**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**
Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.
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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 12/19/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Keawaʻula Section: Park CLOSED due to anticipated large surf on 12/20/24 through the weekend.
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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 12/16/24 – Diamond Head State Monument: Beginning January 6, 2025 to July 25, 2025, or upon completion of construction project, the park will close at 2:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, (excluding weekends and holidays) due to a construction project. The last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only during this time 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. Please check back for updates.
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[MAUI] UPDATED 12/16/24 – Mākena State Park - Invitation For Bid For Sealed Bid Proposal To Provide A mobile Food Truck Concession At Mākena State Park on Maui. Any party that may be interested in providing a bid may inspect the concession premises by calling DSP at (808) 587-0505 or contact DLNR-Division of State Parks Property Manager, Ms. E. Keiki Kipapa, by email to [email protected] Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST) except Federal and State Holidays. See Full IFB: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/files/2024/12/SPM25-010A.pdf
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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.
Hiking in Hawaii
Hiking in the Hawaiian Islands offers residents and visitors many opportunities to experience a unique natural environment. Known throughout the world for a wide variety of ecosystems, trails in Hawai‘i can take you to coastal dunes, shrublands, rainforests, and high alpine deserts. Certain historic trails provide a glimpse of the cultural heritage of Hawai‘i as they traverse past historic and archeological sites. Isolated by over 2,000 miles from the nearest landmass, native Hawaiian flora and fauna evolved into highly specialized species and some endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
Remember:
When you are hiking on trails in Hawai‘i, you are a guest in the home of our forest creatures and Hawaiian ancestors. Please treat these areas with respect. Read and follow any official informational or directional signage that may be posted along the trail to ensure that you are not walking onto sacred sites or areas of ecological restoration.
User Group Etiquette
For trails where multiple group use occurs (hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding), please honor the multiple use trail guidelines.
Pet Owners
If you are on a trail in a Public Hunting Area, you might encounter hunting dogs along the trail, and your pet may be at risk. Make sure that your dog is leashed, and kept at a safe distance. Please be considerate of other trail users, and remove any droppings from the trail.
Planning Your Hike
Inform Others of Your Plans
Let someone know which trail (name and location) you plan to hike on, and when you expect to return. If something should go wrong, rescuers will have accurate information on where to start searching.
Hike With A Partner
Don’t hike alone. Frequently, people who get into trouble are alone. In case of an emergency, your partner’s help can be invaluable.
Get Information About the Trail
Prior to hiking, learn about the trail you intend to hike so you will know the route, where to start, and the degree of difficulty. This information can be found on the website, by contacting the NAH staff, or in a trail guidebook.
Assess Your Capabilities
Compare your level of fitness, ability, and experience with the trail description. Be practical and realistic. There are a wide variety of trails in Hawai‘i, so pick one that suits your level.
Check Weather Conditions
| Weather information: | |
| O‘ahu | 973-4380 |
| Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi | 877-5111 |
| Kaua‘i | 245-6001 |
| Big Island | 961-5582 |
| Website | www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/ |
Sunny and clear mornings are sometimes followed by rain and wind later in the day. Flash floods are dangerous possibilities in the narrow gulches. Call the National Weather Service for the latest forecast.
Wear Proper Clothing
Dress in layers so you can protect your skin from the intense tropical sun. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Hiking boots offer traction and ankle support to prevent slipping and injuries on muddy trails and slick or sharp rocks. Light rain gear is good to carry because of the quickly changing weather conditions.
