Hawaii park reservations and booking calendar

Reservations & Permits

Navigate the modern kapu system and secure your spot in Hawaii's most treasured places

The Reservation Game: A Modern Kapu System for Park Access

In ancient Hawaiʻi, a kapu was a system of sacred laws that governed society and protected resources. Today, a new kind of kapu exists for some of our most cherished parks: the online reservation system. While it can seem like a frustrating hurdle, this system is the most effective tool park managers have to combat overcrowding and protect fragile ecosystems from being loved to death.

Understanding how to navigate it is the first step to a successful visit. Four state parks, in particular, require advance planning. This table consolidates the critical, time-sensitive information scattered across multiple government websites, providing a clear, user-friendly resource to help you secure your spot.

Park Name	Island	Booking Window	Leilani's Tip
Hāʻena State Park gohaena.com	Kauaʻi	30 days advance, opens 7:00 AM HST	Slots sell out in seconds. Be logged in with info pre-filled and ready to click at exactly 7:00 AM HST. Have backup dates ready.
Waiʻānapanapa State Park gowaianapanapa.com	Maui	30 days advance, opens 7:00 AM HST	Required stop on Road to Hāna. Book time slot to align with travel plans. Multiple time slots can be booked for longer visit.
Diamond Head State Monument gostateparks.hawaii.gov	Oʻahu	30 days advance	2-hour time blocks. Earliest slots (6-8 AM) offer coolest temps and best light. Parking booked separately from walk-in entry.
ʻĪao Valley State Monument gostateparks.hawaii.gov	Maui	30 days advance	Small park with limited capacity. Book as soon as travel dates are firm. Park can close due to weather - check before you go.

⚠️ Pro Booking Tips

• Set multiple alarms for 6:55 AM HST on booking day
• Create accounts and save payment info in advance
• Have multiple devices ready (phone, computer, tablet)
• Prepare backup date options before you start
• Consider booking shuttle instead of parking if available

Decoding Park Passes, Permits & Fees

Navigating the fees for Hawaii's parks can be confusing, as the system varies between national and state jurisdictions. Arriving prepared will prevent surprises at the gate.

🏛️ National Parks

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes & Haleakalā operate under U.S. National Park Service system.

Per Vehicle (7 days)

$30

Covers all passengers in one vehicle

Individual (7 days)

$15

Walk-in, bicycle, or motorcycle

America the Beautiful Pass

$80

All national parks for one year

🏝️ State Parks

Different system targeting non-residents. Locals with valid ID typically exempt.

Entry Fee (per person)

$3-$10

Non-residents only

Parking Fee (per vehicle)

$10

In addition to entry fee

Residents

FREE

With valid Hawaii ID

Specialty Permits: The Ultimate Challenge

🎯 Nāpali Coast / Kalalau Trail Permit

This is the most coveted and difficult-to-obtain permit in Hawaiʻi. To hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley on the Kalalau Trail, you must have a Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park camping permit, even for a day hike.

Booking Window

90 days in advance

Availability

Sells out in minutes

Separate Process

Different from Hāʻena entry

Important Note:

Securing a Kalalau permit is a separate process from the Hāʻena State Park entry reservation required just to get to the trailhead. You need BOTH permits to hike the full Kalalau Trail.