Photo Credit: Tim DelaVega
hawaii wave

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

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

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[KAUA’I] UPDATED 5/8/26

Polihale State Parks has REOPENED.

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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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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

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[O’AHU] UPDATED 5/1/26

Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area: Portions of the park which access the reservoir (Also known as Lake Wilson) will be closed Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1 a.m. the park will remain open to visitors for onshore activities, but lake access via the boat ramp, reservoir banks, and reservoir shores will not be allowed until further notice.

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Ka’ena Point State Park, Mākua Section has REOPENED to beach access. The Keawa’ula section remains CLOSED due to road repairs. The Mokule’ia vehicle access road remains CLOSED due to unsafe road conditions, this section remains open to pedestrian and bicycle access. 

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[MAUI] UPDATE 4/20/26

‘Iao Valley State Monument: Will be CLOSED until June 26, 2026 for safety improvements.

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

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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.

Where is the best place to look for sea turtles?

Posted on Oct 15, 2021

There 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!