Photo Credit: Tim DelaVega
hawaii wave

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[MAU’I] UPDATE 3/26/26

Waiʻānapanapa State Park : Currently CLOSED to parking, park entry, tent camping, camper van camping and all cabin reservations, anticipated REOPEN on March 31st.

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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice for road clearing.

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Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice.

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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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Kiholo State Park Reserve: Road CLOSED to vehicles due to erosion until further notice, pedestrian access remains opened. Camping remains CLOSED.

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Lapakahi State Historical Park: CLOSED until further notice due to unsafe trails and water bars.

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[KAUAʻI] 3/24/26

Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.

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Kalalau trail OPENED. 

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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

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[O’AHU] UPDATE 3/23/26

Kaʻena Point State Park, Mākua-Keawaʻula Section: CLOSED due to flooding and collapsed road on Farrington Highway.

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Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokulēʻia Section: CLOSED due to saturated and eroded roads.

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Ahupuaʻa O Kahana State Park: CLOSED due to storm debris.

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Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau Historical Site CLOSED due to cleanup.

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[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

When is the best time for whale watching and off of which island?

Posted on Oct 15, 2021

Humpback Whales begin arriving at the main Hawaiian Islands as early as September and stay as late as May with the peak season occurring in the months of January and February. The highest concentrations of sightings are in the shallow waters between the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai, on the north coast of Kauai and off the Kohala coast on the island of Hawaii. Humpback Whale sightings are also common on the island of Oahu but not as frequent as the other locations. Whale watching boat tours are available through vendors on all main islands. Please check the website of the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary for more information:
www.hihwnms.nos.noaa.gov

Please practice responsible wildlife viewing by keeping a safe distance – 100 yards from whales, and do not approach or harass them.