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Free Traveling Guides » States » Hawaii » KauaiKokee State Park
Kokee State Park, situated in western Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands, encompasses an area of over 4,345 acres (17.6 sq-km). It is located to the north of the famous Waimea Canyon State Park. The major attraction at the State Park is the Kokee Natural History Museum located at the 15 mile (24 km) marker on State Road 550. This museum is the oldest museum in the state and it emphasizes on vegetation, weather, and bird life. Short guided hikes, popularly known as the Wonder Walks, are also sponsored by the Museum every year during the summer. Another major attraction of the Park is the Banana Poka Festival that is related to basket-weaving and other crafts.
The State Park can be reached from the extreme west end of the island of Kauai. Also, the Park is just 90 minutes away from the Lihue Airport via the Kaumualii Highway. First Pavilion, situated on the left side of the Kokee Road, is the first rest stop as you reach the State Park. These pavilions offer facilities of pay phones and restrooms. Besides pavilions, there are picnic sites, grills, camping facilities, Ranger Station, grassy park meadow, Kokee Museum, and a restaurant as well. Besides, the Park also has a lodge that sells gifts and serves food; a number of cabins for rent; and nearly 45 miles (72 km) of hiking trails. Various facilities like tent camping, trailer camping, lodging, wild land picnicking, seasonal plum picking, trout fishing, and pig hunting are made available at the Park.
The Kokee State Park is also known for its native vegetation, scenic cliff side views, and native forest birds. The Kokee Forest is dominated by Koa (Acacia Koa) and Ohia lehua trees. The Park offers beautiful scenery and breathtaking views of the lush green Kalalau Valley from an elevation of 4000 ft (1200 m). There are four lookouts in the Park that offer unmitigated views of every aspect of the Island. These include the Waimea Canyon Lookout, the Puu Hinahina Lookout, the Puu O Kila Lookout, and the Kalalau Lookout. The State Park is also one of the best areas for study of forest birds, native plants, and insects. Kokee State Park has a lot to offer and is a “must see” during your stay in Kauai.
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