Perched high in Kaua'i's misty mountains, Kōke'e Campground invites you into a world of emerald rainforest and jaw-dropping vistas. Wake up surrounded by native Hawaiian forest, then step out to overlooks revealing the crimson depths of Waimea Canyon and the wild, untamed cliffs of Kalalau Valley. This permit-only mountain retreat offers a cool escape and unforgettable basecamp for exploring some of Hawai'i's most spectacular trails.
Campground sites are permit-only and used for tent camping; many sites are walk-in from a central parking area.
Historical Significance
Kōkeʻe State Park is noted for having one of the more complete Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) sites in the nation, reflecting New Deal-era landscape and infrastructure work.Weather and SeasonsDon't let Hawai'i fool you—up here at elevation, you'll want those warm layers tucked in your pack. Mornings often greet campers with cool mist that burns off to reveal spectacular views, though winter months bring more persistent rain that turns trails into muddy adventures. Spring and fall hit the sweet spot with comfortable temperatures perfect for all-day hikes, while summer typically delivers the clearest skies and the most breathtaking long-range views across Kaua'i's interior wilderness. Whatever season you choose, come prepared for mountain weather that can shift quickly.
Natural Features and SceneryYour tent sits cradled within an ancient native forest where 'ōhi'a trees drip with moisture and wildflowers dot the understory. The air here is different—crisp, fragrant with rainforest scents, alive with birdsong. Just a short walk from camp, the landscape transforms dramatically at canyon overlooks, where the earth opens up to reveal the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' painted in rust and red, and beyond, the vertical green ramparts of the Nā Pali Coast plunging into cobalt seas. It's a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic geology in the Hawaiian Islands.
Geological RegionHigh-elevation forest on Kauaʻi in the Waimea Canyon / Nā Pali Coast region (canyon rims and rainforest)
Scenic ViewsPrimary views include Waimea Canyon, Kalalau Valley and overlooks toward the Nā Pali Coast.
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