Palaau State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Palaau State Park is located on the island of Molokai in Hawaii.
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Summary
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camping. The park is known for its stunning views of the ocean and nearby valleys, as well as its historical and cultural significance.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Kalaupapa lookout, which offers panoramic views of the Kalaupapa peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. The park also features several trails, including the Palaau Ridge Trail, which is a popular hiking route that offers spectacular views of the island.
Another highlight of Palaau State Park is the Phallic Rock, a large rock formation that is believed to have spiritual significance in Hawaiian culture. The park also contains a number of archaeological sites, including ancient Hawaiian fishponds and heiaus (sacred sites).
The best time to visit Palaau State Park is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, visitors can enjoy sunny weather and clear skies, making it easier to appreciate the park's stunning views. However, the park is open year-round, so visitors can also plan a visit during the wet season if they prefer.
Overall, Palaau State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Molokai. With its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and cultural significance, it offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
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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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