New Kapapala Forest Reserve Access System Apps
We are excited to introduce the new Kapāpala Forest Reserve Access System, an enhanced platform designed to make requesting, managing, and using access to the Kaʻū and Kapāpala Forest Reserves easier and more efficient.
The new system is divided into two connected components: the Web App and the iOS App. Both components use the same secure account and access information, allowing users to choose the option that works best for them.
New Web App Overview (July 2026)
The Web App can be accessed through a standard internet browser on a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Through the Web App, users can:
- Apply for a Kapāpala Forest Reserve Access Account
- Maintain personal, vehicle, and emergency contact information
- Request access to an available entry point
- Review current, future, and past access requests
- View gate conditions, operating hours, and important notices
- Manage account and password information
The Web App also provides administrative tools that allow authorized staff to efficiently review account applications, manage access requests, update gate information, monitor activity, and maintain the overall system.
New App Information
How to Use the Kapāpala Forest Reserve Access System
The Kapāpala Forest Reserve Access System can be accessed in two ways:
iPhone (iOS) Users
Download and use the dedicated Kapāpala Forest Reserve Access app from the App Store.
IMPORTANT: Before using the iPhone app, you must first create or upgrade your account through the Web Portal. Once your account is set up, you can sign in to the iPhone app using the same email address and password.
All Other Users — Android, Windows & Mac Computer
Use the Kapāpala Forest Reserve Access Web Portal through any standard internet browser on a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Both the iPhone app and Web Portal provide the same core access features. You can:
- Apply for a Kapāpala Forest Reserve Access Account
- Maintain your personal, vehicle, and emergency contact information
- Request access through available entry points
- Review current, upcoming, and past access requests
- View gate conditions, operating hours, and important notices
- Manage your account and password
The Web Portal also includes administrative tools that enable gate management staff to review account applications more efficiently, manage access requests, update gate information, monitor system activity, and maintain the overall access system.
Current User Rollover
Your account as been transferred to our new system, but must be updated. If may be deleted if this is not done by Sept. 1.
Your first sign-in may take a few minutes. Thank you for your patience
Go here and enter your email. Choose to reset your password. If you do not get a reset link, please make a new account.
You'll be guided through a few quick steps:
- Create or reset your password.
- Enter your contact information.
- Confirm your mailing address.
- Choose your preferred gate.
- Add an emergency contact.
- Select your notification device.
- Upload your photo ID (if needed).
- Review and accept the Kapāpala Forest Reserve access rules.
Most users complete activation in just a few minutes.
If you didnʻt get or canʻt find the email just go here
There are some helpful directions at the bottom of this page if you are having trouble. Or reach out to us at operations@kapapalaranch.com
Do you struggle with technology?
The majority of users will not use this but if you struggle wtih tech, go here for some SUPER simple, basic step by step instructions. Hopefully this will get you through. If not, reach out at operations@kapapalaranch.com and weʻll get your through. Please donʻt call Lani for gate codes.
What Are the Changes?
What Stays the Same
- Open gate times are Honanui & Wood Valley: 6:00 AM, ʻĀinapō: 4:30 AM
- Access requests must still be submitted by 10:00 PM the night before your planned entry.
What is Different
- Sign in to your account using the iPhone app or the web portal with your email address and password.
- You will receive your gate code in your web portal. No more text messages.
- You no longer need to remember your Access ID—just the password you create. If you forget it, you can easily reset it.
- Gate code requests are now submitted directly through your account.
- You will no longer receive a text message confirming that your gate request was submitted. Instead, you can view the status of all your requests in your account, including approved, upcoming, and past requests.
- You can cancel a gate request at any time. This is especially helpful if your plans change or if you accidentally request access through the wrong gate and need to submit a new request.
Whatʻs Cool
- iPhone app users can view their gate codes directly in the app as soon as they become available at the normal gate opening times.
- This means you'll no longer have to rely solely on receiving a text message to access your gate code.
- An Android app is currently in development. Until then, Android users access their gate codes using the web portal.
Using a Flip Phone?
You'll continue using a computer, tablet, or another internet-connected device to submit your gate access requests, just as you do today. Simply sign in to your account through the new web portal and submit your request using the updated form.
Your gate code will still be sent to your flip phone by text message, just as it is today.
As we roll out the new system, we're still finalizing the process for flip phone users. Starting in September, after the transition period, requests will be handled manually by our staff, so please submit your gate access request at least two days in advance. This is different from the standard 10:00 PM the night before deadline for users of the app or web portal. We appreciate your patience as we work to make this process as smooth as possible.
How does it all Work?
New Users
After you have read our public access page, please go to a link below to create an account.
iPhone/iPad users
AFTER setting up your account in the Web App, download the App from the App Store. Search for Kapapala Forest Reserve Access or use this link https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kapapala-forest-reserve-access/id6786978124
Android, Tablet, Computer users and initial iphone set up
This web app will work on your desktop or Android based phone. https://kapapalaforestreserveaccesssystem.netlify.app
Access Requirements
Computer, Tablet or Smart Phone
Computer, Tablet or Smart Phone
Users need an email to create an account - just like with our current system. Several free email services are available if you donʻt have an email.
Computer, Tablet or Smart Phone
Computer, Tablet or Smart Phone
Computer, Tablet or Smart Phone
Accounts and requests can be generated on our web app with many wifi devices. Texts can still be received on flip type phones.
Government ID
Computer, Tablet or Smart Phone
Government ID
Current Driver License, Passport, Military ID etc.
The Web App and iOS App work together as one connected access-management system. Information submitted through either component is synchronized, helping users and administrators work from the same current information.
This new system is intended to improve communication, reduce our costs, strengthen access controls, reduce manual processing, and provide a more reliable experience for everyone using the Kapāpala Forest Reserve.
We are excited to begin rolling out this enhanced system and appreciate your cooperation as we transition to the new platform.
Instructional Guides
Please find instructional guides on how to use the apps.
How to Submit an Access Request (iPhone App) (pdf)
DownloadHow To Receive a Gate Code in the App (pdf)
DownloadHow to cancel an existing request (pdf)
DownloadHow to submit an access request (Computer) (pdf)
DownloadRegistering for an account (pdf)
DownloadHow to update your personal information in the Access System (pdf)
DownloadThis website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.