Top Things to do in Hawaii
Countries
10 National Parks in Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
[object Object]
Restaurants in Hawaii
1. Haleakala National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,460 reviews
Reviewed By robertdX4400QY - Oahu, United States
Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, Haleakala Crater is a force of nature in every sense. At 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes. Haleakala means "house of the sun" in Hawaiian, and legend goes that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood on the volcano’s summit, slowing its descent to make the day last longer. Many visitors wake up early to drive to the Haleakala Visitor Center, the best spot to watch what may be the most spectacular sunrise on earth. As the sun peeks over the horizon, an ever-changing swirl of color and light dance across the vast sea of clouds—a sight described by Mark Twain as “the most sublime spectacle I have ever witnessed.” Perhaps just as impressive are Haleakala’s sunsets and the bright, starry skies revealed at night. Remember, the National Park Service now requires a reservation for personal and rental vehicles to view the sunrise from the summit district. Your reservation is for parking at the summit and doesn’t include the required national Park entry fee. Drive times from Kaanapali and Wailea to reach the summit average 2 hours. Sunrises and sunsets are only two of the many reasons to pay Haleakala National Park a visit on your trip to Maui. Spanning more than 30,000 acres of public land, the stunning landscapes range from Mars-like red deserts and rock gardens near the summit to lush waterfalls and streams in the park’s coastal Kipahulu section, near Hana. There are numerous hiking trails that offer solitude and scenic vistas, while guided hikes and horseback rides provide an expert's insight in addition to the natural beauty. There are more endangered species here than any other park in the National Park Service, like blooming ahinahina (silversword) and nene (Hawaiian goose), the state bird. Visitors can also camp here, with separate campgrounds and cabins available.
2. Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
This historical park was a former leper colony run by Father Damien in the 1930s.
Reviewed By JoeP808 - Estes Park, United States
Kalaupapa - the leper colony - Fr Damien. Kalaupapa National Historical Park is now run by the National Park Service. It occupies a small 3 mile by 3 mile peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. Access today is only by the small planes operated by a couple local airlines. Note: There used to be access by a guided mule trail down the cliffs, but the trail has been closed for some time due to rock slides. Your flight must be coordinated with a tour guide in Kalaupapa who will get the permits necessary to visit. Otherwise you will not be allowed to leave the airport property. The Historical Park preserves the living community where people were banished to live apart from the rest of the world with leprosy, now called Hansen's disease. The cure for Hansen's disease was found in the 1940, but many of the residents elected to continue to live on their peninsula. Six still live there, aged 78 to 96. Touring the area will take you through the town of Kalaupapa, the original settlement area of Kalawao, and past the original churches still standing. The cemetery holds the tomb of Fr Damien, the priest who came to minister to the patients, and ended up dying of the disease. All the while you are there you can look to the south and see the sea cliffs that cut the peninsula off from the rest of the island, called topside. These sea cliffs are the highest in the world. I can see why being made to live there was referred to as the most beautiful prison in the world. What an interesting glimpse into history.
3. Puukohola National Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Historical park honoring King Kamehameha
Reviewed By artess1 - Tiburon, United States
The"Place of Refuge" national park has a fascinating Hawaiian history and is still a sacred site with Chiefs Temple and 3 Heiaus, one of which is located just offshore underwater. It has a small, charming gift shop and "guided tours" are offered twice a day (morning & mid-afternoon). However, the "self-guided tour" is easily followed on your own. Local volunteers are Informative and work thruout the park maintaining the grounds, restoring paths, walls & other structures found thruout and the Chiefs Temple surrounded by large, wooden Ki'i's statues. One guide explained a question we had re. the Hawaiian laws & sanctuary while weaving a grass cape for an upcoming ceremony. NOTE: As a sacred site, the activities by visitors are truly limited to walking & viewing the gorgeous location & grounds (No pets, beach or picnicking equipment, weddings, etc). Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a sun hat & definitely a water bottle.
4. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,652 reviews
This 182-acre park contains the Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and coastal sites.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
Located on the southern edge of Kealakekua Bay, Pu'honua Honaunau was designated as a National Park in 1961. Also called Place of Refuge this extraordinary historical sight offers a fascinating journey through Hawaiian history. Within the extensive grounds of the park are a Great Wall over 1000 feet long and 10 feet high built of lava rock in the 1500's, reconstructed thatched roof Hawaiian houses, temples and wooden carvings of gods protecting the Hale-o-Keawe mausoleum. Park Rangers offer introductory talks at times during the day and a visitors center, restroom facilities, picnic tables, tide pools, hiking trails and free audio tour of the cultural sights is available. There is a small fee to park.
5. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
Reviewed By kpammy
This is a really nice place to stop for a walk as there are not that many people. Hike the Ala Mauka Makai trail for 0.7 miles-- you will see a Hawaiian royal fishing ground, There were signs that green sea turtles are around but that morning we went, there were none sighted. We saw a Indian mulberry tree full of the unusual ripe yellow color fruit that ancient Hawaiians used as food source, the Alo'pio fish trap, and a canoe house (Halau Na'a) at the shoreline. The walk on the trail can be somewhat hot, so make sure you bring along some water. Also, the trail is all on soil so prepare with good walking shoes. A ranger does walk around the surroundings to help answer questions. Great to stop for a least 1 - 1 1/2 hours with a few minutes stop at the Visitor Center and gift shop.
6. Harold Rice Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Cinquefoilr - Irving, United States
Small park with restrooms, loads of chickens clucking about, and a view of almost all of north Maui. One of the most scenic views we had this trip was while eating a picnic lunch at this park. There is nothing here but a spectacular view, but a great place to eat a picnic lunch.
7. Lapakahi State Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By ryans69 - San Francisco, United States
The view is great, the spot is very relaxing and contemplative. You can get a sense of how they lived in the village 500 years ago, if you have a good imagination. I liked picturing the idyllic lifestyle - they had very few cares in the world, compared to our lives now. Pick up the map/brochure first, and then follow the numbered signs. The hike is well marked and the brochure has descriptions. Bring some water and wear a good sun hat, although I am happy to report there were actually several places to sit on a bench in the shade during the hike. There are also 1-2 perfect picnic tables (in the shade) near the parking area. There's a porta potty. The entire park is not really staffed, it's more self-service, which may be why it closes so early. Common situation you may be in (as I was): feel like it's a good day for a short activity away from the hotel after breakfast, before coming back to the pool/beach at your hotel for the afternoon...for this purpose, I suggest Lapakahi is a nice length drive from the Kohala Coast hotels, a nice length hike on flat terrain, and you can also drive a bit further up to Hawi afterwards in 15 minutes... in all, it makes a great 3-hour break from hotel pool/beach, sometimes just what you want. See my separate review of Kohala Coffee Mill in Hawi, suggested for ice cream maybe after the Lapakahi hike.
8. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By btreid - Portland, United States
We have been in this park several times and there is always something new. Always join the ranger led tour, it's only 45 minutes. You get to know more about the Volcanoes and the history of the island. Take your time and enjoy the hike around Kilauea caldera. Make sure you have the right shoes. I would recommend hiking shoes. The landscape of this park has changed since the 2018 eruption so be aware that there are no magma that glows red at night. Kilauea caldera looks like a giant football field. The Thurston lava tube is now open. It's all lit and kids can definitely do the short walk.
9. Devil's throat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By MikeH305 - Phoenix, United States
I heard about this place but we drove past it the first time. Not marked on the maps but I had printed a google map of the location. Not too far from the Hilina pali Road. Parking is ont he side of the Chain Of Craters Road. Some might say its just a big hole in the ground.
10. Honouliuli National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
