**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**
Monitor weather reports before your park visit!
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[MAUI] - UPDATE 5/12/25: Puaʻa kaʻa Wayside and Restrooms has REOPENED.
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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 3/24/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to demolition and renovation work, the pavilion will be closed from March 25 to May 31.
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[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.
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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 3/18/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Partial Park Closures Hours with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will occur from April 21 onwards Monday through Friday, (except holidays). Normal Park Hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume on Weekends and Holidays. During Partial Park Closures Hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. The project began January 6, 2025, and will run until July 25, 2025, upon completion of the rock fall mitigation construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check back for updates.
Where is the best place to look for sea turtles?
Posted on Oct 15, 2021There are several sea turtles that are common in the Hawaiian Islands with the Green Sea Turtle being by far in the greatest abundance. Sea Turtles are an endangered species and as such are protected under the Endangered Species Act. See this website for more info: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/PR3/Turtles/turtles.html
Approaching or harassing any Sea Turtle is a violation of law. That being said there are many opportunities on all the main Hawaiian Islands for viewing turtles in the wild. Generally, areas that offer snorkeling or scuba diving also have the possibility of sighting sea turtles. I have personally seen turtles while snorkeling on all the islands so your best bet is to pick a snorkeling spot, put on your mask, snorkel and fins and get wet. Since turtles must come to the surface for air they can also be seen from shore or from a boat.
Please practice responsible wildlife viewing by keeping a safe distance and do not approach or chase them.
Good luck, and happy viewing!
