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. These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. Restrooms available. Did you have a particularly memorable experience at one of our Hawaii State Parks? 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. Please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Kalopa State Recreation Area is a lush and very quiet retreat at a 2000-foot (610 meter) elevation. There is a picnic area perfect… Restroom services are limited to portable toilets due to a recent water main break. Aloha, State Parks. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities. This park is home to native plants and animals, waterfalls, beaches, and even ancient Hawaiian agricultural terraces. Kona Area National and State Parks Overview. 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 … Pristine beaches, flowers, and trees await your relaxing time in this heavenly oasis. The thick growth of the jungle-like forest is testament to nature's ability to rebound following a decimating event. Restrooms and drinking water available. You can book a campsite online via the official Big Island Camp Reservation System. The government shutdown may impact your 2013 fall Hawaii vacation. Do you have a favorite? People don't come to MacKenzie State Park for the swimming, it's mostly the scenery and fishing visitors are after. 3. 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. "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." Located south of Hilo along the Kalapana-Kapona Beach Road (Highway 137). 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. 11/3/20 - [HAWAII] - Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is OPEN. 1/26/21 - [OAHU] - Kaena Point State Park Vehicle Access Gate on the Mokuleia side (north shore) is CLOSED. Little Beach is CLOSED until further notice. Park entrance fee is $5/car. If you catch it just right in the early part of the day, Rainbow Falls can be a dramatic photo opportunity. Many Honu (green sea turtles) call Kiholo Bay home. Hiking the Kalalau Trailis the only way to access the coastline by land because of the sheer cliffs and rugged landscape. Then, a bit more about each of these state parks. Did the state forget that Mackenzie State Recreation Area is still part of the Hawaii State Parks system? 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. This is a popular beach for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and boogie boarding. Permits can be purchased up to a year in advance, see the camp reservation website for prices and other details. Limited tent camping ($12/residents, $18/non-residents) and cabin lodging ($60-$90/night/cabin). 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. Kealakekua Bay is the location of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners. Pinterest. For campground reservations or for more information about camping in State Parks on the Big Island, visit the Hawaii State Parks website. 12/16/20 - [OAHU] - Diamond Head State Monument is now OPEN! With 14 Hawaii State Parks, State Monuments and State Recreation Areas on the Big Island, there is much to discover! Help other visitors plan their trip by. All rights reserved. Hwy 19 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Website. The park is OPEN. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with trails and primitive facilities. Restrooms, picnic tables, and trash cans; no drinking water. The two-mile day hike to Hanakapiʻai Valley is popular, since anyone hiking further must get an overnight camp… Restroom services are limited to portable toilets due to a recent water main break. Restrooms, drinking water. 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. These parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables. The Hawaiʻi State Park System is composed of 50 parks encompassing approximately 30,000 acres on five major islands. Kalopa State Recreation Area is in a densely forested area, and its campground is welcoming to campervans. 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. 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. The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is just north of Kailua-Kona, on the site of the old Kona airport. Sleeping in vehicles is prohibited at all Hawaii state parks and recreation areas. 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. Restrooms, picnic pavilion and drinking water available at Napo'opo'o. Brilliantly clear water along the shoreline at Lapakahi State Park means good snorkeling as well. The trail leads 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Mahai'ula Beach north to Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay), passing across Makalawena Beach. 1/5/21 - [MAUI] - Puu Olai a.k.a. Lava Tree State Monument is 40 minutes south of Hilo, 2.5 miles (4k) east of Pahoa. The Hawaiʻi State Park System is composed of 50 parks encompassing approximately 30,000 acres on five major islands. Derek Paiva, Facebook. The lava wrapped the trees and then cooled, leaving only the mold after the inner tree decayed. The following article remains as an archive. 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. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. STATE PARKS (as at April 1, 2006) Hawaii State Parks Navigation 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. 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). Tucked into an 'ohi'a forest above the Hamakua coast, the more formal name is Kalopa Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area. Turn Around, Dont Drown! Did you have a particularly memorable experience at one of our Hawaii State Parks? Help other visitors plan their trip by sharing your experience with us! Online reservation and permitting system for the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources. Aloha, State Parks. 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. The Keawaula gate is also CLOSED. Other scenic viewpoints and areas of geologic interest in Wailuku River State Park include Boiling Pots and Pe'epe'e Falls. Do you have a favorite? Turn onto Upolu Airport Road and continue toward the ocean 3.5 miles (5.6k). 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. "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." Copyright © 2021, State of Hawaii. Lapakahi State Historical Park is one of the most well preserved remains of traditional Hawaiian life. Kalopa State Recreation Area is situated on the Big Island’s north coast. 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. 'Akaka Falls is one of the most spectacular Hawaii waterfalls, plunging 422 feet into the gorge below. 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. Copyright © 2011-2020 www.explore-the-big-island.com. 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. 2. Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. 11/23/20 - [MAUI] - Iao Valley State Monument is now OPEN. Either way, there is a creepy energy about the place. Big Island State Parks North Hamakua Waterfalls. Covid-19 Protocols: Please wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. Two active volcanoes. With 14 Hawaii State Parks, State Monuments and State Recreation Areas on the Big Island, there is much to discover! Hawaiʻi is the most remote archipelago on earth. Portable toilets are available at the south entrance to the park. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Return from Hawaii State Parks to Explore The Big Island Home Page. The Big Island's terrain is the most diverse of any Hawaiian island. From camping on a tropical beach to camping in an alpine environment and climate, it's all possible here. Requirements regarding camping in Hawaii vary by jurisdiction, island, campsite, and facilities. 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, … The Keawaula gate (west side) is CLOSED but the park is OPEN. All rights reserved. Hapuna Beach is a half-mile long crescent of soft white-gold sand, one of the most famous beaches in all Hawaii. 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. Camping permits for Hawaii County Parks. Please contact the applicable local office for current information. Located 11 miles (18k) north of Kawaihae on Highway 270. The Hawaiʻi’s State Park System is composed of 51 state parks state wide, 14 of which you can find on the Big Island. 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. A temple built on the orders of Kamehameha the Great. Restrooms and trash cans, no drinking water. This list also includes suggestions of Hawaii State Parks you can visit. Our reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in Hawaii’s State Parks. You will reach a point where the road becomes impassable. 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. Picnic tables, restrooms, trash cans and open shelter camping next to the highway ($12/residents, $18/non-residents). The visitor center has restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans and drinking water. 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 Twitter. Permits are required for all 10 county parks that allow camping. Kekaha Kai state park …for some of the best white sand beaches on the Big Island . The stark, lava covered coast contrasts with the stunning colors and clarity of the water. Hawai‘i's State Park System is composed of 53 state parks encompassing approximately 25,000 acres on the 5 major islands. Located 1 mile west of Hawi, 51 miles (82k) north of Kailua-Kona on Highway 270. 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. Kekaha Kai State Park on the Kohala coast combines pristine sandy beaches with both rugged and scenic hiking along the Ala Kahakai trail. County Schedule Announced for Select Parks. Park and walk the last bit to the monument. We have loved exploring these parks over the years. Housekeeping cabins are available to rent on weekends only and they're pretty expensive - $80/non-residents, $50/residents. You may recognize the scenery from Jurassic Park, Lost, King Kong or Indiana Jones. 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. Kiholo Bay is a real treasure, one of the Hawaii State Parks that we hope every visitor has a chance to enjoy. The following information applies to the Island of Hawaii (Big Island) Note: Camping information is subject to change without notice. Pit toilets are essentially unusable and there's no water. 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. This is a nice place to stop when traveling between Hilo and Kona, or before you travel to the Mauna Kea summit. Enjoy paradise in Hawaii through the Hawaii State Parks. The ocean often punishes these low cliffs, so steer clear of the edge. There are a variety of camping areas - state campsites, county campsites and national park campsites. This is the second of the Hawaii State Parks on the Big Island to highlight Hawaii waterfalls. This portion of Puna's coast is jagged lava fingers and leaning palms. The beautiful island of Hawai'i has beautiful state parks with beaches, camping and hiking. Or even a couple of days. Oct 25, 2011. These parks offer varied outdoor recreation and heritage opportunities. 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. 1. North of Hilo, enjoy this scenic .4 mile loop trail through lush tropical vegetation, with an overlook of Kahuna Falls along the way. 7+ best Hawaii state parks on the Big Island . Monthly closures are necessary to maintain and repair high-use parks without exposing park patrons to potential hazards. Camping permits for Hawaii State Parks The self-guided interpretive tour takes you through what was once a thriving coastal village. All Hawaii National Parks have been closed. 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. Hawaii State Parks On The Big Island. (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. First, the quick list of the best Big Island state parks. PARK UPDATES: - 1/26/21 - [KAUAI] - The Kalalau Trail is CLOSED due to FLASH FLOODING conditions. Linkedin. Five of the eight total Hawaii National Parks are significant historical parks, established to preserve an important piece of Hawaii's ancient past. Wander south to Keiki Ponds or north to Pawai Bay. This campground is only about 2 miles from the coast, but it is at an elevation of over 2,000 feet. Akaka Falls state park …for one of the best waterfalls on the Big Island . A valid State of Hawaii ID or Hawaii Driver's License is required for resident rates. Click to learn more about all of the ways to relax and have fun. 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. 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. 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 a great place for a picnic or to let the kids roll around in the grass and includes a nice nature trail. In addition to picnicking there is a nice 2-mile Manuka Nature Trail that loops through the Manuka Natural Area Reserve. Paid parking by credit card only. 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