Are you planning a trip to Hawaii? Keep scrolling to find out where you NEED to make reservations, even if you usually like to wing it!
This list of places you need reservations for in Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Quick Answer
Eight Hawaii attractions now require advance reservations: Haleakala sunrise (60 days out), Hanauma Bay (48 hours), Diamond Head (30 days), USS Arizona Memorial (56 days), Ha’ena State Park (30 days at midnight), Waianapanapa, Iao Valley, and Limahuli Garden. The first five sell out in minutes. Set alarms, create accounts beforehand, and have backup plans.
Last year I set an alarm for 7am on a Tuesday to snag Diamond Head reservations. Got them. Felt like a genius.
Then I tried booking Ha’ena parking at midnight. Gone in 30 seconds. Not exaggerating. I clicked “book” and got an error message because someone beat me by literally seconds.
This is Hawaii in 2026.
Look, I’ve been visiting since I was 10 years old. My mom lives on Kauai. I’m a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist. And even I sometimes can’t get the reservations I want.
But I’ve figured out what works. After booking (and failing to book) these reservations dozens of times, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Is Hawaii Doing This?
Short answer? 9.69 million people visited Hawaii in 2024. That’s roughly 26,500 tourists arriving every single day.
Diamond Head used to get 6,000 visitors daily before they added reservations. The line of cars waiting to get in wrapped around the crater. People were parking illegally everywhere.
Hanauma Bay’s reef was getting trampled by so many snorkelers that marine biologists started panicking about permanent damage.
So now there are reservations. It’s annoying. It’s also necessary if we want these places to still exist for our grandkids.
Plus, Hawaii’s economy depends on tourism – $20.6 billion in visitor spending in 2024 – so they can’t just close everything. They need visitors, but in manageable numbers.
Listen to This Instead (If You’re Driving or Cooking or Whatever)
I recorded a whole podcast episode about this: Hawaii Travel Guide: Where You Need Reservations and How to Book.
Same info, but you can listen while you’re doing other stuff.
Which Places Actually Require Reservations?
Let me start with the hardest ones first, because those are the ones you need to plan for immediately.
Ha’ena State Park (Kauai): The Midnight Scramble
This one sells out faster than anything else in Hawaii. I’m talking seconds.
Why go? Because it’s the entrance to the Kalalau Trail and the Na Pali Coast views are absolutely stunning. Also Ke’e Beach is gorgeous.
You have three options:
Option 1: Take the shuttle ($40 for adults, $25 for kids 4-15, free for babies on your lap)
This is what I recommend. The shuttle leaves from Waipa Park & Ride in Hanalei or from Princeville. Parking at Waipa is free. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes starting around 6:20am, last pickup is 5:40pm.
The shuttle price includes your park entry. You don’t need to worry about driving that narrow, winding road. And the drivers are usually locals who share cool stories about the area.
I’ve set alarms twice to get Ha’ena shuttle reservations at midnight and both times I got the slots I wanted. Worth the bleary-eyed booking session.
Option 2: Drive yourself (parking $10 per time slot + $5 per person)
Here’s the problem: only 70 parking spots for visitors. Another 30 for residents.
And you have to leave by the end of your time slot. They will tow you if you don’t. So if you book 10am-12pm, you better be walking back to your car by 11:45am.
These spots disappear instantly when bookings open.
Option 3: Entry only ($5 per person)
If someone drops you off, you bike in, or you walk from wherever, you just need an entry ticket. Still requires advance booking through GoHaena.com.
When to book: Exactly 30 days before, at midnight HST. Set an alarm. Be ready. Have your account set up with payment info already loaded.
If you miss it: Check around 7-8am for cancellations. People do cancel. Also check a few days before your visit.
Don’t even think about parking on the road. It’s illegal. Rangers ticket constantly. You’ll pay $200+ and possibly get towed. Not worth it.
Hawaii residents with valid ID: Free entry, no reservation needed.
Hours: 7am-6:45pm daily
Hanauma Bay (Oahu): Worth the 7am Alarm
This marine sanctuary is hands-down one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. I’ve been probably 15 times and I still get excited when I see all the fish.
Is it touristy? Yes. Is it crowded? Yes. Should you still go? Absolutely yes.
Cost: $25 per person. Kids 12 and under are free. Hawaii residents with ID are free. Active military free. Parking is $3 per vehicle.
When to book: Only 48 hours ahead. Tickets drop at 7am HST daily through the Honolulu Parks & Recreation system.
What happens: At 7:00am on Wednesday, tickets become available for Friday. They sell out in minutes. Sometimes faster.
Here’s what nobody tells you: Getting a reservation doesn’t guarantee parking. The lot only has 300 spaces and it fills up by 8am even on weekdays.
So either get there right when it opens at 6:45am, or plan to take an Uber/Lyft. Or book one of those Roberts Hawaii transportation packages that include entry (book about a month ahead for these).
The mandatory video: You’ll watch a 9-minute educational video before going down to the beach. First-timers only. It’s actually pretty interesting and helps explain why the bay is so protected.
Walk-up option: Limited standby tickets available when the park opens. Get there around 5:30am if you want to try this. Maybe you’ll get lucky.
Open: Wednesday through Sunday, 6:45am-4pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. No entry after 1:30pm.
Real talk: The fish are incredible. The water is usually calm and clear. You’ll see so many fish you’ll lose count. Parrotfish, tangs, wrasses, maybe a sea turtle if you’re lucky. Totally worth setting that 7am alarm.
Haleakala Sunrise (Maui): Plan Way Ahead or Skip to Sunset
Watching sunrise from 10,000 feet above the clouds is magical. It’s also one of the hardest reservations to get.
Cost: $1 per vehicle (non-refundable) plus regular park entrance fee
When to book: Up to 60 days in advance. Released at 7am HST on Recreation.gov.
Here’s the secret most people miss: Additional reservations drop 48 hours before each sunrise. So if you miss the 60-day window, set another alarm for 2 days before.
You can only book one sunrise every 3 days. So you can’t hog multiple dates.
What you need: Print your confirmation email (or have it on your phone). Bring a photo ID. They check at the entrance.
My story: We couldn’t get sunrise reservations last time. Sold out in minutes. So we booked a tour through Viator.
Honestly? Best decision. I hate driving in the dark on mountain roads. And the altitude really affects me – I get lightheaded around 8,000 feet. Having someone else drive was perfect.
Plus the tour guide knew exactly where to stand for the best views and brought coffee and blankets. Worth the extra cost.
Alternative plan: Go for sunset instead. No reservation needed. Still gorgeous. Way less crowded. You can explore the crater during the day, then watch sunset, then drive down in the dark when you’re not fighting sleep.
Reservations required: Only between 3am and 7am. You can visit any other time without a reservation.
How cold is it really? Like 40 degrees at sunrise. Bring layers. Everyone in tank tops looks miserable.
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor (Oahu): Most Visited Spot in Hawaii
Over 2 million people visit Pearl Harbor annually. It’s the most visited attraction in Hawaii. For good reason.
Cost: Free. You just pay a $1 reservation fee per ticket on Recreation.gov.
Parking: $7 per day at the visitor center
When to book: Up to 8 weeks (56 days) ahead. Also, additional tickets drop every day at 3pm HST for the next day.
Strategy: Try 56 days out for the best times. If that doesn’t work, set an alarm for 3pm the day before you want to visit. You might get lucky with the next-day release.
What you’re booking: A 45-minute program. You’ll watch a 23-minute documentary in a theater, then take a boat ride out to the memorial itself.
It’s incredibly moving. You’re standing directly over the sunken ship where 1,177 sailors died. You can still see oil bubbling up from the wreckage. It’s been called the “tears of the Arizona” and it’s haunting in person.
I tear up every single time I go. My boys (who usually complain about “boring history stuff”) were completely silent the whole time.
No bags allowed. Seriously. No purses, backpacks, diaper bags, camera bags, nothing. Leave everything in your car or pay for storage at the visitor center.
Arrive an hour early. Parking fills up, and you need time to get through security and walk to the theater. Check in 10-15 minutes before your actual showtime.
Standby option: There’s a virtual queue at the USS Arizona Memorial Narrated Tours Desk. Not guaranteed, but worth trying if you couldn’t book ahead.
Babies need tickets too. Any child over age 1 needs their own ticket.
Want to see more than just the Arizona? Some tours combine multiple Pearl Harbor sites – the USS Missouri battleship, the aviation museum, the USS Bowfin submarine. If you’re into history, do the combo.
Diamond Head State Monument (Oahu): The Parking Time Limit Is Serious
I’m going to be honest with you: Diamond Head is kind of overrated.
It’s hot. It’s steep. The views are great but not life-changing. And there are better hikes on Oahu if you’re into hiking.
But.
You should still probably go. It’s iconic. The views of Waikiki and the south shore really are pretty spectacular. And it’s a Hawaii bucket list item.
Cost: $5 per person (kids 3 and under free) + $10 parking if you’re driving
When to book: Up to 30 days ahead on GoStateParks.hawaii.gov. No specific release time, so you can book whenever.
Two ticket types: Entry Only (if someone drops you off or you find street parking) or Parking + Entry (includes a parking spot).
Here’s what’s annoying: Parking is in 2-hour time slots. You have to arrive within the first 30 minutes of your slot. So if you book 9am-11am, show up between 9:00 and 9:30am.
And you MUST leave by 11am. They will tow your car. I’m not kidding. If you think the hike might take longer, book consecutive time slots.
I set an alarm, got early reservations, and felt so prepared. While we were there, I watched at least 5 cars get turned away because they didn’t have reservations. Don’t be those people.
How long does the hike take? Most people do it in 1.5-2 hours round trip. It’s 0.8 miles each way but pretty steep in sections with lots of stairs.
When to go: Early morning before it gets hot. Bring water. Wear sunscreen. The sun is brutal at midday.
Hawaii residents with valid state ID: No reservation needed.
Open: 6am-6pm daily. Closed December 25 and January 1. Last entry at 4pm (must enter by 4:30pm).
Waianapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach)
This is one of the must-see stops on the Road to Hana. The black sand beach is stunning. The lava tubes are cool. The coastal views are dramatic.
Cost: $5 per person + $10 parking (kids 3 and under free)
Book through: GoStateParks.hawaii.gov
Why reservations? The parking lot is tiny and this is one of the most photographed spots in Maui. Without reservations it would be chaos.
Planning tip: The Road to Hana takes all day. Book a mid-morning or early afternoon slot so you have flexibility with all your other stops.
Iao Valley (Maui)
This is a newer reservation requirement. Short, easy hike to see the Iao Needle in a lush tropical valley.
Cost: $5 per person + $10 parking (kids 3 and under free)
Book through: GoStateParks.hawaii.gov
Why you might want to go: It’s close to Kahului Airport. If you have a few hours before or after your flight, it’s a nice easy activity. The valley is beautiful and it’s not strenuous.
Good for families: My boys loved it because the hike was short enough that they didn’t complain the whole time. Win.
Limahuli Garden and Preserve (Kauai): Small Parking, Worth Visiting
Advanced reservations aren’t required but are highly recommended because the parking lot is teeny.
This is one of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. It showcases native Hawaiian plants and traditional taro terraces. If you’re into plants and Hawaiian culture, it’s worth the stop.
Guided tours are available with reservation through NTBG.org.
It’s on the north shore past Hanalei on the way to Ha’ena, so you can combine it with a Na Pali Coast day.
What About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?
Good news: No general entry reservations required.
You can visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island anytime. Just show up.
Some special guided tours or ranger programs require advance booking, but general park access is open. Check NPS.gov/havo for any special events.
Quick Comparison: How Fast Do These Sell Out?
| Ha’ena Parking | Seconds |
| Hanauma Bay | Minutes |
| USS Arizona | Minutes |
| Haleakala Sunrise | Minutes to hours |
| Ha’ena Shuttle | Minutes |
| Diamond Head | Hours to days |
| Waianapanapa | Days |
| Iao Valley | Days |
Okay So How Do You Actually Get These Reservations?
After 40+ trips to Hawaii and countless reservation attempts, here’s what actually works:
Set alarms for everything. Phone alarm. Calendar reminder. Sticky note. Whatever. Don’t rely on remembering.
- Ha’ena: midnight HST, 30 days out
- Haleakala: 7am HST, 60 days out (plus 48-hour release)
- Hanauma Bay: 7am HST, 48 hours out
- USS Arizona: 3pm HST daily for next day, or 56 days out
- Diamond Head: anytime within 30 days
Create your accounts ahead of time. Recreation.gov, GoStateParks.hawaii.gov, GoHaena.com, Honolulu Parks & Rec. Have your payment info saved. When reservations drop, every second counts.
Have your dates flexible. Weekends sell out faster than weekdays. If you can visit on a Tuesday instead of Saturday, do it.
Check for cancellations constantly. People cancel all the time. Check a week before. Check the night before. Check the morning of. I’ve snagged spots this way multiple times.
Consider tours for the hard ones. Yes, tours cost more. But tour companies often have their own allotments or special access. If seeing Haleakala sunrise is your dream, a tour might be your best bet.
Book the hard stuff BEFORE you book flights. Sounds backward, but if Haleakala sunrise is non-negotiable, get that $1 reservation first, then book flights around those dates.
Have backup plans. Always. When we couldn’t get Haleakala sunrise, we did sunset instead. Still amazing. Zero stress.
Are Tours Worth It or Just Overpriced?
Depends on the tour and your situation.
Haleakala sunrise tours: Worth it if you hate driving in the dark, get affected by altitude, or couldn’t snag a reservation.
Tours include transportation, reservation, usually coffee and snacks, and a guide who knows exactly where to go.
Pearl Harbor tours: Worth it if you want to see multiple sites (USS Missouri, aviation museum, USS Bowfin submarine) in one visit. Combo tours handle all the logistics and timing.
Road to Hana tours: Worth it if you don’t want to drive that crazy road or deal with timing all the stops yourself. Tours include Waianapanapa reservations and hit all the best stops.
Hanauma Bay transportation: Worth it if you don’t want to deal with parking. Roberts Hawaii packages include entry ticket and shuttle service. Book about a month ahead.
Not worth it: Tours that are just transportation to places you can easily drive yourself. Diamond Head doesn’t need a tour. Neither does Iao Valley.
My Planning Timeline (What to Book When)
60 days before trip:
- Haleakala sunrise (7am HST release)
- USS Arizona Memorial (or try the 3pm daily release later)
30 days before trip:
- Ha’ena State Park – shuttle or parking (midnight HST, set an alarm, be ready)
- Diamond Head (whenever, no rush)
2 weeks before trip:
- Waianapanapa
- Iao Valley
- Limahuli Garden (if you want a guided tour)
48 hours before each day:
- Hanauma Bay (7am HST release, 2 days before you want to visit)
Throughout your planning:
- Keep checking for cancellations on everything
- Check that 3pm daily release for next-day USS Arizona tickets
- Watch for Haleakala’s 48-hour advance releases
What If You’re Island Hopping?
Planning to visit multiple islands? Here are my complete guides:
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
- Hawaii Island Hopping Guide
Other 2026 Changes You Should Know About
New parking fees in South Maui: Starting early 2026, Kamaole Beach Parks I, II, and III will charge $10 daily parking for non-residents. Hawaii residents park free until 10am on weekends and holidays.
Higher accommodation taxes: The Transient Accommodations Tax went up to 11% as of January 1, 2026. Add that to your hotel budget.
New camping reservation system: For camping reservations starting February 1, 2026 and later, use explore.ehawaii.gov.
Rent cars early: Seriously. Book your rental car as soon as you book flights. Prices have gone up and availability gets tight during peak season.
Want Photos That Don’t Look Like Every Other Tourist?
One thing I always tell families: book a Flytographer session. They connect you with professional photographers all over Hawaii.
Save $20 using my link. Way better than selfies at Diamond Head where you can barely see anyone’s faces.
We’ve done sessions at black sand beaches, sunrise spots, even just walking around Waikiki, and the photos are frame-worthy.
Feeling Overwhelmed Yet?
Yeah, I get it. This is a lot.
You’re trying to figure out which islands to visit, set alarms for midnight and 7am to book reservations, coordinate everyone’s schedules, keep kids entertained, stay within budget, and actually enjoy your vacation.
This is exactly why I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations.
I’ll help you build the perfect itinerary, share insider tips from 40+ visits, and take the stress out of planning.
Want to DIY but need some guidance? I’ve got free email courses:
- How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro (5-day course)
- How to Save Money in Hawaii (5-day course)
- How to Plan a Trip to Oahu (7-day course)
- How to Plan a Trip to Maui (7-day course)
- How to Plan a Trip to Kauai (7-day course)
- How to Plan a Trip to Big Island (7-day course)
Going to Disney Aulani? Here’s my complete Aulani planning guide.
Your Questions Answered
Do I really need reservations for all these places?
Yes. Unless you want to get turned away like I watched happen to multiple cars at Diamond Head. Trust me on this.
What happens if I just show up without a reservation?
You get turned away. Some spots like Hanauma Bay and USS Arizona have limited standby options, but don’t count on it.
Can I book same-day reservations anywhere?
Not really. USS Arizona releases next-day tickets at 3pm daily. That’s your only same-day-ish option. Otherwise you’re hoping for cancellations.
Are these reservations refundable?
Depends. Haleakala’s $1 fee is non-refundable. Other places have different policies. Read the fine print when booking. And please cancel if you can’t make it so someone else can grab your spot.
Do kids need their own reservations?
Yes. Everyone needs a reservation, even babies (USS Arizona requires tickets for kids over age 1). Some places have free entry for young kids but they still need their own slot.
Which attraction is most worth the hassle?
Honestly? Hanauma Bay. The snorkeling is incredible. USS Arizona is deeply moving and important. Haleakala sunrise is special but sunset works too. Ha’ena is gorgeous but the Kalalau Trail isn’t for everyone.
Skip Diamond Head if you’re not into hiking. It’s fine but there are better hikes that don’t require reservations.
What if everything is sold out for my dates?
Check constantly for cancellations. Book a tour. Adjust your travel dates. Or have backup plans. There are so many incredible things to do in Hawaii that don’t require reservations.
Seriously, some of my best Hawaii memories are from random beaches we stumbled on because our original plans fell through.
Which booking website is easiest to use?
Recreation.gov is pretty straightforward. GoHaena works fine. The Honolulu Parks & Rec system for Hanauma Bay is clunky but functional.
Just create accounts ahead of time so you’re not fumbling during the rush.
Should I book my whole trip around these reservations?
For the really important ones (Haleakala sunrise, USS Arizona), yes. Get those reservations first, then build your trip around them. For the others, be flexible.
Final Thoughts from a Professional Tourist
Look, the reservation system is annoying. I wish we could just show up like the old days.
But after 40+ trips watching these places get more and more crowded, I get why Hawaii had to do something. These spots are too special to let them get destroyed by overtourism.
Set your alarms. Create your accounts. Have backup plans. And don’t stress too much when things don’t go perfectly.
Some of my favorite Hawaii moments happened when we couldn’t get the reservation we wanted and had to figure out something else.
That sunset we watched from random beach on Kauai because we missed Ha’ena? Still one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.
The local shave ice place we found because Hanauma Bay was full? Better than any of the tourist spots.
Hawaii has a way of working out even when your plans don’t.
A hui hou!
