Special use permits are required for certain activities including, but not limited to: group use, use of pavilions, meetings, weddings, shows, community events, scientific research, and gathering of forest products. Each special use permit shall be considered on its own merit and must be compatible with the functions and purposes of each individual area.

Special use permit requests must be submitted at least 45 days before the requested date of use. For more information, contact the district office on where the park is located.

Permits can be obtained at any district office of the Division of State Parks with the following exceptions:
                                                   
All permits for Kaka'ako Waterfront Park and Kewalo Basin Park on O'ahu are obtained through the Hawai'i Community Development Authority (HCDA). Call (808) 587-2870 for information.

Permits are required for groups of 26 or more picnickers or other day users. Permits may be issued for hours between 7:00am and midnight of the same day except for park areas that are normally closed before midnight.

Minors below the age of 18 who stay beyond 7:00pm must have adult supervision of 1 responsible adult for every 10 or fewer minors.

Regardless of group size, permits are required for use of the pavilions at the following park areas:

• Wailoa River State Recreation Area, Hawai'i
• He'eia State Park, O'ahu
• Koke'e State Park, Kaua'i
• Polihale State Park, Kaua'i

Permits are issued Monday through Friday, except State holidays. Permits can be obtained by persons18 years or older. To inquire about permit availability, you may call one of the district offices, M-F, 8am 3:30pm, HST (2-3 hours earlier than the West Coast).

Applications must include the following information:

1. Name, address, and phone number of applicant. If applicant represents an organization, include the name of the organization and business phone number.
2. Number of persons in the party.
3. Type of permit being requested (i.e. group use, scientific research, etc.).
4. Date, time (for group use and pavilion permits), duration, and place of the proposed event.

Permit applications may be submitted no earlier than 1 year in advance. Applications may be submitted to the Division of State Parks in writing, or at the counter of any district office. A permit will be issued to you at the district office. In the case of mail-in applicants, the permit can be either mailed to you or held at the appropriate district office for pick up. If you would like the permit mailed to you, please include a self addressed, stamped envelope.

The permit and acceptable identification must be brought to the park and shall upon request, be shown to law enforcement officers and other authorized personnel.

The district office must be notified of cancellations prior to the date of the proposed event and the permit must be returned to the district office. Permits are not transferable.