The Hawaiian islands are home to some of Earth’s most majestic beauty. From towering mountain tops, to deep, lush, rainforest filled valleys, it’s a place of pure magic. Hawaii is home to approximately 51 state parks on five different islands, not including national parks and forest reserves. Here are the sixteen of the most best state parks in Hawaii that you’ll want to visit this year.
- Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside, Oahu
Jimmy Smith/Flickr An impressive lookout to windward Oahu and the Ko’olau Mountains welcomes you to this park, with a hiking path along the Old Pali Road inviting you to explore further. The views are absolutely breathtaking. There are some fees associated with this park if you’re not a Hawaiian resident, but it’s well worth it! Nu?uanu Pali State Wayside, Honolulu, HI 96744, USA
- Koke’e State Park, Kauai
Matt McDermott/Flickr Full of amazing hiking trails, this park features a stunning view of the Kalalau Valley from 4,000 feet in elevation. We love this park to visit in Hawaii, especially because the Kōkeʻe Museum is open every day of the year, and free to visit! It’s a wonderful place to explore if you’re on Kauai. K?ke?e State Park, Hanapepe, HI 96716, USA
- Kehaka Kai State Park, Big Island
Andrew K. Smith If you’re looking for things to do outside in Hawaii, this park features both sandy beaches and dunes, as well as a 4.6-mile hike on a historic coastal trail leading to Kua Bay. The best part? o entrance fee! Keep up to date on park protocols and updates on the park website. Kekaha Kai State Beach, HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
- Iao Valley State Monument, Maui
Allie Caulfield/Flickr If you’re looking for an easy outdoor adventure in Hawaii, this 6.2 acre park that includes the site of the battle of Kepaniwai, where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790. It’s a nice walkable area for all skill levels with a small entrance fee to get in. ??ao Valley State Monument, 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
- Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu
Michael J/Flickr Encompassing more than 475 acres, the park is home to Hawaii’s most recognized landmark. The hikes can be crowded, but it is a must-do on Oahu. Choose your own adventure from the three gorgeous hikes available to do in this fun state park. Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
- Wailua River State Park, Kauai
Ernest McGray Jr./Flickr This lush river valley holds several hidden gems of its own – a fern-covered cave, several waterfalls, and even sites of historical and spiritual significance. The state park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. through 6:45 p.m., and requires no entrance fee. We can’t decide which we love more: the Fern Grotto, or the endless waterfalls! Wailua River State Park, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
- Lava Tree State Monument, Big Island
Scott Carpenter/Flickr You need to visit this 17-acre park that features a forest of lava trees, the result of a lova flow that swept through the forest, leaving behind lava molds of the tree trunks. This beautiful area is accessed by an easy, . No entrance fee is required, just your admiration! Lava Tree State Monument, HI-132, P?hoa, HI 96778, USA
- Wai’anapanapa State Park, Maui
Christopher/Flickr This iconic black sand beach is the place to go if you’re in Maui! This remote and wild volcanic coastline which offers solitude and respite from urban living with lodging, camping, picnicking, shore fishing and hiking. Hike the trail along the coastline and be prepared to have your breath taken away! Waianapanapa State Park, Hana, HI 96713, USA
- Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, Oahu
John McKenzie/Flickr Featuring camping and the popular 4.8-mile Aiea Loop trail along the ridge line, Keaiwa Heau was formerly known as a healing or medicinal heiau (temple). Now you can visit these ruins in person, although please do so respectfully. Kea?wa Heiau State Recreation Area, 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701, USA
- Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai
Kevin Schraer/Flickr The pictures speak for themselves, don’t they? The state park features a short trail but avid hikers will need to brave the neighboring forest reserve for the long strenuous hike into the canyon. If you’re not in the mood to hike, you can enjoy the scenery from the amazing Waimea Canyon Lookout. Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Big Island
Rocky A/Flickr This white sand beach on the west coast of the Big Island is a huge draw to local and visitors alike. Hawaii residents are free to visit this beautiful spot, while non-residents are asked to pay a small fee with your credit card. But when you have a stunning beach in front of you, isn’t it totally worth it? Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
- Pala’au State Park, Molokai
John Hyun/Flickr One of our favorite spots on Molokai, this park features a scenic overview of Kalalupapa, where individuals with Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) were once banished. We love these two trails to hike to explore the area, and the best part? You can camp here too. P?l?‘au State Park, Kalae Hwy, Kualapuu, HI 96757, USA
- Makena State Park, Maui
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr Makena is a scenic wildland beach park with a large white sand beach, perfect for swimming, fishing and other recreational activities. This huge, 164.4 acre park is perfect for outdoor adventures in Hawaii. Check in on the park website for current hours and visiting fees. M?kena State Park, 4670 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
- Kalopa State Recreation Area, Big Island
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr Known for lodging and camping, this park features only short hiking trails, with longer excursions in the neighboring forest reserve. The area is frequently cold and damp, and is home to arboretum of native trees 2,000 feet in elevation. It’s a gorgeous area with fun trails to hike. Kalopa State Recreation Area, 44-3480 Kalaniai Rd, Honokaa, HI 96727, USA
- Polihale State Park, Kauai
Miski Sanko/Flickr This remote magnificent beach park is used for camping, fishing and swimming awaits visitors at the end of a long and rutted dirt road. You can’t travel to this beautiful place without four-wheel drive, so plan ahead accordingly. One of the most fascinating parts of the park are the 100 foot sand dunes that you’ll see. It’s a must visit if you’re on Kauai! Polihale State Park, Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
This is a pretty comprehensive list of the best state parks in Hawaii. But did we miss your favorite Hawaii State Park? Sound off in the comments below!
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
An impressive lookout to windward Oahu and the Ko’olau Mountains welcomes you to this park, with a hiking path along the Old Pali Road inviting you to explore further. The views are absolutely breathtaking. There are some fees associated with this park if you’re not a Hawaiian resident, but it’s well worth it!
Nu?uanu Pali State Wayside, Honolulu, HI 96744, USA
Matt McDermott/Flickr
Full of amazing hiking trails, this park features a stunning view of the Kalalau Valley from 4,000 feet in elevation. We love this park to visit in Hawaii, especially because the Kōkeʻe Museum is open every day of the year, and free to visit! It’s a wonderful place to explore if you’re on Kauai.
K?ke?e State Park, Hanapepe, HI 96716, USA
Andrew K. Smith
If you’re looking for things to do outside in Hawaii, this park features both sandy beaches and dunes, as well as a 4.6-mile hike on a historic coastal trail leading to Kua Bay. The best part? o entrance fee! Keep up to date on park protocols and updates on the park website.
Kekaha Kai State Beach, HI-19, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Allie Caulfield/Flickr
If you’re looking for an easy outdoor adventure in Hawaii, this 6.2 acre park that includes the site of the battle of Kepaniwai, where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790. It’s a nice walkable area for all skill levels with a small entrance fee to get in.
??ao Valley State Monument, 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
Michael J/Flickr
Encompassing more than 475 acres, the park is home to Hawaii’s most recognized landmark. The hikes can be crowded, but it is a must-do on Oahu. Choose your own adventure from the three gorgeous hikes available to do in this fun state park.
Diamond Head State Monument, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Ernest McGray Jr./Flickr
This lush river valley holds several hidden gems of its own – a fern-covered cave, several waterfalls, and even sites of historical and spiritual significance. The state park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. through 6:45 p.m., and requires no entrance fee. We can’t decide which we love more: the Fern Grotto, or the endless waterfalls!
Wailua River State Park, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA
Scott Carpenter/Flickr
You need to visit this 17-acre park that features a forest of lava trees, the result of a lova flow that swept through the forest, leaving behind lava molds of the tree trunks. This beautiful area is accessed by an easy, . No entrance fee is required, just your admiration!
Lava Tree State Monument, HI-132, P?hoa, HI 96778, USA
Christopher/Flickr
This iconic black sand beach is the place to go if you’re in Maui! This remote and wild volcanic coastline which offers solitude and respite from urban living with lodging, camping, picnicking, shore fishing and hiking. Hike the trail along the coastline and be prepared to have your breath taken away!
Waianapanapa State Park, Hana, HI 96713, USA
John McKenzie/Flickr
Featuring camping and the popular 4.8-mile Aiea Loop trail along the ridge line, Keaiwa Heau was formerly known as a healing or medicinal heiau (temple). Now you can visit these ruins in person, although please do so respectfully.
Kea?wa Heiau State Recreation Area, 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr, Aiea, HI 96701, USA
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
The pictures speak for themselves, don’t they? The state park features a short trail but avid hikers will need to brave the neighboring forest reserve for the long strenuous hike into the canyon. If you’re not in the mood to hike, you can enjoy the scenery from the amazing Waimea Canyon Lookout.
Waimea Canyon State Park, Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
Rocky A/Flickr
This white sand beach on the west coast of the Big Island is a huge draw to local and visitors alike. Hawaii residents are free to visit this beautiful spot, while non-residents are asked to pay a small fee with your credit card. But when you have a stunning beach in front of you, isn’t it totally worth it?
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Old Puako Rd, Waimea, HI 96743, USA
John Hyun/Flickr
One of our favorite spots on Molokai, this park features a scenic overview of Kalalupapa, where individuals with Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) were once banished. We love these two trails to hike to explore the area, and the best part? You can camp here too.
P?l?‘au State Park, Kalae Hwy, Kualapuu, HI 96757, USA
Intiaz Rahim/Flickr
Makena is a scenic wildland beach park with a large white sand beach, perfect for swimming, fishing and other recreational activities. This huge, 164.4 acre park is perfect for outdoor adventures in Hawaii. Check in on the park website for current hours and visiting fees.
M?kena State Park, 4670 Makena Alanui, Kihei, HI 96753, USA
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Known for lodging and camping, this park features only short hiking trails, with longer excursions in the neighboring forest reserve. The area is frequently cold and damp, and is home to arboretum of native trees 2,000 feet in elevation. It’s a gorgeous area with fun trails to hike.
Kalopa State Recreation Area, 44-3480 Kalaniai Rd, Honokaa, HI 96727, USA
Miski Sanko/Flickr
This remote magnificent beach park is used for camping, fishing and swimming awaits visitors at the end of a long and rutted dirt road. You can’t travel to this beautiful place without four-wheel drive, so plan ahead accordingly. One of the most fascinating parts of the park are the 100 foot sand dunes that you’ll see. It’s a must visit if you’re on Kauai!
Polihale State Park, Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
Looking for the best state parks in Hawaii to go camping in? Check out these 12 Stunning Hawaii State Parks Where You Can Camp All Year-Round.
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Address: Hawaii, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best State Parks In Hawaii January 28, 2022 Megan McDonald What’s the best time of year to visit Hawaii’s state parks? Luckily for you, Hawaii is wonderful to visit all year long! The weather is pretty consistently gorgeous, although there is a wetter season in the winter time. Visit whenever you’d like, but be prepared for slightly muddier conditions from November through March. How old is the oldest park in Hawaii? Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the oldest park in Hawaii, and was established in 1916. It was created in a joint park with Haleakalā National Park and was named “Hawaii National Park.” In 1961 it split from Haleakalā National Park and became its own standalone national park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best State Parks In Hawaii
January 28, 2022
Megan McDonald
What’s the best time of year to visit Hawaii’s state parks? Luckily for you, Hawaii is wonderful to visit all year long! The weather is pretty consistently gorgeous, although there is a wetter season in the winter time. Visit whenever you’d like, but be prepared for slightly muddier conditions from November through March. How old is the oldest park in Hawaii? Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the oldest park in Hawaii, and was established in 1916. It was created in a joint park with Haleakalā National Park and was named “Hawaii National Park.” In 1961 it split from Haleakalā National Park and became its own standalone national park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Luckily for you, Hawaii is wonderful to visit all year long! The weather is pretty consistently gorgeous, although there is a wetter season in the winter time. Visit whenever you’d like, but be prepared for slightly muddier conditions from November through March.
How old is the oldest park in Hawaii?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the oldest park in Hawaii, and was established in 1916. It was created in a joint park with Haleakalā National Park and was named “Hawaii National Park.” In 1961 it split from Haleakalā National Park and became its own standalone national park.
