Hawaii's National Parks

In the Hawaiian Islands, our National Park Service (NPS) national and historical parks, historic sites, monuments and trails preserve the history and cultural knowledge of Hawaii and its people, as well as the natural beauty and native plant and wildlife habitats of lands they protect and manage in perpetuity. Dynamic in their features and accessible experiences, Hawaii’s NPS-managed parks have something to offer every client from thrill seekers, historians, photographers, environmentalists, backpackers and adventurers, to travelers who simply want to see Hawaii’s unique-in-all-the-world landscapes in-person, for themselves.

Whether trekking through its mist-cloaked forests of gigantic hapuu ferns or gazing upon the landscape of Halemaumau crater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reminds us that the island of Hawaii is still a living, growing entity. A place of contrasting environments and landscapes that will satisfy the exploratory notions of single-day guests, and immensely reward multiday and return visitors seeking deeper self-guided exploration of its rugged lava fields, rainforest flora and fauna, lava tubes and craters, coastline meetings of lava and ocean, Hawaiian cultural sites, ash-covered deserts, and even alpine tundra. For clients staying on the west side, encourage them to visit Puuhonua o Honaunau. The Hawaiian language place name Puuhonua o Honaunau translates as “place of refuge of Honaunau” in English, and in Hawaiian antiquity was a place where persons fleeing death or harm could find full protection at this serene oceanfront sanctuary at Honaunau Bay on the south Kona Coast. After being absolved by priests, all were free to leave, protected by the mana (spiritual power) of alii (royalty) buried at the puuhonua who were deified as protection gods. For modern-day visitors, the park preserves the scenic 420-acre site’s sanctuary area, fishponds and palm grove of its royal grounds, and remnants of Kiilae village.

Encourage your Maui-bound clients to book a visit to Haleakala National Park, which always delivers an awe-inspiring, ethereal experience. Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, at 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes. With more endangered species than any other park in the National Park Service, clients will see rare plants like blooming ahinahina (silversword) and may even spot a nene (Hawaiian goose), the state bird. Clients can take advantage of the numerous hiking trails that offer solitude and scenic vistas, including Haleakala Crater hiking trails and wilderness areas, Keoneheehee (Sliding Sands) Trail and Halemauu Trail.

Visitors to Puuloa (more famously known as Pearl Harbor) on the island of Oahu will wish to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, home to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial. The memorial’s interactive, highly informative visitor center shares knowledge of the 1941 attack on U.S. military installations at Pearl Harbor – which hastened America’s entry into World War II – as well as the history of the Pacific War prior to and after the attack. Encourage memorial visitors to also seek out the historical remnants of Battleship Row and other Pearl Harbor museums, memorials and historical artifacts, which honor the memory of those who fought for a cause larger than themselves.

The island of Kauai is home to incredible must-see state parks unlike any other in the world. Waimea Canyon, located on Kauai's West Side, is described as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Stretching 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges, as well as a myriad of unique hiking trails. North of Waimea Canyon, continuing up the road, is Kokee State Park. Spread over 4,345 acres on a plateau 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level, Kokee State Park is abundant in forest, wildflowers and hiking trails making it an excellent spot to see native plants and colorful endemic Hawaiian forest birds like the apapane, iiwi and moa. Clients can explore the park’s roughly 45 miles of the state's hiking trails which will satisfy beginners and seasoned hikers alike. Please inform your Kauai-bound clients that pay stations have been installed and are located in the parking lots. Before visiting, please visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/ for the most up to date information and avoid relying on social media to determine accessibility.