Certain state parks have been reopened to the public as the state gradually eases restrictions meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
On Hawaii Island, the MacKenzie State Recreation Area, the Manuka State Wayside and the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area have reopened for beach or hiking purposes, although the Waialea Beach Section of Hapuna Beach will remain closed. All day use facilities within these parks will remain closed, although gates will open for parking access.
Other parks will open for beach or hiking, but will remain closed to parking: namely, Kekaha Kai State Park, Kiholo State Park Reserve, Lava Tree State Monument and the Kalopa State Recreation Area.
The following parks remain closed: Akaka Falls State Park, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, Kohala Historic Sites State Monument, Lapakahi State Historical Park, Wailoa River State Recreation Area and Wailuku River State Park.
“The department is excited to cautiously reintroduce State Park access to Hawaii’s residents in this unprecedented time of virtually no out-of-state visitors,” said Suzanne Case, Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair, in a statement. “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.”