Marine protected areas (MPAs) are one of the most popular forms of marine conservation in the last few decades due to their adaptability to different environments, flexible management frameworks and theoretically positive conservation benefits. Few MPAs actually meet those expectations, falling under the tag “paper parks” thus leading to the continued degradation of marine environments; however, some MPAs have been exceptional examples of how MPAs should operate. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands has been a protected area in various forms for roughly 103 years and has long held a sacred place in Native Hawaiian culture. While many MPAs fail to adequately incorporate indigenous communities and culture into their MPA management framework, Papahānaumokuākea has shown resilience in its ability to have an inclusive management system that has helped meet conservation goals for this region. Through historical analysis of legislation, Native Hawaiian text, scholarly articles and the MPA’s reports, Papahānaumokuākea’s successes can be itemized into criteria that other MPAs can use to accomplish similar conservation goals in their regions. MPA management frameworks are not a one-size-fits-all solution and by creating an adaptable criteria list that has been successful in Papahānaumokuākea and allowing other MPAs throughout the world to utilize it, other MPAs would benefit by protecting the oceans, promoting equitable management processes, and achieving the 30 by 30 initiative effectively as set forth by the United Nations.