New website launched as guide to explore Hawai‘i’s state lands, beaches, coastal waters

The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ jurisdiction encompasses nearly 1.3 million acres of state lands, beaches and coastal waters as well as 750 miles of coastline. And now, Hawai‘i residents and visitors alike can easily find those spots on a newly launched website.

The Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i site includes state parks, historical sites, natural area reserves and forest reserves, aquatic life, bird and wildlife sanctuaries, public fishing areas, boating, ocean recreation, and coastal programs, game management areas and public hunting areas.

“Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i is a one-stop user-friendly website designed to help residents, visitors, and commercial operators find and apply for permits, licenses and reservations,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. “The site is a great way to virtually explore the unique and varied cultural and natural resources of Hawai‘i, including relevant information about respecting our cultural sites, pono fishing practices, and permits that are required for commercial operations.”

Lila Loos, DLNR’s information technology chief said the activity-focused navigation and imagery will work in concert with existing DLNR systems and feature direct pathways to the

“This first step of our ambitious multiyear effort provides the foundation for consolidating and modernizing disparate and aging DLNR digital assets,” Loos added.

The consolidated website development was required by the passage of Act 182 by the Hawai‘i State Legislature on July 3, 2023.

Today’s launch of the site completes Phase I of the project.

“With our planned Year 2 and Year 3 efforts, additional improvements and services will be made available online to improve the application and permitting experience,” said Loos.