TOP 10 Best Public land conservation in Hawaii

The Ānuenue Fisheries Research Center (AFRC) is a vital facility of the State of Hawai’i’s Division of Aquatic Resources, Department of Land and Natural Resources. Located on a 4.25-acre parcel on Sand Island in Honolulu, the AFRC serves as a hub for research, hatchery operations, and aquatic animal disease studies. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a biological-chemical laboratory, freshwater fish hatchery, and quarantine facility. The dedicated staff at AFRC, including Aquatic Biologists and Fishery Technicians, work tirelessly to support Hawai’i’s fisheries and aquaculture programs. From stock enhancement experiments to culture experiments involving a variety of aquatic species, the AFRC is at the forefront of innovative research. Collaborative studies with institutions such as the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and the Oceanic Institute further enhance the center’s impact on the aquaculture industry.

Kalaupapa Lookout is a popular tourist attraction located on Highway 47 in Ho'olehua, Hawaii, United States. The institution's mission is to enhance, protect, conserve, and manage Hawaii's unique and limited natural, cultural, and historic resources for current and future generations. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from the lookout and learn about the importance of preserving Hawaii's natural beauty. The institution works in partnership with both public and private sectors to fulfill its mission. Additionally, the Board of Land and Natural Resources holds hearings to receive oral testimony on important issues such as the TMT Contested Case.

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, located at 60 Nowelo Street in Hilo, Hawaii, is a park and tourist attraction dedicated to protecting and managing endangered Hawaiian forest birds and their rainforest habitat. Established in 1985, the Refuge spans 32,733 acres on the windward slope of Mauna Kea, supporting a diverse array of native birds and plants. The Refuge is currently closed to self-guided activities due to concerns about Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, a disease that has devastated mature ʻōhiʻa trees in the region. The Refuge is seeking public comments on the draft environmental assessment to adopt the 2021 Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Station Master Plan, which includes proposed facility and infrastructure improvements to enhance conservation efforts. Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback via email or mail. The Refuge system is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with a focus on wildlife conservation and habitat protection.

Mokuleʻia Forest Reserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Waialua, Hawaii, United States. The institution's mission is to enhance, protect, conserve, and manage Hawaii's unique and limited natural, cultural, and historic resources for current and future generations. Visitors can enjoy the lush forest, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery while learning about the importance of preserving Hawaii's natural treasures. The institution works in partnership with both public and private sectors to fulfill its mission. Additionally, the Board of Land and Natural Resources holds hearings to receive oral testimony on important issues such as the TMT Contested Case.

Kula Forest Reserve, located at 355 Mauna Place in Kula, Hawaii, is a unique park and tourist attraction managed by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife's Forestry Program. Established in 1912, the reserve was created to reforest an area that had been converted to pasture land after years of livestock grazing. Spanning over 4,900 acres, Kula FR is bordered by privately owned land and is adjacent to the Papa‘anui Tract of the Kahikinui FR. The name "Kula" translates to open country or dry arid lands, reflecting the characteristics of the region. Once a thriving area for sweet potato cultivation, Kula underwent significant changes due to cattle ranching and grazing, leading to the replacement of native forest cover with non-native grasses. In the 1920s, an intensive planting program was initiated, introducing a variety of tree species to create a future forest resource and protect water sources.

South Point Park is a beautiful natural and cultural institution located on South Point Road in Naalehu, Hawaii. This park is dedicated to enhancing, protecting, conserving, and managing Hawaii's unique and limited natural, cultural, and historic resources for current and future generations. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views, take part in educational activities, and learn about the importance of preserving Hawaii's natural beauty. The park works in partnership with both public and private sectors to fulfill its mission. Additionally, the park is involved in important decisions such as the TMT Contested Case, which can be viewed during hearings by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Come visit South Point Park and experience the beauty and cultural significance of Hawaii's natural resources.

Tracks Beach Park is a natural feature located at 92-201 Farrington Highway in Kapolei, Hawaii, United States. It is part of the KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA PĀKA A ME NĀ HANA HOʻONANEA O HONOLULU, which is the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. The institution promotes excellence by providing innovative programs and services for the community. It manages and maintains over 400 park facilities on nearly 5,000 acres of land, as well as undeveloped lands around O‘ahu. Tracks Beach Park offers a safe, active, and engaging environment for visitors to enjoy recreational activities. The institution also collaborates with external organizations to enhance the leisure lifestyle and quality of life for the people of O‘ahu. Visitors can access interactive Google Maps to find park facilities closest to them and can also refer to informational brochures for more details on events and activities. With a dedicated team of civil service, contract, and seasonal employees, the institution strives to provide a diverse range of recreational opportunities for the community.

Maunawili Falls via Maunawili Demonstration Trail is a popular park and tourist attraction located along the Pali Highway in Kailua, Hawaii, United States. The institution's mission is to enhance, protect, conserve, and manage Hawaii's unique natural, cultural, and historic resources for current and future generations. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature along the trail, which leads to the stunning Maunawili Falls. The institution also partners with both public and private sectors to ensure the preservation of Hawaii's resources. Visit the Board of Land and Natural Resources for more information on upcoming events and projects.

The Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve, located on Daniel K. Inouye Highway in Hilo, Hawaii, is a stunning park and tourist attraction managed by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife's Forestry Program. Covering approximately 64,000 acres of public land, this reserve was established in 1905 for the purpose of watershed protection. The reserve consists of nine sections in northeast Hawaii, with the Laupāhoehoe section recently included in the Laupāhoehoe Forest Management Plan. Situated on the lush windward slopes of Mauna Kea, the Laupāhoehoe Forest is a thriving native ecosystem with a rich cultural history. Managed by the state of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, this forest includes both Forest Reserve and Natural Area Reserve parcels, totaling over 12,000 acres. It also serves as a demonstration forest for the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest, providing opportunities for research and learning about tropical forest management.

Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area, located at 380 Walker Avenue in Wahiawa, Hawaii, is a beautiful park and tourist attraction surrounding the picturesque Wahiawa Reservoir, also known as Lake Wilson. Visitors can enjoy picnicking along the wooded shore, as well as year-round shore and boat fishing. Please note that swimming and water skiing are not permitted, and boating is only allowed for fishing purposes with a boat ramp available at the park. The park was established in 1978 based on the Wahiawa Freshwater Park Master Plan created in 1975. In 2019, the University of Hawai‘i Community Design Center completed a study and proof-of-concept design report for the park, envisioning innovative ideas for its future redevelopment including a fishing lodge, outdoor amphitheater, disc golf course, piers, boardwalks, and wetland restoration.

Kapapapuhi Point Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, United States. The park is maintained by Hui O Ho'ohonua (HOH808), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ocean, relax on the sandy beaches, and explore the lush surroundings. Donations to Hui O Ho'ohonua are tax-deductible, making it easy for supporters to contribute to the preservation of this special place. Come visit Kapapapuhi Point Park and experience the beauty of Hawaii's coastline.