**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**
Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.
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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 11/4/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: The 2024 Kaʻena Point permit and decal is being extended through 2025. You do not need to apply for a new permit now, you will be notified when applications open next year. Take good care of your decal, we cannot replace decals. Please remember to take rubbish bags home, do not leave it a the trash bins.
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[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 11/4/24 – Waimea Canyon State Park/Kōkeʻe State Park: Paving will take place on Waimea Canyon Road leading into Puʻu Hinahina Lookout on Wednesday, November 6 limiting vehicle access into and out of the lookout parking lot from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Pedestrian access will remain open, and vehicles can access the lookout before and after the closure.
JOIN US ON JANUARY 1st FOR HAWAI’I’S ANNUAL FIRST DAY HIKE – AMONG THE MOST UNIQUE IN THE U.S.
Posted on Dec 18, 2018The annual First Day Hike on the Makapu’u Light House Trail at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline on O‘ahu is arguably the most unique of the nearly 1,200 hikes in America’s State Parks each New Year’s Day. While far from the most difficult it is one of the best attended with an estimated 700 people making the short, two-mile-roundtrip hike to an overlook where participants can see the first sunrise of 2019. What makes it unique is the blend of cultures, which is a hallmark of Hawai’i.
The day begins with the customary blowing of the Pu (conch shell), followed by a Hawaiian oli, and performances by a taiko drum group. DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said, “As our hike has evolved over the years, we’ve found that for local residents and visitors alike this unique blending of cultures provides a memorable start to the new year. This, with the addition of spectacular views and the possibility of spotting breaching Humpback whales really makes Hawai‘i’s First Day Hike quite memorable and many people have come back year after year.”
The gate to the Kaiwi Coast Scenic Shoreline will open at 5:30 a.m., with sunrise at 7:09 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring water, reef safe sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, snacks and poop bags for pets, all of which must be on leashes. The trail to the Makapu’u Lighthouse overlook is paved, is handicapped accessible, and is a relatively easy walk.
