Help other visitors plan their trip by. 11/3/20 - [HAWAII] - Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is OPEN. Paid parking by credit card only. 1/5/21 - [MAUI] - Puu Olai a.k.a. Kiholo Bay is a real treasure, one of the Hawaii State Parks that we hope every visitor has a chance to enjoy. Did you have a particularly memorable experience at one of our Hawaii State Parks? "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." 12/16/20 - [OAHU] - Diamond Head State Monument is now OPEN! If you’re visiting Kona Hawaii, here are the Kona Area National and State Parks you should see to gain a taste of Hawaii’s culture and unique natural wonders. Big Island State Parks North Hamakua Waterfalls. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 1/26/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side (north shore) is CLOSED. 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. A temple built on the orders of Kamehameha the Great. Pinterest. The government shutdown may impact your 2013 fall Hawaii vacation. This portion of Puna's coast is jagged lava fingers and leaning palms. 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. 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. The stark, lava covered coast contrasts with the stunning colors and clarity of the water. Statewide camping reservations for Division of State Parks … Online reservation and permitting system for the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources. Camping permits for Hawaii County Parks. Lapakahi State Historical Park is one of the most well preserved remains of traditional Hawaiian life. Restroom services are limited to portable toilets due to a recent water main break. 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. All rights reserved. 11/23/20 - [MAUI] - Iao Valley 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. "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." The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is just north of Kailua-Kona, on the site of the old Kona airport. This is a nice place to stop when traveling between Hilo and Kona, or before you travel to the Mauna Kea summit. Our reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in Hawaii’s State Parks. Restrooms and drinking water available. Housekeeping cabins are available to rent on weekends only and they're pretty expensive - $80/non-residents, $50/residents. Linkedin. 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. Copyright © 2011-2020 www.explore-the-big-island.com. These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. Permits can be purchased up to a year in advance, see the camp reservation website for prices and other details. You can book a campsite online via the official Big Island Camp Reservation System. 7+ best Hawaii state parks on the Big Island . There is a picnic area perfect… Hawai‘i's State Park System is composed of 53 state parks encompassing approximately 25,000 acres on the 5 major islands. Other scenic viewpoints and areas of geologic interest in Wailuku River State Park include Boiling Pots and Pe'epe'e Falls. People don't come to MacKenzie State Park for the swimming, it's mostly the scenery and fishing visitors are after. 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. With 14 Hawaii State Parks, State Monuments and State Recreation Areas on the Big Island, there is much to discover! Brilliantly clear water along the shoreline at Lapakahi State Park means good snorkeling as well. These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. 'Akaka Falls is one of the most spectacular Hawaii waterfalls, plunging 422 feet into the gorge below. Little Beach is CLOSED until further notice. Restrooms available. Return from Hawaii State Parks to Explore The Big Island Home Page. Hwy 19 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Website. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and risks of its potential spread, the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced several closures, including state parks across the Big Island The Keawaula gate is also CLOSED. This park is home to native plants and animals, waterfalls, beaches, and even ancient Hawaiian agricultural terraces. 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. The Hawaiʻi’s State Park System is composed of 51 state parks state wide, 14 of which you can find on the Big Island. Lava Tree State Monument is 40 minutes south of Hilo, 2.5 miles (4k) east of Pahoa. Situated along a ruggedly beautiful cliff coastline in a shady grove of ironwood trees, Mackenzie is scenic but poorly maintained. Requirements regarding camping in Hawaii vary by jurisdiction, island, campsite, and facilities. 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. Established: 1916 Among the first things everyone visiting this mammoth, 505-square-mile national park has to come to grips with is accepting that there is no way they’ll see everything that makes it truly unique in all the world in a single day. This is the second of the Hawaii State Parks on the Big Island to highlight Hawaii waterfalls. Park and walk the last bit to the monument. The parks offer varied outdoor recreation and cultural/heritage opportunities and range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to rugged natural areas with trails and primitive facilities.The 14 state parks on the Big Island are:You can find more information about the state park system on the Hawai State Parks website (external link). Hawaiʻi is the most remote archipelago on earth. Kealakekua Bay is the location of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners. Hiking the Kalalau Trailis the only way to access the coastline by land because of the sheer cliffs and rugged landscape. 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. 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. Located south of Hilo along the Kalapana-Kapona Beach Road (Highway 137). North of Hilo, enjoy this scenic .4 mile loop trail through lush tropical vegetation, with an overlook of Kahuna Falls along the way. Camping in Hawaii (The Big Island) Camping is available at 10 county beach parks, six state parks and reserves, a few private campgrounds, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Did the state forget that Mackenzie State Recreation Area is still part of the Hawaii State Parks system? This is a popular beach for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. County Schedule Announced for Select Parks. This campground is only about 2 miles from the coast, but it is at an elevation of over 2,000 feet. This list also includes suggestions of Hawaii State Parks you can visit. Park entrance fee is $5/car. Hawaii State Parks Navigation There are a variety of camping areas - state campsites, county campsites and national park campsites. The lava wrapped the trees and then cooled, leaving only the mold after the inner tree decayed. Restroom services are limited to portable toilets due to a recent water main break. 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 … 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. You may recognize the scenery from Jurassic Park, Lost, King Kong or Indiana Jones. A valid State of Hawaii ID or Hawaii Driver's License is required for resident rates. (BIVN) – The State of Hawaiʻi is reminding Big Island residents and visitors that certain West Hawaiʻi state parks will close early on New Years Eve. Located 11 miles (18k) north of Kawaihae on Highway 270. Restrooms, picnic pavilion and drinking water available at Napo'opo'o. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities. The ocean often punishes these low cliffs, so steer clear of the edge. The thick growth of the jungle-like forest is testament to nature's ability to rebound following a decimating event. The Big Island's terrain is the most diverse of any Hawaiian island. Did you have a particularly memorable experience at one of our Hawaii State Parks? 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. HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — With the recent announcement of Hawaii Island’s county beach park closure, the DLNR will also close all state coastal and beach park areas on the island on Friday, Sept. 4. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. Copyright © 2021, State of Hawaii. Limited tent camping ($12/residents, $18/non-residents) and cabin lodging ($60-$90/night/cabin). Tucked into an 'ohi'a forest above the Hamakua coast, the more formal name is Kalopa Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area. Derek Paiva, Facebook. The trail leads 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Mahai'ula Beach north to Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), passing across Makalawena Beach. Turn onto Upolu Airport Road and continue toward the ocean 3.5 miles (5.6k). Sleeping in vehicles is prohibited at all Hawaii state parks and recreation areas. Two active volcanoes. The self-guided interpretive tour takes you through what was once a thriving coastal village. This 104 acre beach park has a nice beach with tidepools, picnic tables and pavilions. Aloha, State Parks. This is a great place for a picnic or to let the kids roll around in the grass and includes a nice nature trail. Do you have a favorite? Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables. Oct 25, 2011. All Hawaii National Parks have been closed. Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. We have loved exploring these parks over the years. 2. Click to learn more about all of the ways to relax and have fun. Restrooms, picnic tables, and trash cans; no drinking water. The Big Island’s 5 national parks Hawaii’s largest island is the only one in the state with five national parks—four official parks and one National Historic Trail. You will reach a point where the road becomes impassable. Kekaha Kai State Park on the Kohala coast combines pristine sandy beaches with both rugged and scenic hiking along the Ala Kahakai trail. Turn Around, Dont Drown! Picnic tables, restrooms, trash cans and open shelter camping next to the highway ($12/residents, $18/non-residents). Monthly closures are necessary to maintain and repair high-use parks without exposing park patrons to potential hazards. Help other visitors plan their trip by sharing your experience with us! The park is OPEN. Aloha, State Parks. In addition to picnicking there is a nice 2-mile Manuka Nature Trail that loops through the Manuka Natural Area Reserve. Kekaha Kai state park …for some of the best white sand beaches on the Big Island . Or even a couple of days. The beautiful island of Hawai'i has beautiful state parks with beaches, camping and hiking. 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. If you catch it just right in the early part of the day, Rainbow Falls can be a dramatic photo opportunity. These parks offer varied outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. Kalopa State Recreation Area is a lush and very quiet retreat at a 2000-foot (610 meter) elevation. Kona Area National and State Parks Overview. 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