Destinations
Hawaii outdoors
Six islands of volcanoes, rainforest, and sea cliffs, with two national parks and 50 state parks across roughly 30,000 acres.
Hawaii packs more landscape into a short trip than almost anywhere in the country. Across the main islands you get active volcanoes, 4,000-foot cliff overlooks, 442-foot waterfalls, rainforest, and reef-fringed coast, often within an hour of each other. The state runs about 50 parks spread over roughly 30,000 acres, and the two national parks anchor the high-elevation, volcanic end of that range.
If you only have time for a few areas, build around the island that fits your trip. Oahu is the most hiker-friendly, with two mountain ranges and trails for every level, plus the classic Diamond Head crater climb. The Big Island has over 300 miles of trail and most of the world's climate zones, from coastal lava to cool upland forest. On Kauai, Kokee State Park hands you Kalalau Valley views from 4,000 feet, and the rugged Na Pali Coast is reachable only on foot or by boat. Maui pairs beach time with a high volcanic summit.
The best windows are the shoulder months: April through May and September through October bring the most reliable weather, thinner crowds, and fairer prices. May sits neatly between the wet winter and humid summer. Winter is warm at sea level but can turn harsh up high, and summer overlaps hurricane season.
Packing is about range, not bulk. Coastal trails run hot and humid, so plan for sun, water, and reef-safe sunscreen. The high country is a different world: park summits sit above 5,000 feet, and sunrise temperatures can hover near freezing, so a warm layer and a rain shell belong in the same daypack as your swimsuit. Sturdy shoes handle wet, rooty, and lava-rock trails far better than sandals.
State park reservations
Hawaii booking basics
Island, permit, and weather logistics are the trip. Always verify closures and allowed camping locations before flying.
Booking note
Hawaii uses state camping permits for designated state park camping and lodging facilities.
Agency
Hawaii State Parks
State park directory
Hawaii state park system places
A source-backed inventory layer for planning breadth. Full Kit Authority guides are marked when a park has imagery, camping detail, rules, and packing notes.
53 directory entries
0 full guides live
- Official page
Ahukini State Recreational Pier
State Recreational Pier
Ahukini Pier is a cement pier with a wooden walkway at the mouth of Hanama'ulu Stream, offering pole fishing, crab netting, and bay scenery.
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park
State Park
A relatively unspoiled windward Oahu valley, one of few publicly owned ahupua'a, encompassing nearly 5,300 acres from Kahana Bay to the Ko'olau crest.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Paddling
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Diamond Head State Monument
State Monument
Hawaii's most recognized landmark, this saucer-shaped crater near Waikiki is known for its historic summit hiking trail, coastal views, and military history.
- Hiking
- Historic Site
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Hāʻena State Park
State Park
On Kauai's north shore, the park offers restored lo'i kalo, Napali Coast views, beach activities at Ke'e Beach, and the Kalalau Trail trailhead.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Beach
- Backpacking
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau State Monument
State Monument
Remains of two important heiau (places of worship) rededicated as war temples by Kahekili, Maui's last ruling chief, with a viewpoint of Central Maui.
- Historic Site
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
A landscaped beach park offering swimming during calm seas, bodysurfing, sunbathing, picnicking, A-frame shelter lodging, and coastal trail hiking.
- Swimming
- Beach
- Picnicking
- Cabins
- Hiking
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Heʻeia State Park
State Park
A coastal site with picnicking and good views of Kane'ohe Bay and He'eia Fishpond, with community programs and banquet hall rental available.
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Hulieheʻe Palace
State park system area
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Huliheʻe Palace
State park system area
Once a summer home for Hawaiian royalty in Kailua-Kona, Hulihe'e Palace is now a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi'olani.
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
ʻAiea Bay State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
Along the banks of Pearl Harbor's East Loch, the park offers picnicking and views of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, with the Pearl Harbor bike path passing through.
- Picnicking
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
State Park
A self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation reaches vista points overlooking Kahuna Falls and the free-falling 442-foot 'Akaka Falls.
- Hiking
- Nature Trails
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
ʻĪao Valley State Monument
State Monument
A paved 0.6 mile walk provides a scenic viewpoint of Kuka'emoku (the 'Iao Needle), an erosional feature rising 1200 feet from the valley floor.
- Hiking
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
ʻIolani Palace State Monument
State Monument
The official residence of Hawaii's monarchy and a National Historic Landmark, 'Iolani Palace served King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani and offers a living restoration.
- Historic Site
- Picnicking
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kaʻena Point State Park
State Park
A remote, wild coastline park wrapping Oahu's northwest corner, with hiking, picnicking, shoreline fishing, and a gateway to Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline
State Scenic Shoreline
A 1-mile paved hike leads to a lookout above the historic Makapu'u lighthouse, with sweeping southeastern Oahu coastline views and seasonal whale watching.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kalōpā State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
Lodging, picnicking, and an easy family nature hike in a native 'ohi'a forest at 2000-foot elevation, with an arboretum of the island's native plants.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Cabins
- Picnicking
- Nature Trails
- Horseback Riding
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kaumahina State Wayside
State Wayside
A forested rest stop with exotic plants, offering picnicking and a scenic viewpoint of the northeast Maui coastline.
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial State Park
State Park
Part of the State Parks system and managed by the Ke'ehi Memorial Organization, the park honors veterans within the Division of State Parks.
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
A 384-acre forest park near a medicinal healing heiau, with groves of Norfolk pine and eucalyptus, campsites, picnic areas, and the 'Aiea Loop Trail.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Historic Site
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
State Historical Park
Site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners with Captain Cook's 1779 arrival, featuring Hikiau Heiau and the Captain Cook monument across the bay.
- Historic Site
- Paddling
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kekaha Kai (Kona Coast) State Park
State Park
A wilderness coastal park with sandy beaches and dunes offering swimming, bodysurfing, picnicking, and a 4.5-mile coastal trail past a cinder cone summit.
- Swimming
- Beach
- Picnicking
- Hiking
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kīholo State Park Reserve
State Park Reserve
A stark, lava-covered coastal park reserve with small bays, sparsely vegetated coastline, historic lava flows, and weekend camping, undergoing conceptual planning.
- Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kohala Historical Sites State Monument
State Monument
Viewing of Mo'okini Heiau, a National Historic Landmark and famous luakini heiau, and the Kamehameha I Birthsite memorial.
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Kōkeʻe State Park
State Park
At 4000 feet elevation, the park offers commanding views of Kalalau Valley, native rain forest hiking, camping, lodging, and observation of native plants and birds.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Cabins
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
Show 29 more Hawaii entries
- Official page
Lāʻie Point State Wayside
State Wayside
A small scenic lookout offering views of an offshore sea arch, an offshore seabird sanctuary, and the windward coast of Oahu.
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Lapakahi State Historical Park
State Historical Park
A self-guided tour through the partially restored remains of an ancient Hawaiian coastal settlement, with nearby ocean waters forming a marine preserve.
- Hiking
- Historic Site
- Nature Trails
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Lava Tree State Monument
State Monument
Viewing of a forest of lava trees along a 0.7 mile loop trail, where a lava flow left behind molds of tree trunks, with picnicking opportunities.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Nature Trails
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
MacKenzie State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
A low-cliffed, wild volcanic coastline with picnicking in an ironwood grove, good shore fishing, and an old Hawaiian coastal trail traversing the park.
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Hiking
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Mākena State Park
State Park
A scenic wildland beach park with the prominent cinder cone Pu'u Ola'i and a large white sand beach, offering swimming, bodysurfing, board surfing, and shore fishing.
- Swimming
- Beach
- Fishing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Mālaekahana State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
A wooded beach park with swimming, bodysurfing, beach activities, and shore fishing, with picnicking and camping at the Kalanai Point and Kahuku sections.
- Swimming
- Beach
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Camping
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Manukā State Wayside
State Wayside
A rest stop to picnic among native and introduced trees, with a 2-mile nature hike through the adjacent Manuka Natural Area Reserve.
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Nature Trails
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park
State Wilderness Park
One of the world's most recognizable coastlines, with rugged cliffs forming deep narrow valleys, waterfalls, streams, and the Kalalau Trail.
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside
State Wayside
An impressive view of windward Oahu from the brink of the pali (cliffs) at 1200 feet elevation in the Ko'olau Range, where winds are usually very strong.
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site
State Historic Site
A boulder-built fort recalling Russia's short-lived adventure in the Hawaiian Islands from 1815 to 1817, with massive stacked-stone walls and a self-guided walk.
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Pālāʻau State Park
State Park
A scenic overlook of historic Kalaupapa, with a short trail to a phallic stone thought to enhance fertility, plus picnicking and camping in an ironwood grove.
- Picnicking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Polihale State Park
State Park
A stunning beach park reached by a long dirt road, with picnicking and tent camping on a wild coastline with a large sand beach, dunes, and Napali Coast views.
- Beach
- Picnicking
- Camping
- Swimming
- Fishing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
Camping and lodging within the fog belt of the Kula Forest Reserve at 6200 feet, with an extensive trail system and views of Central and West Maui in clear weather.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside
State Wayside
A rest stop and picnicking spot in the rain forest, an idyllic area with small scenic waterfalls and pools.
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside
State Wayside
A forested cinder cone near downtown Honolulu, with a lookout offering sweeping views from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, picnic shelters, and a 1-mile loop trail.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Puʻu O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site
State Historic Site
The largest heiau on Oahu, covering almost 2 acres, this National Historic Landmark on a ridge offers commanding views of Waimea Valley and the northern shoreline.
- Historic Site
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Queen Emma Summer Palace
State park system area
Hanaiakamalama served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV, and Prince Albert from 1857 to 1885, and is now a historic landmark and museum.
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Royal Mausoleum State Monument
State Monument
Mauna 'Ala is the burial place of Hawaiian royalty, with tombs of the Kamehameha and Kalakaua Dynasties, a historic chapel, and historic trees.
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Sand Island State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
An arid urban coastal park near Honolulu offering picnicking, weekend camping, walking, shore fishing, and board surfing, fronting a small sand beach.
- Picnicking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Beach
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site
State Historic Site
A massive terraced stone heiau in Kailua measuring 140 by 180 feet, with walls up to 30 feet high, tied to the history of Kawai Nui fishpond.
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
Picnicking along the wooded shore of Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson), with year-round shore and boat fishing and a boat ramp at the park.
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Boating
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Waʻahila Ridge State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
Wildland picnicking on a Norfolk Island pine forested ridge with views of Manoa and Palolo valleys, plus family hiking in the forest reserve.
- Picnicking
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Waiʻānapanapa State Park
State Park
A remote, wild volcanic coastline offering lodging, camping, picnicking, shore fishing, hiking, a seabird colony, a natural stone arch, and a small black sand beach.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Wailoa River State Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
A landscaped park around the Wailoa River for walking, relaxation, informal games, picnicking, and boat fishing, with cultural displays at Wailoa Center.
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Wailua River State Park
State Park
A lush river valley with riverboat cruises to Fern Grotto, scenic waterfall vistas, the Wailua Complex of Heiau National Historic Landmark, and riverside picnicking.
- Picnicking
- Boating
- Historic Site
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Wailua Valley State Wayside
State Wayside
A viewpoint of Ke'anae Valley and the Ko'olau Gap in Haleakala's rim, and of Wailua Village with its taro lo'i fields.
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Wailuku River State Park
State Park
Viewpoints along the Wailuku River including Boiling Pots, a succession of pools lined by basalt columns, and the 80-foot Rainbow Falls renowned for its rainbows.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Historic Site
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Waimea Canyon State Park
State Park
Overlooking the deep, colorful gorge of Waimea Canyon, the park offers a scenic drive, canyon lookouts, a Ni'ihau Island viewpoint, wildland picnicking, and trails.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Wildlife Viewing
Hawaii Division of State Parks
- Official page
Waimea State Recreational Pier
State Recreational Pier
Ocean pier fishing and picnicking, with pole fishing and crabbing only.
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Hawaii Division of State Parks
Inventory source: USGS PAD-US 4.1. Curated states also use official agency directories where available. Official reservations and rules remain state-specific, so use the state booking links above before committing to dates.
National parks in Hawaii
Getting around Hawaii
There is no single front door to Hawaii's outdoors, so your plan starts with which island you fly into. The main hubs are Honolulu (HNL) on Oahu, Kahului (OGG) on Maui, Lihue (LIH) on Kauai, and two on the Big Island: Kona (KOA) on the west side and Hilo (ITO) on the east. For volcano country, Hilo is the closer landing; for the Kona coast and west-side beaches, fly into KOA.
Getting between islands means flying, not driving. Hawaiian Airlines runs well over 170 short interisland hops a day, and most are quick: Honolulu to Maui or Kauai runs about 30 minutes, Honolulu to Hilo about 50, and Honolulu to Kona about 45. Molokai and Lanai are served by smaller carriers like Mokulele. Treat each island as its own trip rather than trying to chain several in a few days.
Once you land, a rental car does the work. On the Big Island, plan for real distance: it is roughly 90 minutes to two hours from Kona over to the Hilo and volcano side, so many visitors base near whichever they came to see. On Kauai, the drive from the coast up to Kokee State Park climbs to about 4,000 feet and takes well over an hour of winding road. On Maui, the road to the volcanic summit is a long, switchbacked climb, often started before dawn for sunrise. On Oahu, distances are short and trailheads like Diamond Head sit close to Honolulu, but traffic can stretch a 20-mile hop well past the map estimate.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Hawaii's parks?
The shoulder seasons are the sweet spot: April through May and September through October combine reliable weather, thinner crowds, and better prices. May in particular falls between the rainy winter and the humid summer, so you get fewer wet days. Sea level stays warm year-round, but the high-elevation parks can be cold or stormy in winter, and summer overlaps hurricane season.
Which is the best national park in Hawaii?
It depends on what you want to see. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is the headliner for active volcanism, with Kilauea erupting on and off since late 2024 and good odds of seeing activity in 2026. Haleakala National Park on Maui is built around a massive volcanic summit and is famous for its high-altitude sunrise. Both sit at high elevation, so pack a warm layer even in a tropical trip.
Do I need a car to explore Hawaii's outdoors?
Yes, on most islands. Trailheads, state parks, and the national parks are spread out, and public transit does not reach most of them, so a rental car is the practical way to get around once you land. Between islands you fly rather than drive, since the islands are separated by open ocean and short flights connect the main airports.
How cold does it get at the summit parks?
Much colder than the beach. The national parks sit above 5,000 feet, and at sunrise temperatures can drop near freezing, around 32 to 40 F, even when the coast is in the 80s F. Bring a warm jacket, a hat, and a rain shell if you plan to be up high early or late in the day.