Ke’e Beach: The End of the Road
Ke’e Beach is located at the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore. Ke’e beach is a lifeguarded beach that has a reef protecting a lagoon for snorkeling during the summer months. However, during the winter months, the beach is not safe for keiki due to the large surf and ocean currents. Furthermore, Ke’e beach is one of the most visited beach on Kauai. Because of this, making an early start for this day trip is recommended.
There are facilities such as restrooms and showers. However, there are no picnic areas and no self phone service. In addition the nearest store for drinks and snacks is miles away. Wainiha General Store is the last place to get ice cold drinks and snacks. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring your own snacks and drinks.
Restroom and Showers
Gateway to the Na Pali Coast
Many people come to the area because it is a gateway to the Na Pali Coast. Furthermore, Ke’e beach is the furthest you can drive by car on the North Shore. Making it a prime location to park your car. Ke’e beach is where the head of the famous 11-mile Kalalau Trail begins.
Besides the Kalalau Trail, the Hanakapiai Falls trail and shorter trails also start at the end of the road. For four year olds and older, a short hike to the Coast Viewpoint (.5 mile) is something you can do.
Parking
Ke’e Beach, Hae’na and the North Shore was impacted by a severe flood in April 2018. As a result, the road to Ke’e Beach and the surrounding area (right past Hanalei) was restricted due to repairs and maintenance. Since then, a shuttle service has been established to help transport visitors to many popular destinations past Hanalei. This will help preserve the beautiful landscape and limit traffic flow to the recovering areas impacted by the flood. In order to visit this area, you must book tickets for the shuttle in advance as most shuttles are booked two weeks out in advance. Here is the link to the website.
https://www.hanaleiinitiative.
Shuttle services are provided at various locations where you can park and take the shuttle to your destination.
Make sure to make it back for the last shuttle that leaves at 5:00 pm.
Another option to get to attractions, sites and beaches past Hanalei is to purchase a pass for entry and parking. Facilities with limited parking spaces and monitored entry, require parking permits that need to be purchased a week in advance as there are only a set number of dedicated parking stalls for visitors. It is advised that visitors plan ahead if wanting to take a day trip to Ke’e Beach or hike the Hanakapiai or Kalalau Trail. You can get a permit two weeks in advance before heading to the area.
Beautiful and Scenic Drive
The drive is about 40 miles from Lihue and will take roughly an hour to drive. Heading toward Hanalei town take Route 560. Hanalei to Ke’e Beach is a nine mile trip one way. In addition, you will drive over seven bridges on your way to Ke’e Beach. Local courtesy of letting 5-7 cars cross before switching directions is implemented. Furthermore, the famous double bridge over the Wainiha River let’s you know that you are getting close.
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