Book ahead
Reservations, permits & fees
Hawaii's most popular experiences require reservations — and a few require permits weeks in advance. Here are the ones you actually need.
At a glance
What to reserve & when
| Experience | Reservation? | Cost | How far ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haleakalā sunrise (Maui) | Required | $1 / vehicle + $30 park entry | Up to 60 days; releases 14 days prior at 7 AM HST |
| Hanauma Bay (Oahu) | Required | $25 / person, residents free | 14 days ahead, 7 AM HST |
| Diamond Head (Oahu) | Required (timed) | $5 / person | Up to 30 days ahead |
| Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP park | Optional (timed entry some days) | $30 / vehicle | 14 days ahead if required |
| Kalalau Trail (Kauai) | Required for beyond 2 mi | $5 + camping $20/night | Up to 90 days for camping |
| ʻIao Valley (Maui) | Walk-in (driving limit) | $5 / person, $10 parking | Same day |
| Puʻu ʻŌhulu / Nāhuku (Big Island) | Reservation (timed entry) | Free (park pass needed) | Same day for the next day |
| Waiʻānapanapa (Maui black sand) | Required | $5 / person + $10 parking | Up to 30 days |
| Kīlauea ʻĪki (Big Island) | None currently; check | Included with park entry | Same day |
How bookings work
Reserve smart, plan ahead
- Use the official site only:
recreation.govcovers Haleakalā, Kalalau, and Volcanoes park times. - Set an alarm: most releases happen the morning at 7 AM Hawaii time (HST).
- Have backups: if you miss a sunrise slot, sunset and midday usually have availability.
- Print, screenshot, and email: cell signal is poor at trailheads — your QR is your pass.
- Cancel if you can't go: no-shows block other visitors from getting the slot.
Park passes still apply
A reservation is not the same as a park entry pass. The America the Beautiful pass ($80/year) covers parks, but most per-person fees still apply.
Even confirmed reservations need the QR — screenshot before the trailhead.
Other fees to know
State, county, and activity fees
State park day-use
Most state beach parks charge $5–$10 per vehicle and some require advance booking.
Helicopter tours
$200–$450 per person; book 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season.
Surf lessons
Group $80–$130, private $150–$220; same-week is usually fine.
Whale watches
$60–$120 per adult; reserve a few days ahead in peak whale season.
Luau
$120–$250 per adult including food; book online for the best rates.
Resort fees
Often $30–$60/night extra; check the booking fine print, they're rarely included in the headline price.
Diamond Head's timed-entry system keeps the trail from being trampled.
Quick example
Diamond Head step-by-step
- Book timed entry up to 30 days ahead on the official state parks site.
- Pay $5 per person; show your booking at the gate.
- Parking inside is limited — take an Uber or TheBus from Waikiki if you can.
- Go early: the crater gets hot and crowded by 10 AM.
- Bring water and sun protection — there are no services inside.