Sacred grounds, majestic waterfalls, fiery volcanoes, breathtaking sunrises—Hawaii’s national parks cover every type of landscape you can think of. Haleakalā, Kalaupapa, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, Kaloko-Honokōhau, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau are scattered across Hawaii’s many islands.

National parks are a great way to reconnect with nature and the natural history of your state. However, these parks aren’t in every state.

Hawaii

is home to four official National Parks and one National Historic Trail. With each park on a different island, visitors will have no end to discovering new scenery and the diverse history of each park.

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Haleakalā National Park

Location: Maui

Hours of operation: Crater trails open for day use in the Summit District, sunrise reservations from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., (required), Kīpahulu District open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission price: $15 per person, $25 per private motorcycle, $30 per private vehicle (up to 14 people). Entry fee is valid for three days from the day of purchase.

What makes Haleakalā National Park special?

Located on the island of Maui,

Haleakalā National Park

is a sacred landscape that bridges ancient and modern Hawaiian culture. The park is also a safe haven for endangered species—some of which can only be found here.

The biodiversity is rich and spans from the summit of Haleakalā to the black volcanic sands of the Kīpahulu District. With more than 24,000 acres of wilderness, visitors can explore a multitude of landscapes from cinder lands to coastal rainforests.

The unique landscapes provide homes for many endemic Hawaiian species, including the ‘āhinahina (Haleakalā silversword), the ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat), the Haleakalā flightless moth, and nesting seabirds.

The exceptionally quiet summit wilderness area and stunning sunrises and sunsets have become an official feature of the national park.

What to do in Haleakalā National Park

From hiking through dramatically different landscapes and camping in the great wilderness to chasing sunrises and sunsets—the Haleakalā National Park has a lot to offer.

Hiking: The

hiking trails

are the best way to experience Haleakalā, and there are trails suitable for all activity levels—ranging from 10-minute walks to multi-day overnight trips. You can even travel on pack animals on certain trails!

Stargazing: The air at the summit is crystal clear, making it one of the best places in the world to stargaze.

Watching the sunrise:If you want to catch the stunning sunrise that Haleakalā is known for, you will have to

make a reservation

before you can enter the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. You can also join an authorized sunrise tour.

Camping: The Summit District and the Kīpahulu District offer front-country, drive-up

camping

. For tent or cabin camping, you will need the applicable permits and reservations.

When to visit Haleakalā National Park

December to February is generally the best season for visiting Haleakalā because of the ideal weather. The average temperature during this time ranges from 71 °F to 77 °F. However, keep in mind that the

weather

will vary greatly from the summit downwards and will depend on your elevation. For every 1,000-foot rise in elevation, expect an average temperature drop of 3 °F.

Pro Tip Dogs are allowed in parking lots, drive-up campgrounds, roadways, and paved pathways, but they must be leashed at all times. They are not permitted on trails or in park buildings, and they must not be unattended at any time.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about driving on Maui

Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Location: Moloka’i

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round. Visitors must have

reservations

with one of the two tour companies (Kekaula Tours or Saint Damien & Mother Marianne Cope Molokai Tours) to obtain a permit. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the park. There is a cap of 100 visitors per day.

Admission price: Free but must have a Visitor Permit issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Health.

What makes Kalaupapa National Historical Park special?

Kalaupapa is an isolated peninsula on the island of Moloka’i that is surrounded by the ocean on three sides and 2,000-foot cliffs on the last side. The

National Historical Park

was established in 1980 to preserve the memories and experiences of Hawaiians who were banished here because of leprosy.

Kalaupapa was once a place of isolation but is now a refuge for patient-residents to live out the rest of their lives peacefully.

The park has some of the highest sea cliffs in the world. The geological configurations also provide an abundance of different habitats and natural resources.

There are almost 30 federally listed threatened and endangered species of plants and animals in the park.

What to do in Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Kalaupapa is an isolated community that can only be accessed by flight. On the peninsula, visitors can either travel by foot or by mule. Visitors must pay special attention to and respect the patient-residents and their properties. Overnight accommodations are only available to guests of residents.

Guided tours: Visitors can book a

guided tour

with one of the two official tour companies. However, all tours are currently suspended until further notice.

Mule ride: If you’re up for an adventure, you can book a mule ride for the exhilarating descent of 2,000-foot sea cliffs.

When to visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park

The Mediterranean climate prevails in Kalaupapa, meaning visiting any time of the year would be a good time, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 65 °F to 75 °F in the winter and 80 °F to 90 °F in the summer.

If you want to avoid the rainy season, June and July are the driest months to go.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Location: Big Island of Hawai‘i

Hours of operation: 24 hours, year-round. The Kahuku Unit is open Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission price: $15 per person (including groups), $25 per motorcycle, $30 per vehicle (up to 15 people). Entry fee is valid for seven days.

What makes Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park special?

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

is home to the summits of two of the world’s most active Volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. This national park protects some of the world’s most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes.

What to do in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

There are many ways to enjoy the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, whether you want to take in the unique scenery from afar or experience the thrill of being close to an active volcano.

Hiking: There are over 123,000 acres of legally designated wilderness, so you’re bound to find the perfect

backcountry hiking trails

to explore. There are also easier

day hiking trails

for a more relaxed stroll.

Eruption viewing: There are

six ideal viewing locations

to get up close and personal with active volcanoes. Arrive early to get a parking spot.

Chain of Craters road tour: If you love

scenic drives

, this is a spectacular route down the slopes of Kīlauea to the sea.

When to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is relatively warm year-round since it is close to the equator. November through March is a great time to visit—when it’s the coldest in the rest of the United States. However, it can be quite rainy during these months.

Pro Tip There is a Hawai‘i Tri-Park Pass for $55 which grants access to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park for one full year from the date of first use.

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Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Location: Big Island of Hawai‘i

Hours of operation: The park visitor center and parking area are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. The Kaloko road gate is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Admission price: No entrance fee

What makes Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park special?

Established in 1978 to preserve, protect, and interpret traditional Native Hawaiian activities and culture,

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

is located just south of Kona International Airport. The park is home to two Hawaiian fishponds that are hallmarks of the engineering ingenuity of Native Hawaiians. Petroglyphs (kii pohaku), which are lava rock carvings, can also be found throughout the 1,160-acre park.

What to do in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Hiking: Take the

different trails

to soak in Hawaiian history and culture, as well as to view native plants and animals.

Wildlife viewing: There are many opportunities to spot unique Hawaiian wildlife, including endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots, sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals.

Ocean recreation: Following the State of Hawaii regulations, you can

fish and gather ocean resources

while enjoying coastal views.

When to visit Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

If you want to visit when the weather is more predictable, summer is the time to go. It is typically warm and humid with afternoon high temperatures just above 90 °F.

Pro Tip The ocean is unpredictable and can be dangerous when you don’t pay attention, especially since there are no lifeguards. Keep an eye out for slippery surfaces, wave movement, and the tide.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Location: Big Island of Hawai‘i

Hours of operation: 8:15 a.m. to 15 minutes after sunset. Sunset time varies every day so be sure to check with the visitor center or the Facebook page. The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission price: $10 per person (including groups), $15 per motorcycle, $20 per vehicle (up to 8 people). Entry fee is valid for seven days from the date of purchase.

What makes Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park special

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

is a spiritual sanctuary that was protected by Lono, the God of life. It is set on dramatic and stunning black lava rock.

This coastal complex is where religion, royals, and refugees came together.

There are large kii (wooden statues) that were recreated by scholars, artisans, and carvers. They serve as a reminder of what the sacred space once looked like.

What to do in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Historical National Park

Hiking: If you want to take in the stunning coastal views over a two-mile hike, the

1871 trail to the Ki‘ilae Village

will be an amazing experience.

Cultural demonstrations: Soak in the culture and traditions as the NPS staff and cultural practitioners

demonstrate traditional crafting techniques

like using lau niu (coconut fronds) to weave baskets.

Self-guided walking tour: Explore the ancient Royal Grounds on this

half-mile walking tour

and discover the treasure of the park.

When to visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

The weather in the park is hot and sunny pretty much year-round—temperatures can reach over 80 °F. If you want to avoid the heat, visit the park early in the morning when the park opens, or late in the afternoon.

Before visiting, check with your hotel or the visitor center to see if the park is closed due to high winds or dangerous storm conditions.

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How to prepare to visit Hawaii’s national parks

For many visitors, Hawaii’s unique national parks are a plane ride away. Being prepared before you leave is essential for a stress-free trip:

If you are planning to visit more than one of the above parks, you may want to consider purchasing an annual

America the Beautiful nationwide pass

. This will give you access to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, as well as thousands of other parks across the country, for one full year from the date of first use.

Book your car rentals ahead if you are planning to drive around. You don’t want to be stranded when you arrive on the different Hawaiian islands!

Update your car insurance

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