Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park is located on the northeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii and covers an area of 5,200 acres.
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Summary
It is one of the state's most significant cultural and historic sites, preserving the Hawaiian way of life and showcasing the natural beauty of the island. The park is home to several hiking trails, campgrounds, and cultural sites that visitors can explore.
There are many good reasons to visit Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park, including its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, surfing, and kayaking.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in the park include the Kahana Bay and Beach, the Kane'ohe Bay Fishpond, and the Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park Visitor Center. The visitor center offers exhibits, displays, and educational programs on the history and culture of the area, as well as information on park activities and events.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park is situated on land once owned by the Hawaiian monarchy and has been managed by the State of Hawaii since 1970. The area is also home to several endemic species, including the Oahu tree snail and the Hawaiian hoary bat.
The best time of year to visit Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This is when the weather is most pleasant and the park is less crowded. However, visitors should be aware that the park is open year-round and that there are activities and events scheduled throughout the year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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