Learn about Hawaii’s main national parks here

While Hawaii is primarily known for being the birthplace of surfing and for its beautiful beaches, it also has majestic natural beauty that includes formidable volcanoes, jungles and ecosystems, where you will find unique species. Learn about Hawaii’s main national parks here, where the landscapes, natural heritage and biodiversity that make them up are preserved.

Among the most popular activities to do in Hawaii are the national parks, some others of a state nature and below we detail which ones they are:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Learn about Hawaii’s main national parks here, precisely the one that houses the largest volcano in the world, Mauna Loa, and one of the most active on the planet, Kilauea. At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park you can do activities such as hiking over craters, contemplate geothermal activity, explore volcanic rock caves, and discover the unique biodiversity of the place.

Admission to this site costs $15 per person and prices for vehicles range from $30 to $200 depending on the size. It is recommended that, if you want to go, you buy the tickets online and bring them printed or downloaded on an electronic device due to the limited connectivity of the place.

• Haleakalā National Park

With more than twelve thousand hectares of extension, Haleakalā National Park, located on the island of Maui, is highly visited by tourists in Hawaii due to the magnificent views it offers at sunrise and sunset from the crater of its volcano, 3055 meters above sea level.

In the Hawaiian language Haleakalā means “house of the Sun.” And the lights of dawn create a unique natural spectacle, changing shades of the sky and dyeing the landscape with warm and bright colors.

The summit can be reached by vehicle and you must make a reservation to be able to park. The entrance fee to the park is $15 per person, $30 per car, $25 for motorcycles and $45 for commercial vehicles.

• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Also known as the Place of Refuge, this historical park is of great importance to the history and culture of Hawaii, as it was the site where ancient Hawaiians who had broken the kapu, a system of sacred laws of the communities of that time, sought refuge.

In this place, located west of the Big Island, you will see ancient temples, gardens of Hawaiian royalty, wooden statues representing the main gods (tikis) and spectacular natural beauty.

Rates are $10 per person, $15 for motorcycles, and $20 for private vehicles. Open daily from 8:15 a.m. to sunset. Please check with the visitor center for any changes to schedules.

• Nā Pal Coast State Park

If you love adventure and spectacular scenery, you can’t miss out on a visit to Nā Pal Coast State Park. With 15 miles of coastline and magnificent cliffs of green and brown hues, this park is ideal for spending a day hiking in the open air, contemplating the beauty of beautiful valleys, snorkeling, or trying your hand at kayaking.

Access to this park, located in the northwest of the island of Kauai, is only via hiking trails, by boat, or by helicopter.

• Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve

On the island of Oahu, you’ll find a true natural gem of the archipelago: the Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve. In addition to exploring its beautiful mountain scenery, crystal-clear waters and fine sand, you can also find an exuberant marine biodiversity here, which you can discover by snorkelling or diving.

We recommend that you go in the morning, as early as possible, since there are limited spaces. Parking costs $7.50 and the entrance ticket costs $1 per person.

• Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park

Another excellent place to spend a day observing wildlife in its natural habitat is Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park, in the west of the Big Island. There you will find green sea turtles that live peacefully on protected black sand beaches, native birds and monk seals. The park also has remains of ancient Native Hawaiian settlements, sacred temples, petroglyphs and fishing ponds built by the indigenous peoples.

It is free to enter and has good access. It is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except one day in October for the Ironman Triathlon.

• Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Located on the island of Molokai, Kalaupapa National Historical Park is on a peninsula that served as a colony for Hansen’s disease sufferers and known as leprosy), during the second half of the 19th century. There you will be able to appreciate the work of Father Damien, a Belgian missionary, who took care of the sick, who were mostly native Hawaiians. You will be able to see churches, houses and cemeteries built at that time.

Currently it can be visited although there is a quota of 100 people per day, out of respect for the resident patients who still live there. To access the park it is necessary to make a reservation that includes a guided tour.

Whether you want to enjoy the natural charms of the islands, explore their biodiversity or learn about their interesting history and culture, you cannot miss visiting the main national parks of Hawaii here. Contact our experts at We Travel USA to help you plan your trip and start planning your dream trip!