Photo Credit: Tim DelaVega
hawaii wave

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

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

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[MAUI] UPDATE 4/17/26

‘Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice. Parking and entry CLOSED until June 28, 2026.

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

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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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[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.

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.