous native plants & trees, ending at a pleasant, grassy picnic spot with vistas of the beautiful Na Pali coastline. Rating: Moderate/Strenuous Distance: 6.5 Miles Time: 3-4 Hours DriveTime: 1 Hr. & 40 Min.

NOUNOU – (SLEEPING GIANT)

There are three possible trails in this area; the following is not the shortest, but is less strenuous and very scenic. From Po’ipu, from the Tree Tunnel, get on Hwy. 50, then follow Hwy. 56 to Kuamo’o Road, Hwy580, the first intersection after crossing the bridge over Wailua River. Turn left and continue 2,4 miles to the parking area which is 0.7 miles past Opaeka’a Falls directly across from Melia Street. Sleeping Giant rests on the east coast. The trail crosses the Opaeka’a Stream and allows good views of the Wailua River valley and eastern and northeastern shoreline. Rating: Moderate/Strenuous Distance: 6.5 Miles Time: 3 to 4 Hours Driving Time: 15 minutes

HANAKAPI’AI BEACH & STREAM

At the end of Highway 56 beginning at Ke’e Beach, is the trail head to Hanakapi’ai Valley. Hikers are rewarded almost immediately with spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast. Flora & fauna are rich along the trail and a cool stream and beach greets you after the 2 mile walk, with clearings to relax. Strong currents may make the beach unsafe for swimming at many times during the year. Rating: Moderate Distance: 4 Miles Time: 3 Hours Driving Time: 1 ½ Hours

HANAKAPI’AI FALLS

To continue on towards the Hanakapi’ai Falls, follow the trail, heading inland from the beach up the valley along the west side of the stream an additional 1 ½ miles up the Hanakapi’ai Valley passing the ruins of an old coffee mill. This hike is considered more strenuous than the 2 miles of the trail and involves several stream crossings. The 250 foot waterfall at the end of the trail empties into a wonderfully icy cold pond. Rating: Strenuous Distance: plus 3.4 hrs. Time: plus 2–3 Hrs. Drive Time: 1 ½ Hours

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU DEPART
Hike with someone, leaving your plans with a responsible person.
Stay on the designated trails.
Watch your footing. Trails can be treacherous when wet.
Please care for our fragile environment.
Prevent fires and do not litter.
Bring a bag or container for carrying out your trash!
Please carry out all your trash.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that you don't mind getting muddy.
Bring and use effective mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
Take water!!! No drinking water is available along the trails.
Planning on camping in? Permits are required and area is patrolled.

Here are 2 recently published items that you might want to purchase:
Kauai's Geologic History by Chuck Blay and Robert Siemers

"Kauai's Geologic History" by Chuck Blay & Robert Siemers
ISBN 0-9744723-0-1 Available at Borders Book Store on Kauai (Copyright © 2004)
You may also purchase it directly from Chuck or Robert @ 808 742-8305. Tell them Lilikoi said Aloha :)

Kauai Visitors Atlas by Robert Siemers "Kaua'i Visitors Atlas" by Robert Siemers (Copyright © 2004)
ISBN 0-9744723-1-X Also Available at Borders Book Store on Kauai
You may also purchase it directly from Chuck or Robert @ 808 742-8305.

This is the best map on Kauai that includes Recreational Maps (Beaches, Hiking, Snorkeling, Golf, Camping, & Surfing), Place Names Map, Detailed Road Atlas, Archaeology Map, Geology Map, Climate Maps. and Island Information. Also includes an Inset Map of Koke'e State Park. You will be impressed!

Call 808 821-1000 or email: lilikoi@trykauai.com and sign into my Guest Book or Activity Booking Form today.

Many popular activities are sold out days, weeks, or very often months in advance year around. Mahalo Nui Loa ... There are NO added fees & No Deposits required for booking assistance. If you wish to phone (808 821-1000) me directly, the current time in Hawaii is displayed below, along with the current Kauai temperature.

Current Kauai Time & Temperature

Popular Events To Book in Advance • Helicopters • Tubing • Ziplines • ATV Tours • Luaus • Fishing Charters	Land/Sea Tours • Horseback • Kayaking • Guided Hikes • Nature Tours • Bike Tours • Land Tours • Train Tour	Ocean Tours • Na Pali Boats • Na Pali Rafts • Poipu B oats • Sunset Sails • Snorkel Tours • Snuba Tours • Whale Watching	Water Sports • Surf Lessons • Stand Up Surf • Scuba Dive • Kiteboard Misc Air/Health • Airplanes • Pure Kauai
Dining Links • Kauai Dining • Local Grinds • Ethnic Cuisine • Farmers Markets • Fish Markets Misc Links • Wailua Legends • Kauai Trivia • Kauai Churches • Kauai Non-Profits • Visitor Mahalos	More Misc Links • Discover Kauai • Shopping • Art Galleries • Kauai Artists • Exotic Art Tiles • Lilikoi Cards • Slack Key • Kauai Woodturner • Massage • Summer Kids Art • Entertainment	Explore On Your Own • Snorkel Sites • Beaches • Weather • Gardens • Golf • Hiking • Kauai Map • Kauai Waterfalls • Backpackers • Camping • Playground	Helpful Links • Kauai Calendar • Weddings • Just A Minister • Lilikoi Links • Air-Room-Car • Rental Car • Kauai Groceries • Honeymooners • Make-Up Artist • Gift Registry • Lei Greeting

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When on Kauai, call (808) 245-3564 for a easy update from the National Weather Forecast at Lihue Airport

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