Top state parks
State ParkAkaka Falls State Park
State ParkNā Pali Coast State Park
State ParkHaʻena State Park
State ParkKoke'e State Park
State ParkLava Tree State Monument
State ParkMakena State Park
State ParkWailua River State Park
State ParkSacred Falls State Park
State ParkPolihale State Park
State ParkHe‘eia State Park
State ParkMauna Kea State Recreation Area
State ParkAhupua'a O Kahana State Park
State Parks by county
All state parks (16)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akaka Falls State Park | Hawaii County | — | Pepeekeo | 3 |
| Nā Pali Coast State Park | Kauai County | — | Princeville | 2 |
| Haʻena State Park | Kauai County | — | Princeville | 2 |
| Koke'e State Park | Kauai County | — | Kekaha-Waimea | 2 |
| Lava Tree State Monument | Hawaii County | — | Leilani Estates | 3 |
| Makena State Park | Maui County | — | Wailea-Makena | 5 |
| Wailua River State Park | Kauai County | — | Wailua | 5 |
| Sacred Falls State Park | Honolulu County | — | Hauʻula-Punaluʻu | 6 |
| Polihale State Park | Kauai County | — | Kekaha | 2 |
| He‘eia State Park | Honolulu County | — | He‘eia | 7 |
| Mauna Kea State Recreation Area | Hawaii County | — | Waimea | 2 |
| Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park | Honolulu County | — | Ka‘a‘awa | 5 |
| Kaumahina State Wayside ParkHaleakalā | Maui County | — | Wailua | 3 |
| Wailua Valley State Wayside ParkHaleakalā | Maui County | — | Wailua | 3 |
| Kekaha Kai State Park | Hawaii County | — | Kalaoa | 3 |
| Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau State Monument | Maui County | — | Wailuku | 7 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.