Island Reservations - State Parks, Main Activities, Etc

Question

I’m going to Kauai, Maui, Big Island and Oahu for the entire month of March and planning on doing things like Road to Hana, Kalalau, Volcano National Park, Alaka Falls, Halaekala Sunrise, etc.

I noticed Hawaii is different than most places and everywhere needs reservations to enter that are not allowed to be bought the day of. Most places seem to only allow 30 days out minimum. Of these above activities and similar areas, is there anywhere I should be advised to book now, that may run out of reservations or availability?

Also is there a way to buy like a general tourist pass or something where i’m allowed admittance to all these areas or are they all separate, and all have their own reservation rules/passes?

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting month planned in Hawaii! With a combination of iconic hikes, scenic drives, and national parks, it's important to know that some popular attractions in Hawaii do require reservations, particularly since Hawaii is focusing on preserving its natural resources and managing overcrowding. Many places now have strict rules regarding reservations, and availability can be limited, especially for activities like the Road to Hana, the Kalalau Trail, and sunrise at Haleakalā. Here's a detailed guide to help you with your plans:

1. Reservations You Should Book in Advance:

Since many attractions in Hawaii now require reservations to manage crowd control, here are some key places that you should definitely book in advance to ensure you get a spot:

Haleakalā National Park (Sunrise at Haleakalā): The sunrise at Haleakalā is one of Maui's most popular activities, and reservations are required for the summit area during sunrise hours (around 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM). These reservations can fill up fast, and it’s highly recommended to book as early as possible, especially for March when there may be more visitors. You can book up to 60 days in advance.
Kalalau Trail (First Two Miles): As you mentioned, you’re planning on hiking the Kalalau Trail. While the first two miles to Hanakapiai Beach don't require a permit, the entire trail (to Kalalau Valley) does. For the first two miles, you won’t need a reservation, but for the full hike, it’s important to secure a permit ahead of time if you plan to continue further.
Road to Hana: While there isn’t a formal reservation system for driving the Road to Hana itself, there are certain attractions along the route (like Hana State Park, Oheo Gulch, etc.) that may require advance reservations. For example, certain tours and activities (like guided hikes) will require booking ahead. Additionally, parking at some popular spots along the route may be limited.
Volcano National Park (Big Island): Volcano National Park requires reservations for certain activities, especially for tours and access to specific parts of the park like the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater area. Check in advance for guided tours and special events, as these may book up quickly.

2. General Tourist Passes:

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single "general tourist pass" for all of Hawaii’s attractions. Each park or activity typically has its own reservation and payment system. For example, Haleakalā and Volcano National Park have separate entrance fees and reservation systems. The reservations for sunrise at Haleakalā are separate from the entrance fee for the park itself, which is required for daytime visitors. Similarly, national parks like Volcano National Park have their own passes and require separate reservations for certain activities like guided tours or specific time slots.

Haleakalā National Park: Separate reservations are required for sunrise access, and there’s an entrance fee for the park itself (good for 3 days).
Volcano National Park: You will need to pay a separate entrance fee for this park (good for 7 days), and special tours or events may require additional reservations.
Kalalau Trail Permits: If you plan to hike further than the first two miles, you will need a separate permit for the Kalalau Trail, which can be booked through the State of Hawaii's Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

3. Other Considerations:

Here are a few more important things to keep in mind when planning your trip:

Peak Season: March is part of the busy spring season in Hawaii, so reservations can fill up quickly. It’s highly recommended to make reservations for sunrise access at Haleakalā and other popular spots as soon as you know your travel dates.
Hiking and Trail Permits: Some of the more popular hikes, including the Kalalau Trail and others in national parks, require permits. These permits typically have a limited availability, especially during peak tourist months like March, so be sure to book as soon as possible.
Park Entry Fees: While some parks require reservations, others just require an entry fee. Be sure to check each park’s website for details on fees and whether reservations are necessary.

Conclusion:

To ensure a smooth trip, it's important to book your reservations for sunrise at Haleakalā, the Kalalau Trail (if you plan on doing the entire hike), and any tours or activities in Volcano National Park as soon as possible. While there isn't a general pass for all attractions, securing these reservations ahead of time will help you avoid disappointment. Make sure to check for any specific reservation rules and fees for each individual site or activity. Have an amazing time exploring Kauai, Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu!

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