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Reservations you need to make before going to Hawaii

The reservations you need to make before going to Hawaii are Pearl Harbor (USS Arizona Memorial), Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay on Oahu; Waianapanapa State Park, Haleakala sunrise, and Iao Valley on Maui; and Haena State Park on Kauai. Luaus, Mama’s Fish House, and Kualoa Ranch do not legally require a reservation, but they sell out, so book those early too.

Booking windows run from 2 days to 18 months ahead, depending on the place. The table below shows exactly when each one opens. Last updated October 2026.

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Hawaii Travel Agent. I’m one of the top travel agents for Hawaii, and creating fantastic custom trips in Hawaii is my passion! Contact me today to help plan and book your Hawaii vacation.

Don’t miss my itineraries for Hawaii if you want insider tips for your vacation, but don’t need to work with a Hawaii Travel Agent.

DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR in Hawaii?

Generally speaking, yes! You can get away without having a rental car on Oa.hu, but it’s a must on any other island. However, I do recommend one even on Oahu so you can get out and explore! You’ll find the best prices anywhere at Discount Hawaii Car Rental. 

Hawaii reservations at a glance

• Book 18 months to 2 months out: Mama’s Fish House, luaus, Kualoa Ranch.
• Book 8 weeks out: Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial program.
• Book 60 days out: Haleakala sunrise.
• Book 30 days out: Diamond Head, Waianapanapa, Iao Valley, Haena State Park.
• Book 2 days out: Hanauma Bay.
• Hawaii residents with a state ID don’t need reservations for state parks or Hanauma Bay.

What reservations do you need to make before going to Hawaii?

Here are the reservations you need to make before going to Hawaii, listed by island.

Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

Pearl Harbor is one of the most visited historic sites in the United States, and tickets for the USS Arizona Memorial can disappear fast.

You need a reservation to guarantee a boat time to the USS Arizona Memorial. The National Park Service releases tickets daily at 3 pm Hawaii time in two windows: 8 weeks ahead and 24 hours ahead. The program is free, and Recreation.gov charges a $1 booking fee per ticket
If you want a specific time slot, book early.

If you miss both windows, Pearl Harbor has a free standby callback system at the visitor center, but a spot is not guaranteed.

Bags larger than a small wallet aren’t allowed, so bring a clear bag. If you would rather not gamble on standby, you can always try a guided tour! 

Diamond Head (Oahu)

Hiking Diamond Head is iconic, but it is no longer a free-for-all. Out-of-state visitors need a reservation for both entry and parking.

Diamond Head reservations open up to 30 days in advance on the state parks reservation site. Entry is $5 per person, and parking is $10 per vehicle for non-residents, and Hawaii residents get in free with a state ID.

Arrive within the first 30 minutes of your time slot, or you can be turned away. Morning slots book quickly, especially during school breaks and holidays, so set a reminder for 30 days before your hike. For more trails, see my best hikes in Oahu and easy hikes in Oahu.

Hanauma Bay (Oahu)

Hanauma Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, and also one of the most difficult reservations to secure.

Out-of-state visitors need a reservation for Hanauma Bay, and tickets are released two days ahead at 7 AM Hawaii time. They usually sell out in minutes. Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your Oahu days around that. Hawaii residents do not need a reservation. If you absolutely must snorkel here, set your alarm and be ready to book the moment reservations open.

There is now a second way in. Since November 2025, Roberts Hawaii sells a shuttle and entry package from Waikiki and Ala Moana that can be booked one month ahead, with 400 tickets a day.

If you miss out entirely, here are my other best snorkeling locations in Hawaii.

Guided tours are also available with guaranteed entry times.

Waianapanapa State Park (Maui)

This is the famous black sand beach along the Road to Hana. It requires reservations for all out-of-state visitors, including parking or drop-off. Hawaii residents get in free with a state ID.

Waianapanapa reservations open 30 days in advance, one day at a time at midnight Hawaii time, and there are no same-day reservations.. Entry is $5 per person, and parking is $10 per vehicle for non-residents.

You must leave when your time slot ends. The park limits guests per time slot, so popular slots sell out. Don’t wait until you’re on Maui to book this one.

If you’re staying in Wailea or Ka’anapali, I recommend a late-morning or early-afternoon time slot. 

The beach is the main attraction here, but don’t miss the hiking trails! Check out our YouTube video showing more of the park here. 

Guided Road to Hana Tours generally include reservations to the black sand beach.

For more on this stop, see my guide to the best black sand beaches in Maui.

Haleakala National Park (Maui)

You only need a reservation for sunrise, but sunrise on Haleakala is one of the most popular activities on Maui. 

Every vehicle entering Haleakala National Park between 3 AM and 7 AM needs a sunrise reservation. Tickets open 60 days in advance at 7 AM Hawaii time, with a smaller batch released two days before, also at 7 AM.

The reservation costs $1 per vehicle in addition to the park entrance fee, and each person can book only one sunrise every three days. 

You do not need a reservation to enter after 7 AM or for sunset. It is cold at the summit, often near freezing (32°F, 0°C), so bring layers. My guide to Haleakala sunrise has the full details.

This is one thing where I generally recommend a tour since most people don’t want to drive around an unfamiliar area at 3 AM. You can enjoy a sunrise tour with breakfast, or a sunrise tour and bike down the mountain if you’re feeling adventurous! 

Iao Valley State Park (Maui)

Iao Valley requires reservations for non-resident visitors. Reservations open up to 30 days in advance, entry is $5 per person, and parking is $10 per vehicle.

The park is open 7 AM to 6 PM. While Iao Valley is less competitive than Waianapanapa or Haleakala, time slots still fill up.

Haena State Park & Kalalau Trail (Kauai)

October 2026 update: Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail are closed after Hurricane Lowell, and no reopening date has been announced. Reservations and the shuttle are paused. Check the Hawaii State Parks notices before you plan around this stop. The rules below apply once the park reopens.

Haena State Park is the gateway to the world-famous Kalalau Trail, Ke’e Beach, and some of Hawaii’s most beautiful scenery.

Reservations are required for all out-of-state visitors, whether you are parking, shuttling, or walking in. Haena reservations open 30 days ahead at midnight Hawaii time, and there are three kinds: shuttle with entry, parking with entry, and entry only at $5 per person. Parking spots go first. The shuttle is the easier one to get.

Kalalau Trail permits in particular can be extremely competitive, so book as early as possible.

Even if you don’t plan to hike the entire 11-mile (22-mile total) trail, you need a Haena reservation to go even part of the way.

A day-use reservation covers the first 2 miles to Hanakapiai. To hike past Hanakapiai, you need a Napali Coast camping permit, even for a day hike, and those permits go on sale 90 days in advance. More ideas for the island are in my things to do in Kauai post.

Luau (all islands)

You do not need a permit for a luau, but you do need a booking, and the best seats go first. Book your luau as soon as your travel dates are set.

Hawaii’s top luaus (like Mauka Warriors, Chief’s Luau, and Feast at Mokapu) can sell out days or even weeks in advance. 

Check out the best luau on Maui, the best luau in Oahu, and the best luau in Hawaii blog posts for more recommendations. 

Mama’s Fish House (Maui)

Mama’s Fish House is one of the most popular restaurants in Hawaii, and reservations often fill up months in advance. 

The restaurant is no longer on OpenTable, so book directly with Mama’s Fish House. Lunch tables are usually easier to get than sunset dinner tables.

If you want oceanfront dining with the iconic Mama’s experience, make this one of the first things you schedule. If you’re eating gluten-free in Hawaii, Mama’s can accommodate very well!

Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)

Whether you’re booking the Jurassic Park ATV tour, horseback riding, the Secret Island Beach day, or movie site tours, Kualoa Ranch sells out frequently, especially mid-morning and early afternoon slots.

Book your Kualoa Ranch tour as soon as you know which day you will be on that side of Oahu.

Hawaii Reservations & Booking FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions I get about reservations in Hawaii as a Hawaii Travel Agent. 

Do I need reservations for all Hawaii state parks?

No, most Hawaii state parks do not require reservations. Four Hawaii state parks require advance reservations for out-of-state visitors: Diamond Head on Oahu, Waianapanapa and Iao Valley on Maui, and Haena on Kauai.

Some other state parks charge non-residents an entry and parking fee at the gate with no reservation needed.

How far in advance should I make Hawaii reservations?

It depends on the activity. Pearl Harbor opens 8 weeks in advance, Haleakala sunrise opens 60 days in advance, Diamond Head, Waianapanapa, Iao Valley, and Haena open 30 days in advance, and Hanauma Bay opens 2 days in advance.

Mama’s Fish House takes reservations up to 18 months ahead, and popular luaus can be booked many months out. In general, the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting the time slot you want.

Do I need a reservation for the Road to Hana?

You don’t need a reservation to drive the Road to Hana itself, but you do need one for Waianapanapa State Park, which is one of the most popular stops, just before you get to Hana. Many guided tours also sell out early.

Check out my ultimate guide to the Road to Hana, and guide to the Hana Lava Tube in Maui for Road to Hana tips!

Why do so many Hawaii activities require reservations now?

Hawaii activities require reservations because timed entry limits crowds and protects fragile places like reefs, trails, and small parking lots. Hawaii added most of these reservation systems between 2017 and 2023. The upside for visitors is a less crowded park once you are in.

Do Hawaii residents need reservations?

No. Hawaii residents with a valid state ID or driver’s license do not need reservations for Diamond Head, Waianapanapa, Iao Valley, Haena, or Hanauma Bay, and entry is free.

Everyone needs a reservation for Haleakala sunrise and a ticket for the USS Arizona Memorial program.

What happens if Hawaii reservations are sold out?

If a Hawaii reservation is sold out, check again for cancellations, look for the second release (24 hours ahead for Pearl Harbor, 2 days ahead for Haleakala sunrise), or book a guided tour that includes entry.

Tours to Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, Haleakala, and the Road to Hana usually include the reservation.

Which Hawaii reservation is the hardest to get?

Hanauma Bay and Haena State Park parking are the hardest Hawaii reservations to get, because both sell out within minutes of release. Haleakala sunrise and morning Diamond Head slots come next.

Is there a new Hawaii visitor fee in 2026?

Yes, but visitors do not need to book or pay it separately. Hawaii raised the state hotel tax (the transient accommodations tax) from 10.25 percent to 11 percent on January 1, 2026, and the increase is often called the “green fee”.

The tax is automatically added to your hotel or vacation rental bill. 

Are any Hawaii parks closed right now?

As of October 2026, Kauai state parks including Haena, the Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon, and Kokee are closed after Hurricane Lowell. Parks on Oahu and Maui that need reservations are open. Always check the Hawaii State Parks notices the week before you travel. 

Can you help me plan my Hawaii vacation?

Absolutely! As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I help clients book accommodations, activities, transportation, and flights. I also create a custom itinerary to make things as easy for you as possible. 

More Hawaii planning posts:

• 7 day Maui itinerary
• 7 day Kauai itinerary
• The ultimate guide to Haleakala sunrise in Maui
• The ultimate guide to the Road to Hana
• The 5 best snorkeling locations in Hawaii
• What is the worst time to go to Hawaii?

Reservations you need to make before going to Hawaii

I hope this helped you figure out the reservations you need to make before going to Hawaii. As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I’d love to help you plan your honeymoon or vacation! You can contact me if you’d like more information. 

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