West Side Kauai: Waimea Canyon, Hanapepe & Waimea
The west side is Kauai's dry, rugged frontier: Waimea Canyon, plantation towns, Na Pali boat tours and the longest beach. Check access first after Hurricane Lowell.
Hurricane Lowell recovery (as of October 21, 2026): Haena State Park reopened October 15 (reservations required), but Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks, most other Kauai state parks, the Kalalau Trail past mile 2, all state camping, and Secret Falls remain closed, and Port Allen's small boat harbor is only partly open. See our what's open on Kauai page, and check DLNR state parks, openkauai.org, and your tour operator before you go.
Waimea Canyon
The Grand Canyon of the Pacific is about 14 miles long, a mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. As of October 2026, Waimea Canyon and Kokee state parks are closed until further notice, and Kokee Road is local traffic only; check DLNR.
Historic Hanapepe and Waimea
Hanapepe's Friday art night and swinging bridge, plus Waimea town's plantation history, give the west side its character.
Port Allen boat tours
Na Pali catamarans leave Port Allen's commercial harbor on reduced schedules; the small boat and Kikiaola harbors are closed. Glass Beach sits beside the harbor; Salt Pond Beach Park is closed.
Polihale State Park
A rough dirt road leads to Polihale's miles of empty sand under the Na Pali cliffs. The park is closed with no reopening date, and most rental contracts ban the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Hanapepe and Waimea towns, take a Na Pali tour from Port Allen and see Glass Beach. Waimea Canyon and Polihale are closed for now.
Useful links
Keep planning
Things to Do
Do
The best things to do in Kauai: Na Pali boat tours, mountain tubing, luaus, ziplines, Wailua River kayaking, free activities and current closures.
Hiking
Do
The best hikes in Kauai: Hanakapiai Falls, Kalalau, Sleeping Giant and Waimea Canyon, with difficulty, permits and what is closed after Hurricane Lowell.
Na Pali Coast
Do
See the Na Pali Coast by catamaran from Port Allen, doors-off helicopter, sunset cruise or the Hanakapiai day hike, with seasons and current closures.
Beaches
Do
Kauai's best beaches ranked: Poipu, Anini, Tunnels, Hanalei, Shipwreck, Glass Beach and Secret Beach, with parking, safety, snorkeling and closure notes.