Part of Mākena State Park and Polipoli Springs Open for Hiking and Exercise, But Not Gatherings

Mākena, Maui. Photo: Maui Now file photo.

The DLNR Division of State Parks is re-opening select parks and monuments across the state with an emphasis on social distancing and exercise, and continued restrictions on gatherings of any sort.

On Maui, state parks that are reopened for exercise and hiking only during restricted hours are: Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area and Mākena State Park (except Puʻu o Laʻi aka “Little Beach”).

Areas on Maui that remain completely closed include: Puʻu o Laʻi “Little Beach” section of Mākena State Park; Halekiʻi-Pihana and ʻĪao Valley State Monuments; and Kaumahina, Wailua and Puaʻakaʻa Wayside Parks.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said, “In general, it’s a good idea to help with people’s mental well-being. The fact that these are outdoor/open air spaces with good ventilation means any risk of transmission will be greatly decreased. That said, a few of these do have lookout points or are trails that may not be wide enough at some points to accommodate 6 ft distance, so it will be important to remind people to keep moving and not congregate—i.e., as long as people are moving past each other, even if they’re within 6 ft of each other and not wearing a mask, we wouldn’t categorize those persons as anything but low risk at most and likely no risk”.

DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “The department is excited to cautiously reintroduce State Park access to Hawai‘i’s residents in this unprecedented time of virtually no out-of-state visitors. However, conventional park activities such as parties, gatherings, picnics, setting up on the beach, and camping are still not allowed. This public use is strictly for mobile activities such as hiking and ocean use to support our residents physical and emotional health during the stay at home mandate. For this reason, certain frequently visited parks and access to them remain closed.”

“It is critical that people honor this intent and follow all social distancing practices and park area closures to eliminate gathering. State Parks strongly encourages residents stay within their own ahupua’a and neighborhoods rather than traveling across an island to another community’s remote State Park. Revenue losses require that certain gates remain closed. Inappropriate behavior and changing public health circumstances may require that certain parks be closed again, such as what has recently occurred at some parks on the mainland, “ said Curt Cottrell, DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator.

Below is a list of open and closed State Parks:

Maui Parks

COMPLETE CLOSURE:

Puʻu o Laʻi (Little Beach) section of Mākena SP

Halekiʻi-Pihana SM

ʻĪao Valley SM

Kaumahina, Wailua and Puaʻakaʻa Waysides

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO REMAIN LOCKED:  

Mākena State Park (except Puʻu o Laʻi aka “Little Beach”)

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO BE OPENED FOR PARKING ACCESS DAILY:

Polipoli Spring SRA

Hawai’i Parks 

COMPLETE CLOSURE:

ʻAkaka Falls SP

Kealakekua Bay SHP

Kohala Historic Sites SM

Lapakahi SHP

Wailoa River SRA (closed for construction)

Wailuku River SP

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO REMAIN LOCKED:  

Waialea Section of Hāpuna Beach SRA

Kekaha Kai SP

Kīholo SPR

Lava Tree SM

Kalopā SRA – hiking/equestrian trail access.

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO BE OPENED FOR PARKING ACCESS DAILY:

Hāpuna Beach SRA (except Waialea Beach Section)

MacKenzie SRA

Manukā SW

O’ahu Parks

COMPLETE CLOSURE:

Diamond Head SM (interior and summit trail CLOSED, exterior Fort Ruger pathway open for exercise)

He’eia State Park (gate locked Kama’aina Kids)

Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside (DOT gate)

Pu’u o Mahuka SHS

Ulupo Heiau (no gate)

‘Iolani Palace SM

Royal Mausoleum SM

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO REMAIN LOCKED:  

Fort Ruger pathway on exterior of Diamond Head SM

‘Aiea Bay SRA

Ka’ena Point SP (access on Mokuleia side impacted by waterline construction)

Mālaekahana Kalanai (Gates locked PAVING PROJECT TO START MONDAY 5/4)

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO BE OPENED FOR PARKING ACCESS DAILY:

Ahupuaʻa o Kahana SP

Keaïwa Heiau SRA

Wahiawa Freshwater Park

La’ie Point (street parking only)

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO BE OPENED FOR PARKING ACCESS ON WEEKENDS:

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (lookouts closed)

Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a SW (lookout closed)

Wa’ahila Ridge SRA

Kaua’i Parks

COMPLETE CLOSURE:

Polihale (closed for access road repairs)

Wailua River State Park  (river access for paddling allowed at Kaumuali’i Section only)

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO REMAIN LOCKED:  

Kōkeʻe State Park (select trails only/lookouts closed)

Russian Fort Elizabeth/Pā’ula’ula

Waimea Canyon State Park (select trails only/lookouts closed)

Open for day beach or hiking use per Governor’s proclamation/DAY USE FACILITIES CLOSED AND GATES TO BE OPENED FOR PARKING ACCESS DAILY:

Ahukini SRP (fishing only)

Hāʻena SP

Nāpali Coast SWP/Kalalau Trail – to Hanakapiʻai (parking in Hāʻena SP)

Waimea SRP (fishing only)

Kaumualiʻi Section of Wailua River SP (for river paddling access)