Hawaii is finally within reach of just about every vacationeer. When I grew up, going to America’s tropical paradise was an elite experience, and now Southwest flies there multiple times a day. I mean, we just went to Kauai for under $100 per person.

And here’s the thing – visiting Hawaii is a fantastic experience that should be shared with everyone. There’s just nothing like seeing Santa in board shorts on Maui or finding a family of sea turtles resting in waist deep water on Kauai or even visiting a mushroom farm in the morning and an active volcano in the afternoon on the Big Island.

But…accessibility means more people…

If you’ve visited Hawaii in the past – even as little as 5 years ago – returning now you’ll immediately notice the increase in visitors…everywhere. Places that used to be popular are now crowded (good luck getting a sunset seat a Mama’s Fish House)and even little known highlights are now well trodden paths. And, it’s not just us vacationeers who see the difference… Hawaii has noticed the change as well…

To help balance the resident/tourist see-saw and preserve the islands’ natural wonder, Hawaii has started adopting new rules and began a reservations system aimed specifically at popular parks and sites. Good news, you can now book your visits in advance…bad news, you really need to plan your trip around your reservations.

Of course, a lot of this is new and (those local highlights I mentioned) you need to know which of all the available experiences book up fast and first.  So, as you plan your getaway, we’re going lay out the most notable and most recommended sites and excursions that you are definately going to want to plan out in advance. This is the nuts and bolts of making your Hawaiian Dreams come true…

Here are the Top 8 Advanced Reservations you need for your Hawaii Vacation :

**Government Permitted Parks**

Diamond Head State Monument (O’ahu)

Beginning in Spring 2022, all out-of-state visitors need advanced reservations to hike diamond head. 

• When to Book – The reservations system allows for booking entry up to 14 days in advance (with plans to extend the reservation window up to 30 days in the future)
• Tickets –  Reservations are per person – so each person in your group needs their own ticket.
• Parking – As you purchase your entry tickets, you can also pre-purchase your parking – which I highly recommend.

Make your reservations on the State Parks site

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

Haleakala is a National Park which means that there is always an entry fee to access the area. Daily entry to Haleakala does not currently require advanced reservations.

But…

Sunrise on Haleakala (which is just so gorgeous and cold) does require advanced reservations. These reservations are for park entry between 3am – 7am.

• When to Book – Reservations are released 60 days in advance (and sell out quickly). Alternately there are a portion of tickets released 48 hours in advance.
• Tickets – These reservations are per car – you’ll only need one ticket for your group.
• Parking – Included with the ticket price.

Make your reservations through Recreation.gov

**Tip : Sunrise at Haleakala is definately one of those experiences I’ll never forget. If your dates for the park are already booked, look into joining a tour. These frequently have availability even with only 1-2 days advance notice. This is an early morning, so it’s also nice to not have to drive all the way up to the top.

Hāʻena State Park (Kauai)

If you’re wanting to hike along the Napali Coast, this is the spot. Reservations are required and there are two different options for non-residents.

• When to Book – Reservations are released 30 days prior to entry date at 12am HST (this is earlier than all the other parks listed)
• Tickets – There are two types of tickets for Hāʻena State Park
  • Shuttle + Entry Pass – This combo has the most availability, it’s also what we did. It’s a great option. You park about :30 mins from the park and take an air conditioned shuttle into Hāʻena. Return is first-come-first-serve so keep that in mind as you leave. (Our shuttle actually left a bit early because it was already full)
  • Parking + Entry Pass – These are extremely limited. This State Park’s parking lot is smaller than the parking lot of a Sizzler, so these sell out very quickly.

Make your reservation through the State Park site

**Tip : Bring snacks for a full-day out even if you don’t plan on staying more than a half-day. There are very limited services nearby the park.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (O’ahu)

This beach tucked into a sunken volcanic creator is home to the first advanced reservation systems in Hawaii. It’s super popular. You need to make sure you get the tickets you want at the time you want and follow the rules for admission.

• When to Book – Tickets are released 48 hours in advance, with some tickets available on the day of your visit beginning at 6:45 am.
• Tickets – Tickets are per person
• Parking – There is limited on-site parking which is first-come-first-serve and can only be paid for in cash.

Make reservations through the dedicated State Site

You can also prebook your snorkel experience through the State Site as well

**Tip : Hanauma Bay is a full experience. What I mean is, go and be prepared to stay for awhile (at least half a day). There is a snack bar onsite, and personal coolers are allowed for your own snacks.

Wai’anapanapa State Park / Hana’s Black Sand Beach (Maui)

Often one of the last stops on the Road to Hana, beginning Spring 2021 Hawaii began requiring advanced reservations to cut down on over crowding (which was a big problem – like fights were breaking out).

• When to Book – Tickets are released 30 Days in advance.
  • Entry times are really based on exit times. So if you get the morning entry (7am – 10am), you can show up any time, but you have to leave by 10am.
• Tickets – Tickets are per person.
• Parking – Parking reservations are made at the same time as admission reservations.

Book your tickets through the State Parks site

** Tip : Since the Black Sand Beach is towards the end of the Road to Hana – morning tickets are often more available. Consider an overnight in Hana and then waking up and visiting the beach in the morning. When we visited in the AM, we were the only people on the beach.

**Hard to Get Experience Tickets**

Mountain Tubing (Kauai)

Tubing down a mountain – in-and-out (mostly in) 1870’s irrigation tunnels is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Of all the unique sites on Kauai, this was the most unexpected/unique/surprising experiences. But, you’re gonna need to book in advance.

• When to Book – For the best selection, you’re going to want to try and book this 1.5 – 2 months in advance. (Singles or couples might be able to do it with only a few weeks advanced planning).
• Tickets – Tickets are per person.
• Parking – Onsite at Kauai Back Country and then a :30 bumpy bus ride up the mountain with your guide.

Book your tickets with Kauai Backcountry

Mauna Kea Summit Tour (Hawaii Big Island)

The summit of Mauna Kea is home to the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s been a few years and I still think about it almost every week.

Now, you can drive to the summit in your own 4WD vehicle, but it can get tricky with rental car agencies preventing many rentals from going up Mauna Kea and – like you just have to have a 4WD vehicle, there’s no other option.

We did a tour to the summit which included diner and stargazing. These are a bit pricey (might actually cost more than your flight out to Hawaii) but may be your best option.

• When to Book – There are a limited number of tours to the summit which you can book through a site like Viator (which we did) or the tour company themselves. Booking a few weeks in advance is usually enough time.
• Tickets – Tickets are per person. Often there is the option to include or exclude diner – go ahead and eat, everyone else on the tour will be.
• Parking – These tours can pick you up nearby your hotel.

**Tip : You’re going to read about this a lot, but this is an extreme elevation gain. You can’t scuba within 24-48 hours of summiting Mauna Kea. All tours also make a stop on the mountain (:30-1 hour) to let guests acclimate to the height.

Camping (anywhere on any island)

Ok, so there’s no free camping in the State of Hawaii and you can’t sleep in your car. Anywhere you’re going to want to camp (and that allows camping) requires a permit – which most of the time needs to be purchased in advance and able to be displayed (ie printed out).

Fees and registration procedures vary by location.

Here’s a great site for finding available camping spots and their availability.

While On Your Trip

Keep in mind, Hawaii is taking a rather aggressive stance on fees and reservations for accessing the state’s most popular parks and rec areas. Even if your destination doesn’t require advanced reservations, be prepared with cash for parking and higher entry fees.