State Parks on the Island of Hawai'i'Akaka Falls State Park End of 'Akaka Falls Road (Highway 220), 3.6 miles southwest of Honomu. 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. 65.4 acres Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area On Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Highway 19), 2.3 miles south of Kawaihae. Landscaped beach park with swimming during clam seas, bodysurfing during periods of shore breaks, sunbathing and other beach-related activities, picnicking and shelter lodging opportunities. Dangerous rip currents and pounding shore breaks during periods of high surf! Waves over 3 feet high are for experts--all other should stay out of the water and away from the shoreline! Lifeguard services. 61.8 acres Kalopa
State Recreation Area
At 2000 feet elevation at end of Kalopa Road, 3 miles inland from Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 19); 5 miles southeast of Honoka'a. Lodging, picnicking and easy family nature hike (0.7-mile loop trail) in a native 'ohi'a forest; beginnings of an arboretum of the Island's native plants. Additional trails in the adjoining forest reserve, including a 2-mile horse loop trail. 100.0 acres Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park
In Napo'opo'o at end of Beach Road off Government Road from Pu'uhonua Road (Highway 160) or Lower Government Road from Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) at Captain Cook or Ke'ei Junction. Viewing of Hikiau Heiau--the place of worship where priests offered reverence to Captain Cook in 1779, believing that he was the god Lono returning to them as promised. Panoramic view of Kealakekua Bay. Lifeguard services during weekends at Napo'opo'o Beach 4.0 acres Kona
Coast (Kekaha Kai) State Park
On Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Hwy. 19), 2.6 miles north of Keahole Airport. Separate, unpaved 1.5 mile access roads from highway lead to Mahai'ula and Kua Bay sections of the 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. Kohala
Historical Sites State Monument
On coastal dirt road off 'Upolu Airport road from Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270), 1.6 miles southwest of 'Upolu Airport. Viewing of Mo'okini Heiau and Kamehameha I Birthsite. The heiau, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the most famous sacrificial temples on the island. The birthsite is a memorial to Hawai'i's greatest king who united all the island chiefdoms into a kingdom. 6.7 acres Lapakahi
State Historical Park
On Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270), 12.4 miles north of Kawaihae. Re-enactment of the early Hawaiian life of the common people through cultural demonstrations of daily activities, story telling, and self-guided walk through the partially restored remains of this ancient Hawaiian coastal settlement. Nearby ocean waters comprise a marine preserve with various activities regulated. Park gate open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 262.0 acres Lava
Tree State Monument
Off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road (Highway 132), 2.7 miles southeast of Pahoa. Viewing of an excellent example of a forest of lava trees. This unusual volcanic feature is the result of a lava flow that swept through this forested area and left behind lava molds of the tree trunks. Picnicking opportunities. No drinking water. 17.1 acres MacKenzie
State Recreation Area
On Kalapana-Kapono Beach Road (Highway 132), 9 miles northeast of Kaimu. Low cliffed, wild volcanic coastline with picnicking and tent camping in a ironwood grove. Good shore fishing. Old Hawaiian coastal trail traverses the park. No drinking water. 13.1 acres Manuka
State Wayside
On Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11), 19.3 miles west of Na'alehu. A place for the touring public to stop and rest and to picnic among a collection of native and introduced trees. Open shelter camping. No drinking water. 13.4 acres Mauna
Kea State Recreation Area
At 6500 feet elevation on Saddle Road (Highway 200), 35.1 miles west of downtown Hilo. (Note: Car rental companies may prohibit or impose conditions for use of their vehicles on the Saddle Road.) Shrub land picnicking and lodging opportunities. Good views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Pig, sheep and bird hunting nearby. Dry and clear weather with cold nights. Periodic military maneuvers nearby may disrupt the peace and quiet of the area. 20.5 acres Old
Kona Airport State Recreation Area
End of Kuakini Highway (Highway 11), Kailua-Kona. Beach park with picnicking, surfing, tidepooling, shore and spear fishing and other beach-related activities; NO LIFEGUARD SERVICES. Special events pavilion for rental. Park gate, which fronts the old runway, is closed each evening at 8:00 p.m. 103.7 acres Wailoa
River State Recreation Area
Banks of Wailoa River, downtown Hilo; parking at end of Pi'ilani Street and visitor center access road off Pauahi Street. Pleasure walking, quiet relaxation, informal games and events, picnicking, and boat fishing are provided for in this landscaped park set around a spring-fed estuary. Boat ramp provided. Fishing restrictions. Information services and cultural displays at Wailoa Center. 131.9 acres Wailuku
River State Park
Off Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo; Boiling Pots Area at end of Pe'epe'e Falls Drive; Rainbow Falls Area on Rainbow Drive. 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. 16.3 acres
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State of Hawaii, Department of Land
and Natural Resources
Kalanimoku Bldg., 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI 96813 Phone: (808)587-0400 Fax: (808)587-0390 Email:dlnr@exec.state.hi.us |