Adventure Awaits

Hawai‘i's Super State Parks

Hawai‘i’s state parks are unique in all the U.S. Made up of more than 50 state-government-managed parks, historic sites and natural monuments covering over 30,000 acres on five of eight islands, they spotlight everything from stunning coastlines, emerald rainforests and towering waterfalls to spectacular valleys, canyons, sea cliffs, white and black sand beaches, and even classic grassy parks. Many even share Hawaiian cultural history and natural geological histories unique to their locations. A few of our favorites are listed below. For more, visit gohawaii.com and the State of Hawaii Division of State Parks website.

O‘AHU

The panoramic view from the Nu‘uanu Pali State Wayside lookout is unparalleled on island. Around you at the 1,200-foot elevation pali (cliff) are the misty, wind-whipped forests and majestic Ko‘olau mountains stretching north up O‘ahu’s Windward Coast. Below, more emerald greenery, Kailua and Kāne‘ohe towns, and the ocean beyond. The Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline’s most popular activity is hiking its milelong Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail with its sweeping views of O‘ahu’s southeastern and windward coasts, seabird sanctuary islets and views of Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i across the Kaiwi Channel.

KAUA‘I

Two parks in one day. Two parks in two days … or more. It’s up to you when you explore Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōke‘e State Park. A scenic 19-mile drive bridges both parks, first skirting the majestic natural wonder that is Waimea Canyon’s 14-mile-long, mile-wide rust-colored gorge — sometimes referred as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific — before heading into the chill, cloud-shrouded mountain forests of Kōke‘e. At Kōke‘e are breathtaking drive-up lookouts for Kalalau Valley and hiking trails exploring its 4,345 acres of diverse landscapes. Waimea Canyon also boasts several fine contrasting hiking trails.

HAWAI‘I ISLAND

A visit to oceanside Lapakahi State Historical Park is akin to a trip back in time to early Hawai‘i. A self-guided tour of the park’s remnants of the coastal fishing village Koai‘e — first settled by Hawaiians more than 700 years ago — winds past resident and canoe hale (houses), a heiau (temple), fishing shrines, other cultural sites and views of the ocean. • The spotlight attractions of Lava Tree State Monument are its sentinel-like lava molds of burned-down tree trunks, created when a 1790 lava flow snaked through a rainforest populated by ‘ōhi‘a trees. An easy trail winds alongside the hushed park’s otherworldly molds.

MAUI

Situated just off the Hāna Highway and just outside of Hāna town, Wai‘ānapanapa State Park is home to one of the island’s most beautiful black-sand beaches, plus coastal and forest hikes, ocean blow holes, wave-carved sea stacks, all manner of sea birds and an early Hawaiian heiau (temple). Views of the rugged, windswept northeast Maui coastline from sea level are epic at Wai‘ānapanapa. And there are cabins and camping spots if you want to spend a few days exploring. Whether visiting for a few hours, a full day or more, visits require an easily-made reservation you can book up to 30 days in advance. Do it!

A NOTE ON VISITING HAWAI‘I’S STATE PARKS: It’s everyone’s kuleana (responsibility) to mālama (care for) our parks and trails as we explore and enjoy them. Exercise care for everything that surrounds you, from flora and fauna, to rocks, streams, shorelines and even the ground you walk on. Tread lightly and preserve and protect all you see, taking photos but nothing else with you when you leave. Place all your trash in available receptacles. If there are none, take all your trash out with you when you leave. Mahalo for your kōkua (help)!