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State Parks State Parks
Photo By: Alden Bliss
Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park
Observation of reef fishes and corals through snorkeling or SCUBA diving; good area for novices. Swimming. adjoining land area is a City and County beach park. Interpretive kiosk in beach park pavilion. Taking of any marine plant or animal life is prohibited For information call: (808)587-0300
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He'eia State Park
Coastal site with picnicking and good views of Kane'ohe Bay and He'eia Fishpond. For information call: (808)587-0300
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Kaka'ako Waterfront Park
Waterfront park with shore fishing and ocean access for body surfing. Built over a former municipal landfill, the park offers a waterfront promenade, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and observation areas with fine views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.
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Wailuku River State Park
Viewpoints of geologic and scenic interests along Wailuku River. Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades and whose waters roll and bubbles as if boiling; the well-exposed hexagonal columns that line the pools were formed by the slow cooling of basalt lavas. The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow formed from its mist many mornings; legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. For information call: (808)974-6200
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Wailua River State Park
Lush river valley with riverboat cruise (fee charged) to Fern Grotto, an unusual fern-clothed cave set in a tropical garden; scenic vistas of attractive waterfalls and Wailua River Valley; the Wailua Complex of Heiau (National Historic Landmark)--remains of heiau (places of worship), pu'uhonua (places of refuge), birthstones and bellstone at this once important seat of chiefly power; river fishing and picnicking in riverside coconut grove; and dining and gift shopping at Marina Section. For information call: (808)274-3444
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Camping and Hiking in
Photo By: Alden Bliss
'Akaka Falls State Park
Pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation and to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling 'Akaka Falls which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion. For information call: (808)974-6200
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Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park
Mahai'ula section has a sandy beach and dune offering opportunities for swimming and beach-related activities. a picnic area with tables and portable toilets are available. a 4.5-mile hike north through this wilderness park on the historic coastal trail, ala Kahakai, leads to Kua Bay. Midway, a hike to the summit of Pu'u Ku'ili, a 342-foot high cinder cone, offers an excellent view of the coastline. Dry and hot with no drinking water. Kua Bay section at north end of park offers beach-related activities. For information call: (808)974-6200
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Ha'ena State Park
Scenic wildland park. Viewing of wet caves--ancient sea caves formed during a higher stand of sea, probably 4,000 years ago; tradition credits Pele the volcano goddess as having dug the caves in her search for a new home. Beach-related activities, shore fishing, viewing of spectacular Na Pali Coast and swimming at Ke'e Beach; lifeguard services. Trailhead for 11-mile Kalalau Trail. For information call: (808)274-3444
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Koke'e State Park
Commanding views of the lush, amphitheater-headed Kalalau Valley from 4000 feet elevation. Wildland picnicking, tent camping, trailer camping and lodging. Hiking in native rain forest and along rim of Waimea Canyon; additional trails in neighboring forest reserves. Excellent area for study of native plants, forest birds and insects. Seasonal plum picking and trout fishing. Pig hunting in public hunting area. For information call: (808)274-3444
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Na Pali Coast State Park
Exceptionally scenic sea cliffs and valleys which can be viewed from land along the coastal Kalalau. Trail or by air and sea with commercial operators. Primitive recreational experience with choice of a day hike to Hanakapi'ai (2 miles one-way) or an 11-mile backpacking trip to a primitive camp at Kalalau and overnight stopovers at Hanakapi'ai and Hanakoa. Trail traverses high sea cliffs and lush stream valleys with plunging waterfalls and is strenuous. The trail to the falls and beyond Hanakapi'ai is recommended for experienced hikers only. Primitive camping provided at Miloli'i also. Knowledge and skills of primitive outdoor living required for backpacking and camping along this coast. Day expeditions to Nu'alolo Kai by commercial boats. Shore fishing and seasonal goat hunting. Ocean conditions are unpredictable and can be dangerous - swimming and wading are not recommended. Day use permits required on Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley. Boat landing restrictions - inquire at district office. No drinking water available - all water must be treated. For information call: (808)274-3444
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Hunting and Fishing in
Photo By: Alden Bliss
Ka'ena Point State Park
Relatively remote wild coastline with picnicking opportunities and shore fishing. Large sandy beach at Keawa'ula Bay with board surfing and bodysurfing for experts and swimming only during completely calm conditions in the summer; lifeguard services. Long family hike (2.7 miles one-way) along volcanic coast with tide pools, small natural stone arches and fine views of Makua coastline. Early morning porpoise sightings from point near Kaluakauila stream mouth. Viewing of the large sea cave, Kaneana, legendary home of Nanue the shark man. Hot, dry area with little shade. No drinking water. For information call: (808)587-0300
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Kahana Valley State Park
Scenic wildland valley. Swimming, bodysurfing, beach-related activities, picnicking, camping and viewing of Huilua Fishpond at beach area. Hardy family hike (4.9 miles) and fruit picking in lushly vegetated forest; picnicking in coconut grove; pig hunting in public hunting area. Park open during daylight hours. For information call: (808)587-0300
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Polihale State Park
Picnicking, tent camping and trailer camping on wild coastline with large sand beach backed by dunes. Scenic setting, colorful sunsets and good views of the high sea cliffs of Na Pali Coast. Swimming in summer; shore fishing. Hot, dry area. Picnic shelters. For information call: (808)274-3444
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Waimea Canyon State Park
Rim overlooks of one of the State's scenic treasures-the deep, colorful gorge of Waimea Canyon. also viewpoint of Ni'ihau Island, wildland picnicking and short nature trail. adjacent forest reserve with long, strenuous hike into and out of the canyon. Seasonal trout fishing. Pig and seasonal goat hunting nearby. For information call: (808)274-3444
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Makena State Park
Scenic wildland beach park characterized by prominent cinder cone and large white sand beach. Swimming during calm seas, bodysurfing, board surfing, shore fishing, and beach- related activities. No drinking water. For information call: (808)984-8109
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Other Outdoor activities
Photo By: Alden Bliss
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