Welcome to another week of our special series, A Walk In the Park, State Park Spotlight. In this series, we explore a different state and learn about its local state parks. This week we will be visiting the state parks of Hawaii. You may not be familiar with these wonderful parks and all they have to offer even if you live there. Please join us on a journey through each of the 50 states to explore some of the state parks that you may not know about. Now it’s time to learn about some of Hawaii’s state parks state parks.

There are over 50 state parks in Hawaii’s State Park System. They are spread out on over 30,000 acres on the 5 major islands. Each park has a variety of recreational activities to make anyone happy. Some areas of the parks are landscaped grounds and other areas are wildland areas. The state parks of Hawaii are open year round.

There are some fees charged for various accommodations, camping, guided tours, riverboat cruises, etc. Permits are required for camping, lodging and for special events such as weddings and conventions.

All photographs belong to https://camping.ehawaii.gov via http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/. You can visit their websites for more information on planning your visit and to reserve your stay at a Hawaii State Park.

Napali Coast State Wilderness Park
Island of Kauaʻi
On the island of Kaua’i is the Napali Coast. the Napali Coast is considered a very beautiful and special place on the island. There are rugged cliffs and narrow valleys that end at the sea. You will see waterfalls and streams throughout the park. There are remnants of the stone walls at the bottoms of the valleys. Many years ago, Hawaiians used to live there and cultivate taro. Taro is a tropical Asian plant with edible starchy corms and fleshy leaves.

You need a permit to camp at Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Camping here is truly connecting with nature. There is no cell phone coverage in the park; it’s just you and the wildlife. It’s a great getaway for someone who really wants to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You should travel light when visiting this park. Wear lightweight hiking shoes with good traction and bring along a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent or tarp, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, toilet paper, and biodegradable soap. These things will ensure that you have a comfortable visit and enjoy the outdoors.

Kiholo State Park Reserve
Island of Hawaii
Kiholo State Park Reserve is in the process of undergoing conceptual planning for future use. As of right now, this is a great park to visit if you really want to “rough it”. It’s an area with wide open spaces, historic lava flows and a sparsely vegetated coastline. This area is stark, lava covered and absolutely beautiful. Just looking at photos of this state park with take your breath away.

When you visit Kiholo State Park Reserve you can stay at a campsite that is in a mesquite grove fronting a pebble beach. This is a very remote area of the park. There are no facilities or drinking water here but portable toilets are provided. You can participate in your favorite outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, snorkeling and sightseeing while visiting the park. If you like rugged, adventurous fun this is the perfect place for you. If you are looking for a posh, luxurious getaway you will need to look elsewhere.

Wai’Anapanapa State Park
Island of Maui
On the island of Maui, Wai’Anapanapa State Park is another remotely located park. This is a place you can go to get away from everything. The solitude is a much needed break for many that come here. There are low cliffs, caves, a forest, a religious temple and a small black sand beach among many other treasures. When camping here, the entire family cn go fishing off the shore, hike together on an ancient coastal trail and enjoy picnic style meals together. You might even get to see a colony of seabirds.

This is a great state park for a tranquil family getaway. If you have a love of nature and just being outdoors, you will fall in love with Wai’Anapanapa State Park. There is always something to do such as fishing, boating, bird watching, sightseeing, hiking and swimming. The best part is the park has been under renovation and will be complete this summer. The goal of the renovation project is to improve the quality of the visitor experience, making it an even better getaway spot on the island of Maui.

Have you visited any Hawaii State Parks? Which of these parks would you choose to visit? Please share with us in the comments below.

Additional Walk in the Park State by State Spotlight
Alabama State Parks
Alaska State Parks
Arizona State Parks
Arkansas State Parks
California State Parks
Colorado State Parks
Connecticut State Parks
Delaware State Parks
Florida State Parks
Georgia State Parks
Hawaiian State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Illinois State Parks
Indiana State Parks
Iowa State Parks
Kansas State Parks
Kentucky State Parks
Louisiana State Parks