Nāpau
Hawai'i Volcanoes Backcountry · Hawaii
Nāpau is one of the permitted entry points in Hawai'i Volcanoes Backcountry on recreation.gov. Its current demand score is 7/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.
When permits are released
75% of each backcountry site's capacity opens on a rolling 3-month window (published as 90 days), advancing each morning at 7:00 AM Hawai'i time (10:00 AM Pacific during PDT). The remaining 25% is held for in-person walk-up permits 7 days before entry and is never bookable online. Quota applies year-round.
Demand
Easy to get (7/100)
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in this area.
Popular trails nearby
- Napau Crater via Napau Trail - 4.7 on AllTrails
- Hilina Pali and Halapé - 4.6 on AllTrails
- Ka'aha Trail to Ka'aha Campsite and Hilina Pali Trail Loop - 4.6 on AllTrails
- Apua Point via Puna Kau Trail - 4.5 on AllTrails
- Keauhou Trail - 4.5 on AllTrails
Frequently asked questions
When do Nāpau permits open?
75% of each backcountry site's capacity opens on a rolling 3-month window (published as 90 days), advancing each morning at 7:00 AM Hawai'i time (10:00 AM Pacific during PDT). The remaining 25% is held for in-person walk-up permits 7 days before entry and is never bookable online. Quota applies year-round. Check the recreation.gov page for the exact on-sale details for your dates.
What if my dates are sold out?
Cancellations happen all season as plans change. Add Nāpau to a trip window on Permit Ranger and you get an instant alert the moment a date you need opens back up.
How competitive is Nāpau?
The live demand score is 7/100. Odds of catching an opening are good - most dates stay bookable.
Does Permit Ranger book the permit for me?
No. Permit Ranger never books on your behalf. When a watched date opens, you get an alert with a direct link so you can book it yourself on recreation.gov.
Nearby passes
- ʻĀpua Point - 8 mi away
- Keauhou - 9 mi away
- Halapē - 10 mi away
- Ka‘aha - 13 mi away
- Great Crack - 21 mi away
Book on recreation.gov · All Hawai'i Volcanoes Backcountry passes · Hawai'i Volcanoes Backcountry permit guide