Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

Permit Information

Two separate permits needed. (1) Hā'ena State Park entry reservation to access the Kalalau trailhead. (2) Hawaii DLNR Beach Use Permit for the ceremony itself, which must be applied for by a Hawaii licensed wedding officiant or wedding company (couples cannot apply directly). Beach permit limits each ceremony to 2 hours, 20 guests max (30 total including vendors). Camping permits required beyond Hanakāpīʻai.

Planning Your Day at Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

One-Spot Day

Na Pali is a one spot day by force. The first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach is its own full day at 4 miles round trip. Kee Beach sits at the same trailhead and pairs naturally with the trail day. Beyond that you need a camping permit, a boat, or a helicopter. Pick the trail for cliff drama or the beach for a protected lagoon ceremony.

Ceremony + Portraits Split

Splits between Kee Beach and the Kalalau Trail overlooks work cleanly since both sit at the same trailhead. Ceremony at Kee at sunrise, portraits on the trail mid morning, then back to the beach for sunset shots is a realistic day. The DLNR Beach Use Permit limits each ceremony to 2 hours and 20 guests, which shapes how much you can stack in a single day.

A Note on Light

The cliffs face roughly west and catch gold for about twenty minutes before sunset. Morning light hits the cliff faces along the Kalalau Trail best between 8 and 10. Trade winds pick up in the afternoon and make veils and fabric unpredictable, plan shots around wind direction. Winter surf can close the beach entirely, target May through September.

Ceremony Spots at Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

• Kalalau Trail, First 2 Miles (to Hanakapi'ai Beach) — Dramatic sea cliff views along the most famous coastal trail in Hawaii, no camping permit needed for first 2 miles
• Ke'e Beach — Tropical beach ceremony framed by the start of the Na Pali cliffs with a protected lagoon and reef