Kalalau Lookout Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Kalalau Lookout. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Private Waimea Canyon Tour
• Kauai Canyon Explorer: Private Tour Featuring Waimea & Kokee
• Kauai's Waimea Canyon and South Side Private Guided Tour
• Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii
• Kauai Shore Excursion - Waimea Canyon Adventure Tour - Nawiliwili

There’s no fee to access Kalalau Lookout, one of the most scenic spots in Kauai’s Kokeʻe State Park. However, if you’re driving, you’ll pay a US$5 parking fee. Guided tours—often combined with a visit to Waimea Canyon—start at around US$150 and include transportation, narration, and scenic stops.

Kalalau Lookout is located in Koke'e State Park, accessible via Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550) on Kauai’s west side. The scenic drive offers panoramic views en route to the lookout, which sits at approximately 4,000 feet (1,220 meters).

No, you can’t hike into the valley from Kalalau Lookout, but nearby trails offer exploration opportunities. The Pihea Trail starts just beyond the lookout and follows the ridge with dramatic views of the Na Pali Coast. Some tours include short hikes along this route, so check tour details when booking.

Pack light but smart. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and a light jacket—temperatures can dip at higher elevations. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you're planning a short hike. Don’t forget your camera or phone—Kalalau’s panoramic views are some of the most photo-worthy on Kauai.

Kalalau Lookout is open year-round, but conditions can change quickly. Rain often brings low clouds and slippery paths, limiting visibility and mobility. For the best (and safest) experience, check the forecast before heading out and plan to visit in the morning, when skies are typically clearer.