(Honolulu) – First Day Hikes, in all 50 states started nine years ago as one way to encourage people to get out into nature by enjoying the enormous variety of state parks. Hawai‘i’s version of the First Day Hike, held on New Year’s Day, is unique for a number of reasons. It’s among the best attended, with as many as 700 people making the one-mile hike to the Makapu‘u overlook at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on O‘ahu’s east side.
State Parks
(Kailua-Kona) –On Tuesday December 31, 2019, the DLNR State Parks Division will be closing Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve and Kekaha Kai State Park (Mahai’ula and Kua Bay sections) early at 5 p.m. Closing of the parks early is to discourage fireworks. All fireworks are prohibited in state parks to protect the natural resources of the area.
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON For Immediate News Release: December 24, 2019 AHUPUAʻA ʻO KAHANA STATE PARK WATER QUALITY TESTING PROJECT (Honolulu) – The DLNR Division of State Parks will implement an extensive environmental water sampling program of the Kahana Stream and ...
Read More 12/24/19 – AHUPUAʻA ʻO KAHANA STATE PARK WATER QUALITY TESTING PROJECT
(Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park) – One of the sure signs of the new management paradigm for this state park and the adjoining Hā‘ena State Park on Kaua‘i is a truer wilderness experience for people hardy enough to hike 11-miles one-way to Kalalau Beach.
(Kahului, Maui) – Following the introduction of paid parking this year at several State Parks (Hā’ena State Park and Kōkeʻe-Waimea Canyon State Park, Kaua‘i), the DLNR Division of State Parks will institute paid parking at Mākena State Park beginning the first week of January 2020.
(Honolulu) – It’s become an iconic New Year’s Day tradition in Hawai‘i and across the country. State Parks in all 50 states are again offering free, guided, First Day Hikes, on Jan. 1, 2020. In the Aloha State, the hike to the Makapu‘u Lookout at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline is actually self-guided; just follow the crowd up the one-mile-long, paved path for stunning views as the sun rises at 7:09 a.m.
(Hā‘ena State Park, Kaua‘i) – The tools of their trade include the power of persuasion, friendly reminders, and as warranted, the threat of contacting law enforcement. One of the most visible features of what has been called a “new day” for Hā’ena State Park and the adjacent Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, is the presence of park rangers.
(Hilo) – A free event at the Wailoa Center is being held to encourage everyone to use plastic free bottles to help the environment. In 2018, the DLNR Division of State Parks was awarded a grant to install 19 water bottle filling stations on Hawai’i Island, Maui, O’ahu and Kaua’i. The goal of the project is to reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles that park visitors use during their visits to state parks.
(Honolulu) – The Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area has been a fixture in the community for years featuring Lake Wilson as one of its prime features. This Saturday, the DLNR Division of State Parks is sponsoring a community event in partnership with the Wahiawā Community Based Development Organization (Wahiawā CBDO) entitled “A Day at Lake Wilson”.
(Lihu’e) — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will open this year’s season for plum harvesting at Kōkeʻe State Park, Kaua‘i on Thursday July 4. This year’s plum crop happens to be poor.