No one wants to reach an attraction only to be turned away because they haven't got the right tickets/passes to enter. Unfortunately, this was a common sight we saw at many attractions and was even turned away at one of these as we had not purchased the entry pass and it was sold out for the day.
Major bummer! Trust me, you do not want such a thing spoiling your plans for the day.
It took me quite a bit of effort to do the research. Firstly of the places that were worth visiting and then to look into entry requirements and costs. Some attractions allow onsite purchase of passes but there is usually online options too. For others, you have to buy them online or in advance otherwise, they get sold out!
So, here are the attractions at Kauai, Maui and Oahu Islands that I visited with information on how to get the passes. Hope that it helps you in planning your Hawaii trip and keep you from getting turned away. Read on!
Kauai
Kalalau Trail
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| Kalalau Trail (photo credit: kalalautrail.com) |
The Kalalau Trail is one of the more recognisable hiking trails in Kauai, offering breathtaking views of the Napali Coast. It spans 11 miles from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Beach. It is generally considered a challenging trail that would require more than 1 day to hike the entire round trip.
This was the attraction from which we were turned away so do you require a pass? YES!
Type of Passes:
1. Entry Pass Only
2. Entry and Parking Pass (limited parking availability)
3. Entry and Shuttle Pass
4. Camping Permit
Ways to obtain:
For passes, online via (https://gohaena.com/)
For camping permit, either online via (https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/camping-lodging/kauai/) or onsite via any State Park district office.
When to purchase:
Online reservations should be made in advanced! Reservations can be made up to 60 days to 3 days in advanced. 3 days in advanced is usually only available for the Shuttle + Entry Pass.
Depending on how far you wish to hike on this trail, you will need to make the right reservations. If you plan to just cover the first section of the trail from the trailhead to Hanakapi'ai Valley (2 miles), you will only need an Entry pass. Going beyond the 2 miles will require a camping permit.
It is extremely difficult to book the entry and entry+parking pass due to limited availability. If that is the case, you could try purchasing the entry+shuttle pass which is in greater availability. Do take note of timing if you do take the shuttle.
For more information on the Kalalau Trail, have a read here https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/kauai/kalalau-trail/
Waimea Canyon
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| A lookout at Waimea Canyon |
Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is located at the south-west of Kauai island. Its scenic lookouts, hiking trails and waterfalls makes it a place that's definitely worth a visit!
Stretching over 14 miles across Waimea Canyon State Park and KoKe'e State Park, you can drive the entire journey and it would take around an hour. Do stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookout and Kalalau Lookout!
The Pu'u O Kila Lookout is also a great stop but you will need to do a 30-minutes hike to reach it. Don't forget to click your picture at the "One of the Wettest Spots on Earth" sign.
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| Yes, that's the sign. Unfortunately the text is not showing on my pic! |
Type of Passes:
1. Entry Pass Only - USD 5 per pax
2. Entry and Parking Pass - USD 10 per non-commercial vehicle
Ways to obtain:
Onsite at the entrance of Waimea Canyon and at major lookouts. Once purchased, you will need to display the pass on your car's dashboard at the various lookout points.
When to purchase:
When you get there.
The pass purchase at Waimea Canyon is very much an honour system. There were no checks at the time of my visit but I have heard of cases where there might be personnels doing random checks.
Maui
Haleakala National Park
Type of Passes:
Standard Entrance Pass
1. Motorcycle - USD 25 per vehicle
2. Private Vehicle - USD 30 per vehicle
3. Bicycle/Walk in - USD 15 per pax
Ways to obtain:
Onsite at the entrance of either district of the National Park or Online via (https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/fees.htm#reservations-timed-entry)
If you have the America the Beautiful pass, it would already cover your entrance fee into the park.
When to purchase:
Online reservations could be made up to 60 days to 2 days in advanced.
Haleakala Crater
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| Freezing up at the Crater! |
Part of the Haleakala National Park, the Haleakala Crater belongs to the Summit District. If you have the time, try to observe either sunrise or sunset at the summit. Be warned though that it WILL be freezing, so make sure to bring sufficient warm clothes even for your poor fingers!
Sunrise at Haleakala Crater
A reservation is required if you wish to experience the sunrise at the crater. You WILL be turned away if you try to enter the crater without a reservation between 3 - 7 a.m. No such requirements for sunset but it still gets quite crowded so make sure to get there early to secure your parking spots!
Type of Passes:
Summit Sunrise Reservation - USD 1 per vehicle
Ways to obtain:
Onsite at the entrance of either district of the National Park or Online via (https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731).
When to purchase:
Online reservations can be made up to 60 to 2 days in advanced.
Pipiwai Trail
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| Waimoku Falls |
Part of the Kipahulu district, the Pipiwai Trail can be reached via the Hana Highway, 12 miles beyond Hana Town (additional 30 minutes drive) if you are doing the Road To Hana expedition. Hiking the 4-miles trail (round-trip) could take anywhere from 1.5-3 hours to complete. The trail leads you to the 400 feet tall Waimoku Falls but there is a fair bit of climbing involved and is generally considered a moderately difficult trail.
Along the trail, you will also encounter another waterfall - the Makahiku Falls. It is not as high as Waimoku Falls, coming to around 200 feet tall but it's a shorter hike consisting of a 1-mile round trip from the Pipiwai trailhead. If you are not inclined to hike the full trail, this could be a good point to stop.
Going a little further would bring you to a lovely bamboo forest.
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| Bamboo Forest along Pipiwai Trail |
'Ohe'o Gulch
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| Beautiful Sea View at 'Ohe'o Gulch |
Near the Pipiwai Trail is the 'Ohe'o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. This is a much shorter and easier trail loop, of around 0.6-miles. It offers some stunning views that that should not be missed!
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| Waterfall at 'Ohe'o Gulch |
Wai'anapana State Park
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| Black Sand Beach |
You might better know Wai'anapana State Park by its famous black sand beach. We visited the black sand beach as part our Road to Hana expedition. While the beach is gorgeous, the waves can get a little too rough for swimming.
Wai'anapana State Park has a timed entry system. If you plan to visit this site, it would require some fair bit of planning especially if you are making other stops along Road to Hana. Popular timings are 10 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. and 12.30 - 3 p.m. so be sure to book them in advanced or it might become unavailable.
Type of Passes:
1. Entry Pass Only - USD 5 per pax
2. Entry and Parking Pass - USD 10 per non-commercial vehicle
Do take note that you will need to arrive within 30 minutes of your reservation slot or you may be denied entry or parking.
Ways to obtain:
Online via (https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/waianapanapa)
When to purchase:
Online reservations starts up to 1 month in advance.
Iao Valley State Monument
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| Beautiful hills at Iao Valley |
Iao Valley consist of a scenic viewpoint of Kuka'emoku, the Iao Needle, which is a 1200 foot tall geological formation. It is a site of spiritual and cultural significance to Hawaiian people. If you are considering hiking here, this is a relatively short and easy hike, with 0.6 mile of paved path.
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| Iao Needle |
Iao Valley has a timed entry system with several slots of 1.5 hours duration. On the day we visited, we could get the pass on the day itself, which makes Iao Valley a great attraction to slot into your day if you have only an hour or so to spare.
Type of Passes:
1. Entry Pass Only - USD 5 per pax
2. Entry and Parking Pass - USD 10 per non-commercial vehicle
Ways to obtain:
Online via (https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/iao-valley)
Unable to buy onsite.
When to purchase:
Online reservations can be made 1 month in advanced up to the day of visit itself. Do note that there might be connectivity issues at the entrance of the site so recommended to purchase the pass before driving up to the valley.
There are parking spaces outside the valley and if available, you could park outside the gated entrance and enter the site with just an Entry Pass rather than having to purchase a Parking Pass. This would mean having to walk a bit of an extra distance but it's not too far off.
Honolulu
Diamond Head State Monument
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| Top of Diamond Head |
Diamond Head, located just a short drive away from Waikiki is one of Honolulu's most recognisable landmarks with it circular volcanic crater. Hiking the trail offers stunning views of the coasts and the island.
The Diamond Head trail is considered a moderately challenging trail mainly due to its elevation gain of around 560 feet. The 0.8 mile hike has a maintained paved path but could be uneven in places. Allocate around 1.5 to 2 hours for the roundtrip hike, longer if steep trails slow you down.
The Diamond Head attraction has a timed entry system. If you visit this site, do plan accordingly. Morning slots are generally more popular.
Type of Passes:
1. Entry Pass Only - USD 5 per pax
2. Entry and Parking Pass - USD 10 per non-commercial vehicle
Do take note that you will need to arrive within 30 minutes of your reservation slot or you may be denied entry or parking.
Ways to obtain:
Online via (https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead)
When to purchase:
Online reservations starts up to 1 month in advance.
USS Arizona Memorial
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| USS Arizona Memorial (photo credit: reacreation.gov) |
The USS Arizona Memorial program runs several times a day and it starts from the Pearl Harbour National Memorial. While the Pearl Harbour National Memorial is free to visit, the USS Arizona Memorial program would require a reservation of USD 1.
The USS Arizona Memorial program is a 45 minutes session consisting of an introduction, a Navy-operated boat ride to the memorial site and time spent at the memorial.
Besides the USD 1 reservation fee, there is parking fee to be paid for. This, however, is largely honour based as there is no gantry system for entry or exit to the carpark. Do note that it is not easy to get parking so make sure you reach the Pearl Harbour National Memorial with ample time to spare to find parking before your booked slot.
Type of Passes:
1. Reservation ticket - USD 1 per pax
2. Parking - USD 7 per day
Ways to obtain:
Reservation ticket can be bought online via (https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/233338/ticket/16)
Parking fees can be paid through an onsite kiosk or through a virtual pay system on your mobile device.
When to purchase:
Online reservations can be made 1 month in advance up to 1 day before the day of visit.
Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve
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| Hanauma Bay (photo credit: honolulu.gov) |
Located about 15 minutes away from Waikiki, is one of the state's first Marine Life Conservation District. Hanauma Bay boasts an abundance of natural beauty and marine life and is one of the more popular snorkelling spots in Oahu.
Tickets are in high demand and limited, even selling out a few minutes after it's available online.
Type of Passes:
1. Entry Fee - USD 25 per pax
2. Parking Fee - USD 3 per day
Ways to obtain:
Onsite at the park by purchasing a walk-in ticket or Online via (https://pros8.hnl.info/hanauma-bay)
Parking fees are collected onsite through cash payment.
When to purchase:
Online reservations can be made 2 days in advance starting at 7 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST).
** Hope this has helped you better plan for your Hawaii vacation. Do drop me a comment if you have more questions otherwise, I wish you a great time in beautiful Hawaii!
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