Permits & Reservations

Honokōhau Bay

NPS photo

A permit is required for the following activities:

Activities That Require a Permit in Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP:

Weddings	All weddings, regardless of size, must obtain a special use permit. Maximum group size for wedding ceremonies is 50 people. See the Special Use Permits section.
Large Group Gatherings & Special Events	Gatherings with more than 25 people must obtain a special use permit. Groups can be no larger than 50 people. See the Special Use Permits section.
Filming & Photography	Please see the Filming & Photography section of this page for more information.
Commerical Activities (Business & Non-profit)	To operate a business, profit or non-profit, in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). This includes commerical tours.
First Amendment Activities Over 25 People	Please see the First Amendment section of this page for more information.

Special Use Permits

 

How to Apply for a Permit

1. Complete, sign, and return the Special Use Permit Application (PDF 212 KB) at least ten business days prior to the event. Events with unusual requests will require at least fourteen days and events with potential resource impacts, up to three months for consideration.
2. Read through the Park Conditions for Special Use Permits to make sure your event will be appropriate for the Park. Inappropriate uses will not be authorized.

Conditions for Weddings

1. Weddings are limited to no more than 50 people.

2. Potted plants, dried flower arrangements or other plants with seeds are not permitted.

3. All flowers and flower parts must be removed from the park.

4. Gathering of stones or coral for the construction of ceremonial walkways or to create messages is prohibited.

Contact Information for Special Use Permits

Email Address:
[e-mail]
 

 

Filming & Photography Permits

 

How to Apply for a Filming or Photography Permit

1. Determine if your filming or photography activity falls under the conditions that require a permit (see conditions in drop down menus below).
2. PHOTOGRAPHY:
   1. If your photography activity requires a permit, fill out and submit the Application for Special Use Permit Still Photography [PDF, 689 KB].
3. FILMING:
   1. Provide a written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity.
   2. The Superintendent will review the written notice and may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a Special Use Permit.

Conditions for Filming

The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:

• Outdoor filming activities involving five persons or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras.

 

The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:

• maintain public health and safety;

• protect environmental or scenic values;

• protect natural or cultural resources;

• allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or

• avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request.

The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 10 day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.The following are prohibited:

1. Engaging in a filming activity without providing advance notice to the Superintendent when required or if the Superintendent has notified the organizer in writing that a permit is required.

2. Violating a term and condition of a permit issued under this action. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.

Conditions for Photography

1. The use of props and/or paid actors requires a permit.
2. Wedding and group photography is limited to areas open to the public.

Contact Information for Filming & Photography Permits

Email Address:
[e-mail]

 

 

Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)

To operate a business, profit or non-profit, in Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). All commercial tours that enter the park on a regular basis must have a CUA and are required to pay the commercial tour fee at the entrance station at each visit. The CUA is for commercial services that originate and terminate outside of the boundaries of the park. Activities such as advertising, soliciting, collecting fees or selling goods or services within the park boundaries are strictly prohibited.

Park fees include: $350 for the CUA

To be considered for a CUA you must complete the Commercial Use Authorization Application (PDF 1.05M) in its entirety and submit the completed application with payment to the park.

If you have any questions, please email us. We look forward to working with you and seeing you in the park.

NEW! Video for first time applicants of a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)

First Amendment Area

Groups with up to 25 people may assemble in the designated First Amendment area, located adjacent to the Hale Ho`okipa Visitor Center parking lot. One shade tent may be used at this location.

 

 

Alt Text for First Amendment Area Map

Satellite image of the Kaloko-Honokōhau Visitor Center and parking lot with black bar header at the top of the image and map legend in the bottom left corner.

• Black Bar Header
  • Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Department of the Interior
  • NPS Arrowhead Image
• Legend
  • Red Box shows the First Amendment Area
  • Directional arrow with North at the top of the image
• Satellite map
  • The map shows the parking lot for the visitor center with a path leading up to the visitor center in the middle of the northern portion of the parking lot. At the beginning of the path, on the lefthand side is the first amendment area marked with a red rectangle. The path then continues up to the visitor center.