#Na Ala Hele
State parks, forest lands and camping closing on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Molokaʻi due to Tropical Storm Nolo
All state parks, camping, forest reserves, Nā Ala Hele hiking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, hunting and game management areas on the following islands will be closed due to the anticipated impacts of Tropical Storm Nolo: Hawai‘i Island starting Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026; and Maui and Molokaʻi starting Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.
DLNR announces limited reopening of select Kauaʻi lands on Monday
The Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that certain lands on Kaua‘i will reopen on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at 6:30 a.m. Most DLNR lands remain closed due to widespread, unmitigated damage from Hurricane Lowell.
Community input invited for Nā Ala Hele Program Plan
The Nā Ala Hele Program Plan is being updated for the first time since 1991 and community members are invited to provide their input on the future of trails and access for the state. When most people enter public lands in Hawaiʻi, they do so on a trail or access road managed by Nā Ala Hele Trail & Access Program, part of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The program provides important recreational and cultural opportunities and protects historic trails.
All state parks and forest areas closed due to severe weather
The Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources closed all state parks and forest areas to the public as of 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, due to the expected continuance of severe weather conditions across the state.
DLNR hosts Nā Ala Hele Virtual Open House, May 21
Nā Ala Hele is updating its program plan, originally created in 1991, and seeks community input. Forest users are invited to help guide the process by joining an online open house on Wednesday, May 21 from 5-6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Sierra Club Maui hosts Trail Maintenance Day at Makawao Forest Reserve, Dec. 7
Sierra Club Maui, in partnership with the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition and Na Āla Hele, invites the public to volunteer at the organization’s upcoming Trail Maintenance Day on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Makawao Forest Reserve top parking lot, to help maintain and improve this outdoor space. “Whether […]
Kupu announces Nā Manu ʻElele steward program applications open
Part-time and full-time Nā Manu ʻElele positions are open on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and Kauaʻi. The deadline to apply is Oct. 27, 2023.
New Natural Area Reserve is closest to urban Honolulu
A roughly 300-acre parcel mauka (upland) of the Hawaiʻi Loa and Niu Valley subdivisions has been officially designated as a new Hawai‘i State Natural Area Reserve. Governor David Ige signed an Executive Order on Feb. 3, creating the Pia Valley NAR.
Hawai‘i Trail Improvement Program Gets $530,000
The Hawai‘i Tourism is providing $530,000 to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Nā Ala Hele Trail and Access System. The funding comes as many of Hawai‘i’s most popular trails seeing record numbers of hikers.
Waiheʻe Ridge Trail Closure to Start in January
The 2.5 mile Waihe‘e ridge trail that climbs the windward slope of the west Maui mountains will be closed for approximately two months, starting in January.
DLNR Keeps Areas Closed in Anticipation of Hurricane Lester
Due to the uncertainty over the track of approaching Hurricane Lester, all Hawai‘i island, Maui, and O‘ahu State Park camping and lodging areas will be closed to overnight use beginning Friday, Sept. 2 and will remain closed — at minimum through Monday, Sept. 5
DLNR Closes State Forest and Parks Ahead of Madeline
Division of State Parks – Polipoli State Park will be closed, but all other Maui State Parks will remain open on Wednesday, and with considerations based on storm assessment for closure on Thursday.
Nā Ala Hele Trail Program Develops New Website
Hawai‘i’s Nā Ala Hele Trail and Access Program is launching a new website with cutting-edge features and a new design in time for National Trails Day on June 4.
VIDEO/PHOTOS: Kahakapao Recreational Area Blessing
Mountain biking enthusiasts now have new trails in the Makawao State Forest Reserve to enjoy. As a response to the increased popularity of trail activities, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife/Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program opened the Kahakapao Recreational Area. Nā Ala Hele is tasked with creating and maintaining trail systems on both private and state-owned lands, such as in State Forest Reserves. The new day-use only system contains more than ten miles of trails and incorporates two of the illegal “social” trails. Other illegal trails were rehabilitated and removed.