SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS AND NATURE

Hawaii’s unique and geographically isolated landscapes present an entirely new world of natural beauty. Newcomers will discover a breathtaking backdrop for every imaginable outdoor activity, and scores of parks, preserves, and other natural environments for four-season enjoyment. Oceanfront parks, world-famous beaches, dramatic canyons, wind-swept heights, lush valleys, and view points that offer sightings of whale and porpoise are just a few of the highlights in this world-class recreational paradise.

STATE/FEDERAL PARKLAND

Hawaii (Big Island) Parks

Akaka Falls State Park
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Lush tropical vegetation leads to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Landscaped beach park offers swimming, bodysurfing, and other beach activities; picnicking and shelter lodging.

Kalopa State Recreation Area
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Lodging, picnicking, and easy nature hike in a native forest combines with beginnings of an arboretum.

Kona Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
The Mahaiula and Kua Bay sections offer swimming and beach activities; the park offers picnic areas, hiking trials, and summit views from Puu Kuili.

MacKenzie State Recreation Area
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Low-cliffed, rugged volcanic coastline offers picnicking and tent camping in an ironwood grove, shore fishing, and hiking.

Manuka State Wayside Park
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Public rest area offers open shelter camping and picnicking against backdrop of native and introduced trees.

Mauna Kea State Recreation Area
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Shrub land picnicking and lodging opportunities offer views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Beach park offers picnicking, surfing, tidepooling, shore and spear fishing, and other waterfront activities.

Wailoa River State Recreation Area
Information 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Set along the banks of Wailoa River in downtown Hilo, the park offers passive and active recreation including a spring-fed estuary and boat ramp.

 

Kauai Parks

Ahukini State Recreation Pier
Information 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Enjoy ocean pier fishing, pole fishing, and crab netting at this small park just under one square mile in size.

Haena State Park
Information 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
View ancient sea caves and enjoy beach activities, shore fishing, and views of spectacular Na Pali Coast at this scenic wildland park.

Kokee State Park
Information 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Elevations of 4,000 feet offer commanding views of Kalalau Valley; picnicking, camping, lodging, hiking in native rain forest and neighboring forest reserves are all encompassed in nearly 4,400 square miles.

Na Pali Coast State Park
Information 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Access this 6,175-square-mile park by trail, air, or sea to enjoy this primitive recreational experience of breathtaking sea cliffs and lush stream valleys with cascading waterfalls.

Polihale State Park
Information 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Picnicking and camping on wild coastine with sandy beach creates scenic setting with good views of Na Pali Coast; summer swimming and shore fishing.

Wailua River State Park
Information 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
This park along the riverbanks offers boat excursions, picnicking, historic sites, wonderful waterfall views, and scenic overlooks. Enjoy the riverboat cruise to Fern Grotto, a fern-draped cave in a tropical garden.

Waimea Canyon State Park
Information 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
The park rim overlooks of one of Hawaii’s most scenic treasures, the deep, colorful gorge of Waimea Canyon.

 

Maui Parks

Iao Valley State Monument
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Scenic views of the Iao Needle are the focal point of this park, a geological feature formed by erosion that rises abruptly 1,200 feet from the valley floor.

Kaumahina State Wayside
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Another lush stop along the Hana Highway, this retreat offers scenic views of the Maui coastline and picnicking.

Makena State Park
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Prominent cinder cone and white-sand beach characterize this scenic, rugged park that offers beach-related activities and water sports.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Set in 6,200 feet in the Kula Forest Reserve, this area offers camping, spectacular views, and extensive trail system through a forest similar to those in the Pacific Northwest mainland coast.

Puaa Kaa State Wayside
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Travelers along the Hana Highway can rest and picnic in a lush rain forest with small waterfalls and pools.

Waianapanapa State Park
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
This Hana retreat offers a remote and rugged low-cliffed volcanic coastline for camping, picnicking, shore fishing, and hiking.

Wailua Valley State Wayside
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Enjoy views of the Keanae Valley and Koolau Gap in Haleakala’s rim as well as Wailua Village and taro patches.

 

Molokai Parks

Palaau State Park
Information 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Historic features include scenic overview of historic Kalalupapa where lepers were once banished; picnicking and camping are available in ironwood grove.

 

Oahu Parks

Aiea Bay State Recreation Area
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Picnic and bicycling opportunities around along the banks of Pearl Harbor’s East Loch; enjoy fine views of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial.

Diamond Head State Monument
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
The most famous landmark on the Hawaiian Islands, this National Natural Landmark is a large tuff cone formed by explosive eruptions 100,000 years ago. Retreat from the city and picnic on the crater floor or in a landscaped meadow.

Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Snorkel or scuba dive to observe reef fish and coral; excellent area for novices. Adjoining land is a beach park for the City & County of Honolulu.

Heeia State Park
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Coastal park with good views of Kaneohe Bay and Heeia Fishpond and weekend party hall for rental.

Kaena Point State Park
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Somewhat remote and wild coastline offers picnicking, shore fishing, hiking, and large sea cave; sandy beach at Keawaula Bay with board surfing and bodysurfing for experts.

Kahana Valley State Park
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Panoramic, rugged valley offers water sports, beach activities, picnicking, camping, hiking, and views of Huilua Fishpond.

Kakaako Waterfront Park
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
This Honolulu park built over an old landfill offers shore fishing and ocean access for body surfing, a waterfront promenade, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and observation areas with fine views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Forest recreation includes picnicking, camping, hiking, and historic relics and artifacts on display.

Kewalo Basin
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Near downtown Honolulu, this oceanside park offers a pedestrian promenade and trellised picnic areas.

Laie Point State Wayside
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Shore fishing from sea cliffs at the point combine with great views of offshore sea arch and seabird sanctuary island.

Makapuu Point State Wayside
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Hiking along a former roadway to the lighthouse for a mile and enjoy sweeping views of the southeastern Oahu coastline including whale sightings.

Malaekahana State Recreation Area
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Wooded beach park offers water sports, beach activities, shore fishing, picnicking, and camping.

Nuuanu Pali State Wayside
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Cliffs at 1,200 feet offer impressive views of windward Oahu from the Koolau Range; winds are sometimes so strong they can be “leaned upon” like a wall.

Puu Ualakaa State Wayside
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Forest retreat near downtown Honolulu offers sweeping views of Oahu from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor, including Manoa Valley.

Sand Island State Recreation Area
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Picnicking, camping, shore fishing, and board surfing are common pastimes at this landscaped coastal park.

Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Wildland picnicking and hiking on a Norfolk Island pine-forested ridge with excellent views of Manoa and Palolo valleys.

Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area
Information 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Picnic along wooded shoreline of Wahiawa Reservoir; year-round shore and boat freshwater fishing and boating for fishing only.

 

Federal Land

Big Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Hakalau and Kona Forests
Hilo, Hawaii 808-443-2300
www.fws.gov/pacificislands

Haleakala National Park
Makawao 808 572-4400
Kipahulu Visitor Center
Information 808 248-7375
www.nps.gov/hale

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
726 South Kihei Road
Kihei, Maui 808-879-2818
Toll free 800-831-4888
https://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii National Park
Volcano, Hawaii 808-985-6000
www.nps.gov/havo

James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge
Kii and Punamano Units
Oahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Haleiwa, Oahu 808-637-6330
www.fws.gov/pacificislands

Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Kilauea Point, Hanalei, and Huleia NWRs
Kilauea, Kauai 808-828-1413
www.fws.gov/pacificislands

Maui National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Kealia Pond and Kakahaia NWRs
Kihei, Maui 808-875-1582
www.fws.gov/pacificislands

Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Koolau Mountains
Oahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Haleiwa, Oahu 808-637-6330
www.fws.gov/pacificislands

Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
Honouliuli and Waiawa Units
Oahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Haleiwa, Oahu 808-637-6330
www.fws.gov/pacificislands

 

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ala Moana Regional Park
1201 Ala Moana
Honolulu, Oahu 808-692-5750
www.honolulu.gov/parks

The Bishop Museum Planetarium
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, Oahu 808-847-3511
www.bishopmuseum.org

Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Highway
Wahiawa, Oahu 808-621-8408
www.dole-plantation.com

Dolphin Quest Hawaii
Hilton Waikoloa Village
425 Waikoloa Beach Drive
Waikoloa, Hawaii 808-886-2875
https://dolphinquest.com/

Dolphin Quest Oahu
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue
Honolulu, Oahu 808-739-8918
https://dolphinquest.com/

Harold L. Lyon Arboretum
University of Hawaii Manoa
3860 Manoa Road
Honolulu, Oahu 808-988-0456
www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum

Hawaii (Big Island) Beach Parks
Locations Vary
Hilo, Hawaii 808-961-8311
www.hawaii-county.com

The Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, Oahu 808-926-3191
24-Hour Info 808-971-7171
www.honoluluzoo.org

Kailua Beach Park
526 Kawailoa Road
Kailua, Oahu 808-692-5750
www.honolulu.gov/parks

Maui Tropical Plantation
1670 Honoapiilani Highway
Wailuku, Maui 808-244-7643
Toll free 800-451-6805
www.mauitropicalplantation.com

Maui Ocean Center
192 Maalaea Road
Wailuku, Maui 808-270-7000
www.mauioceancenter.com

Princeville Ranch Horseback Riding Adventures
5-4430 Kuhio Highway
Hanalei, Kauai 808-826-6777
www.princevilleranch.com

Sans Souci Beach Park
2863 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Oahu 808-692-5750
www.honolulu.gov/parks

Sea Life Park
41-202 Kalanianaole Highway
Honolulu, Oahu 808-259-7933
www.sealifeparkhawaii.com

Waikiki Aquarium
University of Hawaii Manoa
2777 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Oahu 808-923-9741
www.waquarium.org

Kapiolani Park & Waikiki Beach
2015 Kapiolani Boulevard
Honolulu, Oahu 808-973-7250
www.honolulu.gov/parks

 

NATURE CENTERS & GARDENS

Akatsukau Orchid Gardens
Highway 11
Volcano, Hawaii 888-967-6669
www.akatsukaorchid.com

Amy B. H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Highway 11
Captain Cook, Hawaii 808-323-3318
www.bishopmuseum.org

The Contemporary Museum Gardens
2411 Makiki Heights Drive
Honolulu, Oahu 808-526-1322
Toll free 866-991-2835
www.tcmhi.org

Foster Botanical Garden
180 N. Vineyard Boulevard
Honolulu, Oahu 808-522-7066
www.honolulu.gov/parks

Fuku Bonsai Cultural Center & Hawaii State Bonsai Repository
Olaa Road
Kurtistown, Hawaii 808-982-9880
http://www.fukubonsai.com/MAIN.4.Fuku-BonsaiandtheBigIslandofHawaii.html

Hawaii Nature Center
2131 Makiki Heights Drive
Makiki Valley, Oahu 808-955-0100
Toll free 888-955-0104
www.hawaiinaturecenter.org

Hawaii Nature Center
875 Iao Valley Road
Wailuku, Maui 808-244-6500
Toll free 888-244-6503
www.hawaiinaturecenter.org

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
45-680 Luluku Road
Kaneohe, Oahu 808-233-7323
www.honolulu.gov/parks

Kahanu Garden
National Tropical Botanical Gardens
650 Ulaino Road
Hana, Maui 808-248-8912
www.ntbg.org

Koko Crater Botanical Garden
Inside Koko Crater
Honolulu, Oahu 808-522-7060
www.honolulu.gov/parks

Liliuokalani Botanical Garden
North Kuakini Street
Honolulu, Oahu 808-522-7060
www.honolulu.gov/parks

Limahuli Garden and Preserve
National Tropical Botanical Gardens
5-8291 Kuhio Highway
Haena, Kauai 808-826-1053
www.ntbg.org

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
150 Kanaloa Avenue
Kahului, Maui 808-249-2798
www.mnbg.org

McBryde & Allerton Gardens
National Tropical Botanical Gardens
4425 Lawai Road
Poipu, Kauai 808-742-2623
www.ntbg.org

Nani Mau Gardens
421 Makalika Street
Hilo, Hawaii 808-959-3500
https://www.to-hawaii.com/big-island/gardens/nani-mau-gardens.php

Wahiawa Botanical Garden
1396 California Avenue
Wahiawa, Oahu 808-621-7321
www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg

 

PARKS & RECREATION CONTACTS

Hawaii Division of State Parks
Department of Land & Natural Resources
Honolulu 808-587-0320
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/

Hawaii District
Hilo, Hawaii 808-974-6200
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/

Kauai District
Lihue 808-274-3444
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/

Maui District
Wailuku 808-984-8109
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/

Oahu District
Honolulu 808-587-0300
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/

DNLR Land & Park Permits
Camping 808-587-0300
Hiking 808-587-0166
www.hawaii.gov/dlnr

City & County of Honolulu
Kapolei, Oahu 808-692-5561
www.honolulu.gov/parks

County of Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii 808-961-8311
www.hawaii-county.com/parks/parks.htm

County of Kauai
Lihue, Kauai 808-241-6660
www.kauai.gov

County of Maui
Kahului, Maui 808-270-7383
www.mauicounty.gov/departments/Parks

 

QUICKLINKS

Backyard Oahu
www.backyardoahu.com

Hawaii Audubon Society
www.hawaiiaudubon.com

Hawaii Ecotourism Association
www.hawaiiecotourism.org

Hawaii Ocean
www.hawaiiocean.com

Hawaii Outdoor Attractions
www.aloha-hawaii.com

Hawaii Outdoor Recreation Guide
www.wildernet.com/hawaii/hawaii.html

Hawaii State Tourism
www.gohawaii.com

Marina Recreation Association
www.marina.org

National Outdoor Guide
www.gorp.com

The Nature Conservancy
www.nature.org

Oahu’s Life-Guarded Beaches
www.aloha.com/~lifeguards/bech_dir.html

Sierra Club Hawaii
http://hawaii.sierraclub.org

Waikiki Beach Camera
www.honolulu.gov/multimed/waikiki.asp

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