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The 10 Best State Parks in Hawaii, United States
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1. Na Pali Coast State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,954 reviews
A scenic area offering beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs.
Reviewed By kalisTravelGuide - Pennsylvania, United States
I was lucky enough to view Kauai's 17 miles of coastline on the northwest sides by boat. The view is riveting. I could barely take my eyes off for fear I was going to miss it. The vast cliffs are very memorable and full of untouched natural beauty. I'd even say magical.
2. Waimea Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,194 reviews
"The Grand Canyon of the Pacific," Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep.
Reviewed By Starlinghall
Beautiful sites that I think every person visiting Kauai needs to see... the highlight for us was going to the very highest lookout point at the end of the road at the top of the mountain. We looked out across the ocean and it took our breath away!
3. Polihale State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 946 reviews
A historical state beach park with breathtaking views and landscape.
Reviewed By genyit
Yes, the dirt road is rutted, potholed, and can easily take 40-50 minutes to get to the beach. I had a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 and it didn't make the trip any faster, but I wasn't worried about bashing the undercarriage or stressing the shock absorbers. I personally think it would be foolish to try this ride with a regular car (think rain, mud, sand, hard-as-rock potholes, etc.) just make sure you've paid for the rental car insurance if you do. As far as the beach is concerned, it was worth every bone jarring bounce to get there and back. I was there on a beautiful sunny day, there were only a handful of other people for miles of gorgeous beach. Recommendation: bring a towel, umbrella, maybe a light weight chair, and lots of drinking water. Note: on my visit the bathrooms were closed. Although I wore a bathing suit I never gave any thought to going in the ocean. The surf was big and wild with a serious undertow. It was amazing to watch the huge waves roll in and then explode as they neared the beach. If you look to the North end of the beach you see the mountains frame the beach. If you look south you see miles of pristine beach and dunes, really quite stunning.
4. Wai'anapanapa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
Waianapanapa State Park is on the road to Hana, Maui.
Reviewed By rhealey007 - Charlotte, United States
Absolutely incredible!! It's a can't miss stop. The drive in from Hana Highway is bumpy but well worth it. Go check out the massive waves at the unique black sand beach... WARNING... the waves will occasionally cover the entire sand part of the beach, so be careful where you store your towels, bags, and shoes. Go up top and see the impressive blow hole... be careful of where you choose to stand or you will get drenched. Then continue passed the blow hole and hike, yes hike, a gorgeous short trail that embodies what you think of when you think about Hawaii... lush greens and bright flowers against lava rock and ocean waves. Upon returning to the beach, don't miss the sea arch and the walk-in cave off to the right, directly on the beach.
5. Punalu'u Black Sand beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,693 reviews
Nestled in an area with coconut trees and a black sand beach, this park is one of the best in Hawaii.
Reviewed By mjhoug - Minneapolis, United States
This beach was our last stop of the day and what a gem it was! Black sand beach with plenty of coconut trees for shade. There was a turtle resting on the beach. There is a beautiful lily pond and bridge behind the beach - it made you feel like you were in a completely different area. The water was definitely cooler on this side of the island compared to the Kona side but we were happy to just relax on the beach. Definitely worth stopping here!
6. Ha'ena State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By P4292JDjennym - Ankeny, United States
Make sure to reserve your parking spot before you go, way in advance. It is $5. You have to pick a certain time. It is a nice beach with a trail to a lookout and waterfall.
7. Akaka Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,119 reviews
Reviewed By Steve82WCHS - Nappanee, United States
An easy walk (although there are quite a few stairs) to this beautiful waterfall, with the added bonus of a wide variety of tropical plants along the route. A limited view of another waterfall as well (partially hidden across a valley), but well worth the time. Park on the road just outside the lot and pay only $1 per person (it's $5 to park in the lot and you gain next to no saved walking distance).
8. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,646 reviews
One of the nicest sand beaches on the Kohala coast.
Reviewed By Goatgirl194
Not far from Kona, this beautiful white sand beach is so family friendly when you have a 4 year old in tow! It was easy to park at the beach, clean bathrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off the sand and salt, right sized waves for boogie boarding, lovely vistas everywhere you look, outdoor food shack, lots of space on the beach to spread out. This was truly a winner for our family!
9. Iao Valley State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,119 reviews
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Iao Valley State Monument provides lush green scenery not to be missed when visiting Maui. The hike from the parking lot to the lookout is pretty short (less than fifteen minutes) but requires stair climbing (135 steps according to the brochure). It is an awesome view of the valley and the ‘Needle’ from the lookout, well worth the effort. Along the paved path are two worthwhile short side trails, one to a garden of Hawaiian plants and the other closer to the Iao river. The park also has historical significance due to a deadly war fought here. The parking fee of $5 is well worth the convenience of starting the hike from the parking lot.
10. Papohaku Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Danielsj6 - Honolulu, United States
This beach is incredibly beautiful and back to nature. You can spend the whole day there and not see another person. There are public bathrooms and free parking. It also has a wonderful view of Lanai.
