The Best National Parks in Hawaiʻi in 2024
Posted by Maris on 9th Apr 2024
Here are the top five national parks that our readers will love in 2024, ranging from OŻahu's World War II Valor National Monument to Hawaii Island's Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Only nine locations in the Hawaiian Islands are recognized as "national parks," despite the state's more than fifty state parks. Similar to state parks, national parks and monuments play a crucial role in preserving beautiful, cultural, and historic regions. Every time one visits the Islands, both tourists and locals discover something new. Our very own readers have chosen the top five national parks in Hawaii for 2024, and they are listed below.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is the largest and, in the opinion of our readers, the best national park in Hawaii. It is a steadfast favorite of both tourists and residents. With a total area of 323,431 acres, the park is one of the few locations in the state where you can witness real lava flowing, and in recent years, eruptions have been frequented by the park. Travelers who enjoy the great outdoors can find much to do at the park, even in the absence of any volcanic activity. The park boasts a vast enclosure filled with trails and breathtaking overlooks.
Haleakalā National Park, Maui
It's already a very beautiful experience to break through the clouds and climb Haleakalā on Maui, but seeing the sunset from the top of Haleakalā National Park, which is more than 10,000 feet above sea level? Never forgotten. You may easily spend a day in Haleakalā National Park exploring the island's many hiking paths and stopping at the breathtaking lookout point. Just remember to pack a jacket! Even so, you should stay to observe the starry night sky because it gets really cold at night.
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
Many people feel that a journey to Hawaii isn't complete unless they see Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, an attack on the Hawaiʻi naval base precipitated the United States' prompt entry into World War II. Today, 77 years later, the location houses USS Arizona Memorial, which welcomes thousands of visitors every day, as well as artifacts from the last global war. Additionally, there are displays and museums that are well worth seeing, such as the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i Island
Previously a haven for kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiians), PuŻuhonua o Hōnaunau is now a historical park where tourists and residents can go to learn about Hawaiian culture. Hawaiians who violated kapu, or holy laws, had the option to escape execution by seeking sanctuary at Puʻuhonua, until the early 19th century (sanctuary, asylum, haven of peace and protection). Here, one of the priests in the sanctuary might absolve the wrongdoer, allowing them to depart. With its restored hale (traditional Hawaiian homes), temple platforms, royal fishponds, sledding tracks, and coastal village sites, the property now acts as a haven for the Hawaiian culture itself.
Moloka'i's Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park is a stunning and remote place with a tragic past. The population of Kalaupapa, which was established as an isolation village for those suffering from leprosy and Hansen's illness, peaked at 1,100 in 1890. Thousands of people have since passed away there. Now, just a small number of people are still there, having been granted permission to do so when the National Park Service took over the settlement's management.