**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**
⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit.
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[KAUA’I] UPDATED 4/14/26
The Kalalau trail has REOPENED and the Haʻena Shuttle has RESUMED.
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Koke’e State Park camping will be CLOSED for campground improvements. Construction to begin May 2026 and extend through Spring 2027.
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Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.
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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.
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[O’AHU] UPDATED 4/12/26
O’ahu state parks have REOPENED with the exception of Ka’ena Point State Park, both Mokule’ia and Mākua-Keawa’ula sections, and Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site.
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[HAWAI’I] UPDATED 4/10/26
Notice to bidders for Mobile Food Truck Concessions opened today for certain Hawai’i Island parks. More information at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/mobile-food-truck-concessions-hawaii/
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[MAUI] UPDATE 3/30/26
Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.
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‘Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice. Parking and entry CLOSED until April 26.
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[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/25/26
Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.
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[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26
Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.
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.
