Group Use of Hawaiʻi Island Nā Ala Hele Trails
Commercial activities and organized non-commercial group activities are allowed on Nā Ala Hele trails but require a permit or prior approval. Please help us protect these places for future generations by obtaining the appropriate permits or approval before your visit.
Nā Ala Hele trails pass through areas rich in sensitive natural and cultural resources. To protect these places, each trail has an established capacity. Coordinating your visit and adhering to these capacities, helps ensure a safe and positive experience for all trail users.
Advance coordination also allows us to notify groups of any trail closures, schedule maintenance accordingly, and avoid overlapping group visits that could impact to the trail and surrounding resources.
Use the information below to determine which permit applies to your group. Mahalo for your kōkua in caring for these special places.
Commercial Trail Tour Activity (CTTA)
Any business or individual interested in conducting organized activities on Nā Ala Hele program trails and roads for a fee must apply for a Commercial Trail Tour Activity (CTTA) permit. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting tours, hikes, bicycle rides, equestrian rides, off-road vehicle rides, and providing guide services.
Commercial use is only permitted on certain approved trails and accesses.
For more information and to access the application, visit: https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trails/#/vendor-welcome
Non-Commercial/Educational Group Activity
Non-commercial group activity refers to any organized group use of a trail that does not charge a fee to participate. This includes, but is not limited to, school field trips, free workshops, and scheduled group hikes.
Non-profit organizations may also qualify for non-commercial use permits, but additional documentation may be required.
To help protect the sensitive natural and cultural resources in these areas, we coordinate group access to ensure that visits are appropriate for each site and provide a safe and respectful experience for all trail users. There is no fee for a non-commercial group permit.
How to Obtain a Non-Commercial Activity Permit
If your group exceeds the limit set for the trail you plan to visit, contact us at least one month in advance to request a permit. There is no fee for a non-commercial group permit.
Group size limits can be found in the “Group Use” section of each trail page on hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov or by contacting us.
To request a non-commercial group permit, email the following information to [email protected]:
- Contact person for your group
- Organization Name
- Date(s) you wish to visit the trail
- Group size
- The purpose of the visit
Quick Reference Flyer for Non-Commercial Group Trail Use
This quick-reference guide summarizes the requirements for non-commercial group activities on Nā Ala Hele trails. Download it to help plan your group’s visit. Please feel free to download and share it with schools, community organizations, and other groups planning a visit.
Download the flyer here