**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**
Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.
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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 11/4/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: The 2024 Kaʻena Point permit and decal is being extended through 2025. You do not need to apply for a new permit now, you will be notified when applications open next year. Take good care of your decal, we cannot replace decals. Please remember to take rubbish bags home, do not leave it a the trash bins.
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[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 11/4/24 – Waimea Canyon State Park/Kōkeʻe State Park: Paving will take place on Waimea Canyon Road leading into Puʻu Hinahina Lookout on Wednesday, November 6 limiting vehicle access into and out of the lookout parking lot from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Pedestrian access will remain open, and vehicles can access the lookout before and after the closure.
Health & Safety
Our wildlands and oceans can be exceedingly dangerous to the careless and the foolhardy. Since natural hazards are part of our natural environment, the outdoors can never be guaranteed safe.
Think safety. Do not take unnecessary risks. Heed warnings – they are for your protection. Check weather and surf reports and always take note of posted ocean condition signs. If in doubt, contact the district office as to the safety of an area.
Water Safety
| Swimming | Lifeguard services are provided only at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Hawai‘i and at Keawa‘ula Beach, Ka‘ena Point State Park, O‘ahu. For your own safety, swim only at protected beaches and only during calm conditions; always swim with a friend. Know your own and your partner's swimming abilities. Children should always be watched closely. |
| Flotation Gear | Poor swimmers and weak individuals should use inflatables such as air mattresses and tubes only with a great deal of caution. |
| Bodysurfing | Bodysurfing is one of the most dangerous ocean sports. It requires special knowledge and techniques as well as good physical condition. To avoid injury, seek competent instruction and familiarize yourself with the surf conditions. |
| Snorkeling | Always snorkel with a friend and stay in close visual contact with your partner. Familiarize yourself with the snorkeling area and the water conditions. Use caution when entering and leaving the water. Watch for boats and floating devices, as well as other snorkelers and swimmers. |
| Hazardous Tidal Conditions | Once water rises above the knees, water conditions can become dangerous if waves or currents are present. Waders to offshore islands should know the surf and tidal conditions before embarking on their trip. Return before the tide rises or have an alternate route. |
| Dangerous Shoreline Conditions | Shoreline hazards include sea cliffs with vertical drops, large breaking waves, and wet, slippery surfaces. Always face the ocean and stay a distance away from wave dampened rock surfaces. |
| Dangerous Marine Life | Many forms of marine animals are dangerous if provoked, mishandled, or eaten. Avoid contact with unfamiliar marine animals. Be cautious of animals with spines, pincers, sharp teeth, and poisonous stings. |
| Tsunami (Tidal Wave) | Tsunamis can occur at beaches and low lying coastal areas. When a tsunami warning is given, follow the instruction issued through the Emergency Broadcast System. |
Emergency Calls
In case of an emergency requiring police, ambulance service, firemen or search and rescue units, dial “911” on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i, and “0” on Moloka‘i. No coins are required for emergency telephone calls from any pay phones.
For poisoning emergencies, call the Hawaii Poison Center in Honolulu. On O‘ahu dial “911” or “941-4411”. On the other islands dial the toll-free number “1-800-362-3585”.
As a safety rule, always know where the nearest phone is located before or upon arrival at the park. Charge your cell phone fully prior to any park visit.
Outdoor Safety
| Sun Exposure & Skin Damage | Guard against sunburn and long-term effects of skin cancer by using a PABA sunscreen or wearing a hat and loose-fitting clothing. |
| Heat Exhaustion | During oppressively hot and muggy days, avoid unnecessary exposure to heat and drink plenty of water. |
| Freshwater Swimming & Drinking Water Sources | Avoid entering streams and ponds when you have open cuts or abrasions on your skin. Do not drink the water without first boiling or using purification tablets. Harmful bacteria, such as leptospirosis, may be present and poses a serious health threat. |
| Hiking | Plan your hike by knowing the terrain to be covered, the length of the trail, weather conditions, time of day, and hazards along the trail. Allow ample time to return before nightfall by figuring 1.5 miles per hour. Carry proper equipment, including a first aid kit and plenty of water. Wear proper shoes and clothing. Stay on the designated trail and be extra cautious when crossing streams and walking on wet, slippery trails or on loose, crumbly soil or rock. Hike in a group and keep track of those in your party. |
| Rock Climbing | Hawai‘i's mountains are porous, crumbly weathering basalt. They are not suitable for roping or climbing. |
| Poisonous Plants | Never experiment with unfamiliar plants - a taste of some plants can kill you. |
| Rock Slides & Rock Falls | Steep valley walls, sea cliffs, and waterfalls are subject to rock slides and falls. Use extra caution in these areas. |
| Dangerous Animal Life | Be aware of insects and arachnids that can inflict painful stings and bites, such as the black widow spider, scorpions, and centipedes. |
| Flash Floods | Gentle streams can quickly become rushing torrents. Watch for signs of flash flooding: increase in the speed of the stream flow, rapid rise in stream level, a distant rumbling upstream and the smell of fresh earth. Be prepared to move immediately to higher ground and never attempt to cross the stream when the water level is above your knees. |
Civil Defense Warnings
When you hear the Civil Defense sirens (a steady siren tone for 3 minutes, repeated as necessary), listen to your radio for emergency information and instructions broadcast by Civil Defense. Take necessary action.
If you hear siren or voice messages from a low-flying aircraft, it is a Civil Air Patrol aircraft. Be aware that there is a dangerous situation approaching. If you hear a voice message, heed it. If you only hear the siren, immediately get to high, protected ground.
Thefts
Our parks are poorly staffed, if at all, and thefts from cars and of personal property left unattended at parks are a major problem. Visitors and rented cars particularly are targets for thieves. Do not take unnecessary valuables with you on your outing, and never leave any valuables unattended in the park or in the car, even in the locked trunk.
