Unwind in rustic elegance at the Kokee Lodge on Kauai, where comfort meets the untamed beauty of nature.
Positioned near breathtaking vistas and abundant natural wonders in Kokee State Park, Kokee Lodge offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Kauai’s mountain splendor. The lodge, with a restaurant, cafe, bar and retail shop, along with cabins for rent and campsites to reserve in the area, is the perfect base camp for those seeking to explore the area’s many trails and incredible viewpoints.
Kokee State Park sits just beyond Waimea Canyon State Park. Together, they encompass a natural wonderland of vivid canyons and green forested mountains. Set in the middle, Kokee Lodge is the perfect mountain getaway.
Nearby are some of the island’s most spectacular attractions and trails. Just prior to the lodge is the striking Waimea Canyon area. The lodge is at mile marker 15, just two miles past the canyon’s Puu Hinahina Lookout at mile marker 13. Kauai’s famous Kalalau Lookout, with epic view’s of the island’s Na Pali Coast is close by, along with another lookout with similar views, the Puu O Kila Lookout. There are very few places in the world where you can look down onto the ocean from sea cliffs at 4,000+ elevation, and Kokee State Park has two of them.
Hiking trails abound in this natural mountain paradise. One of the most popular trails in the area is the Canyon Trail (past mile marker 14, less than a mile from the lodge) that takes hikers to the top of Waipoo Falls in Waimea Canyon. Another popular trail, the Awaawapuhi Trail, is a bucket-list destination for many and offers an incredible view of the Na Pali Coast at the end. Near the Kalalau Lookout, the Alakai Swamp Trail is an otherworldly adventure that traverses the highest swamp in the world. Overall, there are at least twenty wondrous hikes to experience in the area.
Getting to Kokee Lodge
The town of Waimea is the gateway to Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. From the town of Waimea, take Highway 550 (Waimea Canyon Road) to Kokee Road and take a right. It is a winding road that quickly gains elevation after leaving the town of Waimea. Drive carefully as there are many sharp turns and narrow parts on the road. Individuals who are scared of heights may experience some uneasiness on the drive.
For your drive back, we suggest taking Kokee Road all the way, instead of turning on Waimea Canyon Drive. This drive offers different views, including amazing views of the island of Niihau. The road ends on the coast at Kekaha Beach, just west of the town of Waimea. Visit on a Friday, and you can catch Hanapepe Art Night on your way back as well!
The lodge is the only retail establishment in the entire area. We recommend getting gas and snacks in Waimea, if needed, before venturing up into the Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park area.
We also recommend bringing a light water-repellent jacket on your visit as there are frequent rains and it can get uncomfortably cold at this higher altitude. Chances are it will be hot and sunny on your visit, but temperatures can dip into the 50s, and even the 40s at night (on rare occasions), and wet conditions can add to the chill.
DETAILS
Address: 3600 Kokee Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
Phone: (808) 335-6061
Map: Google Maps
Days: Open daily
Monday-Friday: 10am-4:30pm
Saturday-Sunday: 9:30am-4:30pm
Kitchen: Closes daily at 4:00pm
Book Kokee State Park/Waimea Canyon Activities
- Waimea Canyon Downhill Bike Ride: On this tour, you’ll ride to both iconic and secret spots, catch sunset over the “forbidden island,” and best yet-get a van ride to the top.
- Waimea Canyon and Koke’e Valley Tour w/Lunch: Experience the natural splendor of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon on this guided tour. Along the way you’ll visit historic Hanapepe Town, Poipu, Spouting Horn and the Koloa Sugar Mill.
- Private Waimea Canyon Tour: Experience the best of Kauai on a full-day private tour through the island’s scenic landscape, highlights and historic landmarks.
- Kauai Shore Excursion: Journey to Waimea Canyon: While in port on Kauai, take a half-day tour to Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.
Kokee State Park Fees
Entry to Kokee Lodge is free, but there is now a fee for non-Hawaii residents to visit attractions at Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park. The fees are $10 per vehicle and $5 per person. (For example, if you have two people in your party, the fee would be $10 for the vehicle and $5 for each person for a total of $20.) The required fees can be paid at kiosks (payboxes) that are located at the Waimea Canyon Lookout, the Puu Hinahina Lookout, the Kalalau Lookout and the Puu o Kila Lookout. After paying, display the receipt on your dashboard. The receipt is good for all lookouts in the Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park areas.
Arriving at Kokee Lodge
As you approach Kokee Lodge you will truly feel you are in an alpine mountain environment. The mountain feeling is wonderful and surreal knowing that you are on an island more famous for beaches and palm trees. As you arrive at Kokee Lodge, you’ll be greeted by an assembly of colorful Kauai Chickens (this is their base camp too)!
The lodge is set in the green Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow. At one time, according to an old Hawaiian legend, the beautiful meadow was forested like the rest of the surrounding area. The meadow was once a waypoint on an ancient trail that crossed the island and linked to Kalalau Valley. In the area lived a frightful spirit (akua) who would often attack, rob and even kill innocent travelers on the trail. Desperate for protection, the people prayed to Kanaloa, a major Hawaiian god. Kanaloa warned the spirit, but to no avail. Enraged by the disobedience of the spirit, Kanaloa ripped the trees in the meadow from the ground, stacked them in a large pile and struck them with a bolt of lightning. Kanaloa declared that trees will never again grow in this place so that the evil spirit will have no place to hide. To this day, the meadow is free of trees, providing a nice, park-like setting where visitors throw frisbees, kick soccer balls and picnic.
Read more about Kokee Lodge in our Spring 2024 Issue of Kauai Magazine.