The Best State Parks in Hawaiʻi in 2025
These state parks in Hawaiʻi are special to both locals and travelers.
From epic hiking trails to incredible vistas, state parks in Hawaiʻi are diverse in beauty and terrain, offering unique activities. These are the five standout state parks in Hawaiʻi that our readers love the most.
1. Waimea Canyon State Park, Kaua‘i
Waimea Canyon Lookout on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon stretches more than 10 miles long and reaches depths of up to 3,000 feet deep. You can get here by driving up Waimea Canyon Drive (HI-550). Bathrooms are available at key points, including the main lookout and trailhead areas. Parking is plentiful and free for residents and non-residents pay $10 per vehicle and $5 per person.
For more information, visit the park’s the website.
2. Diamond Head State Monument, Oʻahu
The views from the summit of the Diamond Head State Trail.
Photo: Grace Maeda
Just minutes away from Waikīkī, the iconic Diamond Head State Monument is found at the eastern end of Waikīkī. It’s easy to get here both via car or bus. The 0.8-mile trail to the summit climbs over 500 feet via switchbacks, steep stairs and a tunnel through the crater wall. There’s a dedicated parking lot near the trailhead—reservations are required for non-residents. Entry is $5 per person and $10 for parking, free for residents. We recommend you check the website for upcoming park closures. What sets Diamond Head apart is its iconic shape, historic military bunkers and the unbeatable city-meets-nature view at the summit. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and midday heat.
For more information, visit the park’s the website.
3. Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kaua‘i
The start of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park.
Photo: Grace Maeda
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is a protected 16-mile stretch of coastline extending from Polihale Beach to Kēʻē Beach. Visitors can hike along the Kalalau Trail, a rugged 11-mile trek that crosses five gorgeous valleys. While you can complete the initial stretch from Hāʻena State Park to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach with a day hike, completing the full trail requires a camping permit and some hardy hiking skills. Coastline views are also available via car along Kēʻē Beach past Waimea Canyon to Kalalau Lookout. An easy option for visitors would be booking one of the many Nāpali Coast tours available, with options ranging from helicopter tours and boat excursions.
For more information, visit the park’s the website.
4. ʻAkaka Falls State Park, Hawaiʻi Island
ʻAkaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a lush gorge surrounded by rainforest vegetation.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
On the eastern side of Hawaiʻi Island near the town of Honomū, ʻAkaka Falls State Park’s main attraction is its namesake waterfall, which plunges 442 feet into a lush gorge surrounded by rainforest vegetation. The paved loop trail, just under half a mile, takes visitors through groves of bamboo, ferns and wild orchids before reaching a gorgeous view of the falls. Parking is available at the entrance, and fees are $10 per vehicle and $5 per person for non-residents
For more information, visit the park’s the website.
READ MORE: Your Guide to ʻAkaka Falls State Park on Hawaiʻi Island
5. Hāʻena State Park, Kaua‘i
Hāʻena State Park is home to Kēʻē Beach, one of the island’s best snorkeling spots in the summer months.
Photo: Getty Images/Adam-Springer
Hāʻena State Park is home to Kēʻē Beach, known for its calm summer waters and excellent snorkeling, and marks the starting point of the famed Kalalau Trail. You can see views of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as restored lo‘i (taro patches). Due to its ecological sensitivity and high visitor demand, Hāʻena has daily visitor limits and requires advanced reservations for non-residents. Fees are $5 per person and $10 per vehicle. Parking onsite is extremely limited, so we recommend the shuttle, which runs daily—last pick-up at Hāʻena State Park is at 6:40 p.m. during the summer and the last shuttle from Hanalei to Princeville is at 7:20 p.m. Be sure to check the site for the schedule.
For more information, visit the park’s the website.
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M. Kruse is a longtime contributor to HAWAIʻI Magazine.
