Photo Credit: Tim DelaVega
hawaii wave

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.

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[O\'AHU] - UPDATE 10/29/24:  WA\'AHILA RIDGE STATE RECREATION AREA IS CLOSED UNTIL 4 PM TODAY, 10/29/24 FOR HECO POLE STAGING, ON 10/31 A SECTION OF THE WAʻAHILA TRAIL WILL BE CLOSED FOR POLE INSTALLATION.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 9/3/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: Due to severe staff shortages, the processing of vehicular access permits may experience delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

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[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 6/18/24 – Kōkeʻe State Park: The gate to Puʻu O Kila Lookout will be closed to vehicular traffic due to road repairs beginning 3/19/24. The lookout will still be accessible by pedestrians, parking is available at Kalalau lookout.

Camping Permits Now Required to Hike Beyond Hanakāpīʻai along Nāpali Coast

Posted on Mar 1, 2015

In response to continued illegal campers abusing the fragile and overtaxed Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauaʻi, camping permits are now required to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley along the Kalalau Trail.  Hanakāpīʻai is a two mile hike from the trailhead at the end of Kauaʻi’s north shore highway in Hāʻena State Park.  Hikers may still access Hanakāpīʻai waterfall two miles upvalley without a permit.  Signs have been posted on the western side of the valley indicating the point beyond which a valid permit is required.  No day-use permits will be issued, only hikers/backpackers with valid camping permits may legally proceed beyond the sign.  Violators of this policy may be cited, and those cited will be required to show up in court.  Violation of this rule is a petty misdemeanor under Hawaiʻi law, and a conviction will result in a criminal record in addition to penalties.

This policy is being reinstituted in response to continued rampant abuse of trail policies, which has led to degradation of natural and cultural resources, overtaxing the capacity of the park’s limited composting toilet facilities, and overcrowding of the authorized camping areas in Kalalau Valley.  These factors combined are contributing to lower quality visitor experiences and a growing number of public complaints, in addition to possible public health concerns.

We appreciate the public’s cooperation with this policy.