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 and Gathering

Special Use Permit Application for Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

1. Weddings and gatherings 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

More details about filming and permits in parks are available online: Filming & Still Photography Permits (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

Do I need a permit to film, take still photographs, or record audio in a park?

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets all of the following conditions: 

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

Who needs a permit for filming, still photography, or audio recording in parks?

You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any of the following conditions:  

• Occurs in areas open to the public; 
• Uses hand-carried equipment only; 
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;  
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service. 

• If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information. 

I have a permit for an activity. Do I need another permit to film, photograph, or record audio?

No. A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity. 
 

 

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. In addition, management fees will be charged starting in 2026 (see the table below).

Kaloko-Honokohau is now using the NPS online CUA application and reporting system. For assistance, you can watch this this video on how to apply.

If you have any further questions, please email us at [e-mail]. We look forward to working with you and seeing you in the park.


Beginning January 1, 2026, we will be implementing a Market Price Management Fee-based system for Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders. The standard NPS market price gross receipts model will be used to fix these new fees. A Market Price Management Fee will now be charged based upon a percentage of the gross receipts (see table below) earned from business in KAHO and PUHO. The non-refundable $350 application fee will remain the same.

CUA Annual Gross Receipts	CUA Management Fee
<$250,000	3% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
$250,000 to $500,000	4% of gross receipts (minus application fee)
>$500,000	5% of gross receipts (minus application fee)

 

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.

First Amendment Activities Application

 

 

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.