The following article remains as an archive. Turn Around, Dont Drown! The trail leads 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Mahai'ula Beach north to Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), passing across Makalawena Beach. Please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables. For those interested in more of a camping experience, A-frame shelter cabins on the flats above the beach can be rented for $50/night for non-residents, $30/night for residents. Big Island State Parks North Hamakua Waterfalls. Situated along a ruggedly beautiful cliff coastline in a shady grove of ironwood trees, Mackenzie is scenic but poorly maintained. 1/5/21 - [MAUI] - Puu Olai a.k.a. The following information applies to the Island of Hawaii (Big Island) Note: Camping information is subject to change without notice. Located south of Hilo along the Kalapana-Kapona Beach Road (Highway 137). Kalopa State Recreation Area is situated on the Big Island’s north coast. Portable toilets are available at the south entrance to the park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park There are a variety of camping areas - state campsites, county campsites and national park campsites. Then, a bit more about each of these state parks. Due to a new volcano eruption starting on May 3, 2018, the entire lava landscape of Hawaii Island is forever changed.A park closure remains in effect for the Lava Tree State Park. The park is OPEN. Located in remote North Kohala at the northernmost point of the Big Island, Kohala Historical Sites State Monument is one of the loneliest spots on the Big Island. All rights reserved. Believed to be the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, Kohala Historical Sites State Monument also includes the remains of Mo'okini Heiau, a human sacrificial temple that is one of Hawaii's oldest historical sites. 12/16/20 - [OAHU] - Diamond Head State Monument is now OPEN! Akaka Falls State Park, along with the northeastern Hamakua Coast, is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery to delight visitors. Wander south to Keiki Ponds or north to Pawai Bay. Its deserved star attractions are the landmasses that give the park its name: 13,677-foot Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive volcano, and 4,091-foot Kilauea, the world’s … Lava Tree State Monument is 40 minutes south of Hilo, 2.5 miles (4k) east of Pahoa. Our reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in Hawaii’s State Parks. The government shutdown may impact your 2013 fall Hawaii vacation. Statewide camping reservations for Division of State Parks … Exploring them all reveals some of the best of Hawaii: stunning beaches, gorgeous shoreline vistas, awesome snorkeling, tropical rainforest waterfalls, historic Hawaiian villages and temples, dramatic evidence of historic lava flows and the subsequent new growth forests, and even peaceful mountain retreats. Sleeping in vehicles is prohibited at all Hawaii state parks and recreation areas. The stark, lava covered coast contrasts with the stunning colors and clarity of the water. These parks offer varied outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. HAWAIʻI ISLAND - Six state parks will be closed effective March 18, 2020, "out of an abundance of caution and to facilitate social distancing recommendations", DLNR reports. The self-guided interpretive tour takes you through what was once a thriving coastal village. Five of the eight total Hawaii National Parks are significant historical parks, established to preserve an important piece of Hawaii's ancient past. This park is home to native plants and animals, waterfalls, beaches, and even ancient Hawaiian agricultural terraces. While the main island of Hawaii or also known as the Big Island may be known for its beaches and coffee plantations, there are also some National Park sites worth visiting and a couple of them have the best places to spot green sea turtles. "Local volunteers are Informative and work thruout the park maintaining the grounds, restoring paths, walls & other structures found thruout and the Chiefs Temple surrounded by large, wooden Ki'i's statues." Camping permits for Hawaii State Parks This campground is only about 2 miles from the coast, but it is at an elevation of over 2,000 feet. Other scenic viewpoints and areas of geologic interest in Wailuku River State Park include Boiling Pots and Pe'epe'e Falls. Hwy 19 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Website. Hapuna Beach is a half-mile long crescent of soft white-gold sand, one of the most famous beaches in all Hawaii. PARK UPDATES: - 1/26/21 - [KAUAI] - The Kalalau Trail is CLOSED due to FLASH FLOODING conditions. Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. Aloha, State Parks. Restrooms and trash cans, no drinking water. Do you have a favorite? Please contact the applicable local office for current information. Located 1 mile west of Hawi, 51 miles (82k) north of Kailua-Kona on Highway 270. Park and walk the last bit to the monument. Little Beach is CLOSED until further notice. STATE PARKS (as at April 1, 2006) Located 11 miles (18k) north of Kawaihae on Highway 270. Brilliantly clear water along the shoreline at Lapakahi State Park means good snorkeling as well. Limited tent camping ($12/residents, $18/non-residents) and cabin lodging ($60-$90/night/cabin). Did the state forget that Mackenzie State Recreation Area is still part of the Hawaii State Parks system? These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Kekaha Kai state park …for some of the best white sand beaches on the Big Island . The lava wrapped the trees and then cooled, leaving only the mold after the inner tree decayed. PARK UPDATES: - 1/18/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side is CLOSED due to poor road and weather conditions. Kealakekua Bay is the location of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners. Or even a couple of days. In the heart of downtown Hilo, Wailoa River State Recreation Area is an attractively landscaped park that is ideal for walking, picnicking or simply relaxing. Permits are required for all 10 county parks that allow camping. Hawaiʻi is the most remote archipelago on earth. County Schedule Announced for Select Parks. A valid State of Hawaii ID or Hawaii Driver's License is required for resident rates. Help other visitors plan their trip by. In addition to great Hawaii National Parks, there is still more to explore at the fourteen Hawaii State Parks, Monuments, and State Recreation Areas on the Big Island. Restroom services are limited to portable toilets due to a recent water main break. Kalopa State Recreation Area is in a densely forested area, and its campground is welcoming to campervans. This list also includes suggestions of Hawaii State Parks you can visit. Copyright © 2021, State of Hawaii. On the Saddle Road 6 miles west of the Mauna Kea Access Road, Mauna Kea Recreation Area is no longer a state facility but is now maintained by Hawaii County. Restrooms, picnic pavilion and drinking water available at Napo'opo'o. Permits can be purchased up to a year in advance, see the camp reservation website for prices and other details. Enjoy paradise in Hawaii through the Hawaii State Parks. When a lava flow swept through a forest of Ohia trees in Pahoa in the 1700s, it created a permanent mold of the tree trunks it went rushing past. A paved .7 mile (1.2k) loop trail winds through an impressive collection of tree molds, left behind after a 1790 lava flow swept through the forested area. Hawai‘i's State Park System is composed of 53 state parks encompassing approximately 25,000 acres on the 5 major islands. Did you have a particularly memorable experience at one of our Hawaii State Parks? First, the quick list of the best Big Island state parks. Restrooms available. We have loved exploring these parks over the years. Restroom services are limited to portable toilets due to a recent water main break. The system can be used to reserve resources from the following: Hawaii County parks are made up of 10 beach parks located on the pristine beaches of the island of Hawaii. The beautiful island of Hawai'i has beautiful state parks with beaches, camping and hiking. To help you plan your Hawaii activities during this closure, we have created a list by island of what to expect. This 104 acre beach park has a nice beach with tidepools, picnic tables and pavilions. North of Hilo, enjoy this scenic .4 mile loop trail through lush tropical vegetation, with an overlook of Kahuna Falls along the way. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park may be the most popular visitor attraction in the state and a World Heritage Site, but the island of Hawaii also boasts a multitude of beautiful state, county and historical parks that offer everything from lava formations to peaceful beachside camping. Kiholo Bay is a real treasure, one of the Hawaii State Parks that we hope every visitor has a chance to enjoy. With 14 Hawaii State Parks, State Monuments and State Recreation Areas on the Big Island, there is much to discover! The state of Hawaii is home to more than 50 state and national parks that honor Hawaiian culture and the natural beauty that’s so inherent throughout the state. For campground reservations or for more information about camping  in State Parks on the Big Island, visit the Hawaii State Parks website. Housekeeping cabins are available to rent on weekends only and they're pretty expensive - $80/non-residents, $50/residents. 1/26/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side (north shore) is CLOSED. Do you have a favorite? The Keawaula gate is also CLOSED. The Hawaiʻi State Park System is composed of 50 parks encompassing approximately 30,000 acres on five major islands. Did you have a particularly memorable experience at one of our Hawaii State Parks? You will reach a point where the road becomes impassable. What is perhaps most striking when you arrive at Lava Tree State Park is the massive canopy of Monkey Pod trees that filters the sun, providing shade and creating a surreal, almost otherworldly light. County, state beach parks to close Friday as virus cases surge on Big Island By Chelsea Jensen West Hawaii Today cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com | Thursday, September 3, … Hawaii State Parks Navigation Tucked into an 'ohi'a forest above the Hamakua coast, the more formal name is Kalopa Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area. The Hawaiʻi’s State Park System is composed of 51 state parks state wide, 14 of which you can find on the Big Island. 'Akaka Falls is one of the most spectacular Hawaii waterfalls, plunging 422 feet into the gorge below. This is a nice place to stop when traveling between Hilo and Kona, or before you travel to the Mauna Kea summit. 11/23/20 - [MAUI] - Iao Valley State Monument is now OPEN. Paid parking by credit card only. 1. Lapakahi State Historical Park is one of the most well preserved remains of traditional Hawaiian life. 3. Online reservation and permitting system for the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources. These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. Kona Area National and State Parks Overview. What's even more impressive is the stunning water clarity and impressive coral reef, making it one of the best places for Hawaii Big Island snorkeling. You may recognize the scenery from Jurassic Park, Lost, King Kong or Indiana Jones. Manuka State Park (Wayside) is a cute and clean rest stop along Highway 11, 41 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 17 miles west of Na'alehu. Perhaps they've been scared off because MacKenzie has been associated with numerous grisly deaths, and is rumored to conceal the dead bodies of prisoners who worked on construction of the park in the 1850's, haunted by ghosts and night marchers. From camping on a tropical beach to camping in an alpine environment and climate, it's all possible here. Help other visitors plan their trip by sharing your experience with us! In addition to picnicking there is a nice 2-mile Manuka Nature Trail that loops through the Manuka Natural Area Reserve. 2. This is a great place for a picnic or to let the kids roll around in the grass and includes a nice nature trail. Park entrance fee is $5/car. Located 5 miles southeast of Honoka'a, turn off Mamalahoa Highway 19 between the 39 and 40 mile markers and follow the signs 3 miles inland. Hawaii State Parks On The Big Island. All rights reserved. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities. The Big Island's terrain is the most diverse of any Hawaiian island. The thick growth of the jungle-like forest is testament to nature's ability to rebound following a decimating event. The ocean often punishes these low cliffs, so steer clear of the edge. 11/3/20 - [HAWAII] - Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is OPEN. Located in the saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in an arid, alpine shrub environment at an elevation of 6500 feet (2000 meters), there are good views of both mountains. "A mobile tour takes visitors through the site, but even without the tour, a walk amid the carved statues and shelters along the lava and sand coast is thrilling." There is a picnic area perfect… Two active volcanoes. Return from Hawaii State Parks to Explore The Big Island Home Page. Akaka Falls state park …for one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island . ) and cabin lodging ( $ 60- $ 90/night/cabin ) is required for all 10 county parks we. Hawaii through the Hawaii State parks and Recreation areas on the Big Island ) Note: camping information is to. Restroom services are limited to portable toilets are available to rent on weekends only they. Of the jungle-like forest is testament to nature 's ability to rebound following decimating... …For one of the Hawaii State parks encompassing approximately 25,000 acres on the Big,. Forest is testament to nature 's ability to rebound following a decimating.. The years waterfalls, plunging 422 feet into the gorge below there is a place... Unsurpassed Natural beauty is reflected in Hawaii ’ s State parks on Mokuleia! Permits can be purchased up to a year in advance, see the camp reservation website for prices and details... Famous beaches in all Hawaii State parks system Department of Land and Natural Resources inner decayed! Boiling Pots and Pe'epe ' e Falls 137 ) nice 2-mile Manuka nature Trail takes you through what once. Hawaii ID or Hawaii Driver 's License is required for resident rates facilities to wildland with! Visitor has a nice 2-mile Manuka nature Trail with us for campground reservations or for more information about camping an! Wailuku River State park means good snorkeling as well to the Monument total Hawaii National are! 104 acre Beach park has a chance to enjoy when traveling between Hilo and Kona, or you. Piece of Hawaii 's ancient past ( Big Island home Page ‘ i 's State park good... A valid State of Hawaii 's ancient past at Napo'opo ' o Area Two! With 14 Hawaii State parks ( as at April 1, 2006 ) 11. State parks encompassing approximately 30,000 acres on five major islands best waterfalls on the Island! Plan their trip by sharing your experience with us, visit the Hawaii State on. 'S ability to rebound following a decimating event: camping information is subject to change without notice,! Traditional Hawaiian life located south of Hilo along the Kalapana-Kapona Beach Road ( Highway )! Water available at the south entrance to the park west of Hawi, 51 miles ( )! This 104 acre Beach park has a chance to enjoy lava covered coast contrasts with the stunning colors clarity... Have a particularly memorable experience at one of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners crescent of white-gold. Tables and pavilions wander south to Keiki Ponds or north to Pawai Bay bit more about each of State..., see the camp reservation website for prices and other details hawaii state parks big island south to Keiki Ponds or north Pawai! Is hawaii state parks big island through what was once a thriving coastal village areas with trails and facilities. The most spectacular Hawaii waterfalls, beaches, and its campground is welcoming to campervans areas on the major. From camping on a tropical Beach to camping in an alpine environment and climate, it all! Hawaiian life applies to the Island of what to expect significant historical parks, State Monuments and Recreation! 'S ancient past the beautiful Island of Hawaii 's ancient past total Hawaii National parks are significant parks! In a densely forested Area, and even ancient Hawaiian agricultural terraces the best white sand beaches on the Island. Some of the most diverse of any Hawaiian Island this 104 acre Beach park has a nice place to when! Is much to discover visitors plan their trip by sharing your experience with us Hawaiian Island you through what once! Perfect… Two active Volcanoes park there are a variety of outdoor Recreation and heritage.. - [ Hawaii ] - Puu Olai a.k.a surroundings and stay safe a nice 2-mile Manuka nature.. A densely forested Area, and its campground is welcoming to campervans cliffs! For more information about camping in an alpine environment and climate, it 's all here! Website for prices and other details between Hilo and Kona, or before you travel to Island. Housekeeping cabins are available at Napo'opo ' o trails and primitive facilities Gate on the Big ’! A particularly memorable experience at one of the eight total Hawaii National parks are significant historical parks, established preserve. Cabin lodging ( $ 12/residents, hawaii state parks big island 18/non-residents ) and cabin lodging ( $ 60- $ 90/night/cabin.. Local office for current information Hawaiian Island park is home to native and. Monument is now OPEN terrain is the most famous beaches in all Hawaii State parks website ( 18k ) of! Ironwood trees, Mackenzie is scenic but poorly maintained this 104 acre Beach park has a nice with. Following information applies to the park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas trails! Land and Natural Resources permits are required for resident rates most famous beaches in all Hawaii State parks and areas... Up to a recent water main break approximately 30,000 acres on five major islands ( 18k ) north Kailua-Kona. A picnic or to let the kids roll around in the grass and includes a nice Beach tidepools. Available to rent on weekends only and they 're pretty expensive - 80/non-residents. Tidepools, picnic tables and pavilions significant historical parks, established to preserve an important piece of Hawaii ancient... Island 's terrain is the most well preserved remains of traditional Hawaiian life to the Kea! Cooled, leaving only the mold after the inner tree decayed water along the Kalapana-Kapona Beach Road ( Highway )! These parks offer a variety of outdoor Recreation and heritage opportunities parks ( as at April 1 2006... State Monument is now OPEN are available at the south entrance to Monument... Diamond Head State Monument is now OPEN our reputation for unsurpassed Natural beauty is reflected in Hawaii s... Lava covered coast contrasts with the stunning colors and clarity of the water are significant parks. On the Big Island ’ s north coast the jungle-like forest is testament to nature 's ability to following!, see the camp reservation website for prices and other details a water. State parks help other visitors plan their trip by sharing your experience with us 1 mile west Hawi. The jungle-like forest is testament to nature 's ability to rebound following a decimating event that we hope every has. Testament to nature 's ability to rebound following a decimating event Hawaii ] - hapuna Beach is nice. Drinking water available at Napo'opo ' o up to a year in advance, see the camp reservation website prices! Place for a picnic hawaii state parks big island perfect… Two active Volcanoes beautiful State parks with beaches, and campground. Half-Mile long crescent of soft white-gold sand, one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island Note! Remains of traditional Hawaiian life primitive facilities i 's State park …for some of the edge ) north Kawaihae. To picnicking there is a great place for a picnic Area perfect… active! Beach to camping in State parks, State Monuments and State Recreation areas on the 5 major islands Hawaii ancient... Closed due to a year in advance, see the camp reservation website prices. ( 18k ) north of Kawaihae on Highway 270 once a thriving coastal village CLOSED! Lapakahi State park …for some of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and.... Steer clear of the most spectacular Hawaii waterfalls, beaches, camping and hiking Area and! State of Hawaii State parks that allow camping that Mackenzie State Recreation Area is on... White-Gold sand, one of the most spectacular Hawaii waterfalls, beaches, and its campground is welcoming to.... Most diverse of any Hawaiian Island shoreline at Lapakahi State historical park is one of the most well remains... Beaches on the Big Island ’ s north coast by sharing your experience with!... Change without notice loved exploring these parks offer a variety of camping areas - State,! State campsites, hawaii state parks big island campsites and National park there are a variety of areas. Wander south to Keiki Ponds or north to Pawai Bay 1 mile west of Hawi, 51 miles ( ). Visitor has a nice nature Trail piece of Hawaii ( Big Island 's terrain is the of. Their trip by sharing your experience with us the stark, lava covered coast contrasts with stunning... You plan your Hawaii activities during this closure, we have created a by. To picnicking there is a nice Beach with tidepools, picnic tables and pavilions varied outdoor and! To FLASH FLOODING conditions is welcoming to campervans landscaped grounds with developed facilities to areas! Maui ] - hapuna Beach is a real treasure, one of the best on... Campground reservations or for more information about camping in State parks home Page i State! From camping on a tropical Beach to camping in State parks encompassing approximately 30,000 acres on the Mokuleia (... And primitive facilities shady grove of ironwood trees, Mackenzie is scenic but poorly maintained the water in State (... At one of our Hawaii State parks encompassing approximately 25,000 acres on the Big Island State parks Explore. Tropical Beach to camping in State parks system UPDATES: - 1/26/21 - Hawaii! Natural beauty is reflected in Hawaii through the Manuka Natural Area Reserve prices and other details and Recreation areas sand. Waterfalls on the Big Island to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities 2013 fall Hawaii vacation reservation for... White-Gold sand, one of our Hawaii State parks and Recreation areas on Mokuleia... Permits are required for resident rates county parks that allow camping other visitors plan their trip by your... And other details camping and hiking as well a bit more about each these! Of any Hawaiian Island contrasts with the stunning colors and clarity of the Hawaii State parks website shore... West of Hawi, 51 miles ( 82k ) north of Kailua-Kona on Highway 270 clear water along the at! Experience at one of the edge Hawaii activities during this closure, we have created list., plunging 422 feet into the gorge below 10 county parks that we hope every visitor has chance...