Ke'e Beach
Ke'e Beach, Kauai
Ke'e (pronounced Keh-eh) means "avoidance" in Hawaiian. However, this beach is far from being avoided by people. In fact, Ke'e Beach Park is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai. In the past, the beach was always very crowded and this is one reason access is now controlled and limited by the government (see info below).
Ke'e Beach has beautiful golden sand and marks the end of Highway 560 and the beginning of the enchanting Na Pali Coast. Coconut palms, ironwood and guava trees make for a nice backdrop. This is also where the popular 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail begins. Another short trail leads to the Ke Ahu o Laka hula platform and the Kaulu Paoa Heiau, a stone temple dedicated to the goddess of hula, named Laka.
But those attractions are not the only reason why Ke'e Beach is well-known. Nor is the reason because the beach has been featured in the popular 1983 TV series The Thorn Birds. People enjoy coming here because of its clear, sandy and shallow lagoon and the reef that offers great snorkeling conditions in the summer months when the ocean is usually calm. Protected by a reef running parallel to the shore, the lagoon is usually calm. Below the surface, wrasses, goatfish, convictfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, surgeonfish and other reef fish swim in abundance.
Swimmers should avoid the reef channel located at the west end of the beach. The channel connects the lagoon to the open ocean. The currents can be very strong here as this is where the lagoon water flows back into the ocean. Especially when the surf is up, it is dangerous to swim in this channel.
Summer months are the best time to snorkel or swim at Ke'e Beach. In winter, high surf can reach right over the reef and into the lagoon, which makes the water not only murkier, but also dangerous.
Visiting Ke'e Beach at Ha'ena State Park
Ke'e Beach is part of Ha'ena State Park. Access to Ha'ena State Park is controlled and only a limited number of permits are issued in the name of conservation.
Ha'ena State Park is open daily including holidays from 7 am to 6:45 pm (winter) and from 7 am to 7:45 pm (summer). Summer hours begin on April 1st. Winter hours begin the day after Labor Day.
Hawaii state residents with a current Hawaii driver license, state ID, or UH Student ID may enter the park and park their vehicle for free, first come first serve. No time limit up until dusk daily. No other IDs or documentation are accepted for free Hawaii resident entry. Anyone without accepted ID must purchase a reservation, even when traveling with a resident. Minors (under 18) are not required to have an ID.
Three options to visit Ha'ena State Park for non-Hawaii residents:
1. Shuttle reservations are sold roundtrip and include park entry. $40 per person (age 16+), $25 per child (age 4-15), free per child on lap (age 0-3).
2. Parking + Entry Reservations. $10 per car per timeslot plus $5 entry per person. Purchase multiple timeslots to stay longer. Morning: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm, Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Evening: 4:30 pm – Sunset
3. Entry Only for resident guests and those who do not need to park a vehicle: $5/person
Day-use entry reservations can be booked online up to 30 days in advance. For more info on Day Use Access via parking or shuttle to Ha'ena State Park (including DAY hiking at the Kalalau Trail), visit gohaena.com/info-faqs
Ke'e Beach Overview
- Sandy beach with crystal clear water
- One of the most popular Kauai snorkeling beaches on the north shore (in the summer months)
- Beautiful tropical scenery
- Many shady areas make the beach park perfect for a picnic
- Featured in one of the final scenes in The Thorn Birds
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