DLNR News Release – WAIMEA CANYON LOOKOUT REOPENING OCTOBER 24, 2026

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

KA 'OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI 'ĀINA

RYAN K.P. KANAKA'OLE

CHAIRPERSON

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DAVID D. DAY

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

WAIMEA CANYON LOOKOUT REOPENING OCTOBER 24, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2026

WAIMEA, Kauaʻi - The Waimea Canyon Lookout will reopen to the public on Saturday, October 24, 2026, daily during daylight hours including holidays, unless there is an emergency park closure. Visitors are advised that this is not a full reopening of the park, only the first lookout. The Puʻu Hinahina Lookout, Puʻu Ka Pele Lookout and Puʻu o Kila Lookout remain closed while park personnel continue to clear hazards left by Hurricane Lowell, complete repairs and get utilities restored.

Only parking fees will be collected at this time; entry fees will be waived while the remaining sections of the park are closed.

Update on Kauaʻi State Park Limited Access and Closures

Kōkeʻe State Park and the remainder of Waimea Canyon State Park remain closed until further notice due to extensive damage.

Wailua River State Park:

• Fern Grotto Access Restrictions:
  • No individual kayakers are allowed in the Fern Grotto at this time. This restriction will be strictly enforced to prevent operational conflicts and safety hazards with the larger riverboats.
  • Smith's Motor Boat Tours is permitted to access the Fern Grotto landing.
• River and Trail Access Limits:
  • Kayakers will be permitted to utilize the river, the designated landing zone and the trailhead.
  • Hiking is strictly prohibited past the trailhead until further notice.
  • Access to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) remains closed.

All other Kaua'i state parks remain closed to visitation and camping.

Check the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks "Important Park Notices" web page for a list of all park closures and access updates:

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/important-park-notices/

Refunds

Refunds will be credited to the accounts of anyone who missed days or overnight camping or lodging due to storm closures. Please allow two to three weeks for refunds to process.

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