**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**
Monitor weather reports before your park visit!
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[OʻAHU] – UPDATE 10/3/25: Sand Island State Recreation Area – Comfort stations are CLOSED until further notice due to a transformer issue impacting the pump. Portable toilets are available at each comfort station. Camping has continued to be CLOSED for construction from August 30th, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
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[OʻAHU] – UPDATE 9/11/25: Kaʻena Point State Parks - Mokuleʻia Section – Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permits Closed for 2025. Purple 2024 permits valid through 2025. Please create an account on Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi at https://explore.ehawaii.gov/Web/. You will need an Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi account to apply for a 2026 Kaʻena Vehicle Access Permit, please create an account. Continue to check the Kaʻena Point State Park website for 2026 permit application updates.
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[O’AHU] - UPDATE 9/10/25: Mālaekahana State Recreation Area-Kahuku Section - State Parks is issuing a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals for parties interested in developing campgrounds. More info: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/malaekahana-state-recreation-area-rfq-rfp-2026/
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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 8/29/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion and camping is CLOSED until further notice.
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[KAUA’I] - 7/11/25: VISITORS TO WAIMEA CANYON AND KŌKEʻE STATE PARKS CAUTIONED TO EXPECT DELAYS AND LIMITED PARKING.
Beginning July 14, 2025, Waimea Canyon Lookout with be closed for construction of safety improvements through early December, 2025. This closure, in addition to several overlapping roadwork projects by both DOT-Highways and DLNR-State Parks, will cause delays, impact traffic patterns, and restrict overall parking capacity in these two popular parks through the end of the year. DOT work is continuing on Waimea Canyon Drive, while work on portions of Kōkeʻe Road from the Kalalau Lookout to Puʻu o Kila lookout will be starting the same week. Visitors can drive as far as the Kalalau Lookout, where improvements will also be initiated on July 17, with limited parking available. We urge patience and driving with care as these various improvements are ongoing. Local visitors are encouraged to enjoy these parks and lookouts on weekends, when most work will be suspended. Waimea Canyon Lookout will be closed for the duration of the project including weekends.
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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.
Sea Turtles
Posted on Oct 23, 2014
Green Sea Turtles resting on remote beach
Hawaiʻi hosts several species of sea turtles, but by far the most commonly seen is the Green Sea Turtle (honu). These large, gentle marine reptiles, typically 2-3 feet in shell length, frequent calm bays and shallow offshore reefs and lava shelves in Hawaiʻi where they feed on seaweed (limu). These turtles (which are actually dark brown in color) do come ashore regularly to bask and lay their eggs, although very few nest in the main islands. Most Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles migrate 800 miles north to mate and nest in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands on the sandy shores of French Frigate Shoals.
In the main islands , Green Sea Turtles are rarely seen in large numbers. They prefer isolated, uncrowded beaches, so they are difficult to view reliably. There are significant populations along Kauaʻi’s Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, where they can also be viewed via coastal boat tours. There are also viewing opportunities within parks along the Big Island’s Kona Coast. From shore they are most easily recognized when they surface to breathe, but can also be seen feeding on the shallow sea bottom. If you are in a vessel or swimming, diving or snorkeling and encounter a swimming turtle, give them a wide berth so as not to disturb them.
Hawaiʻi’s sea turtles are protected species’, and persons are strongly advised to maintain adequate distance (minimum 50 yards/45 meters) so as not to disturb them. Though they spend most of their time in the water, they frequently haul out to rest or ride out storms and this is normal behavior. Approaching a resting turtle may cause it to re-enter the ocean and compromise its safety. For more info, visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/species/sea-turtles/
