Manuka Nature Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

[O’AHU] UPDATE 3/20/26

Due to severe weather conditions, all State Parks on the islands of Oʻahu will be closed effective immediately Friday, March 20, 2026, through at least Sunday March 22, 2026. This closure includes all camping, hiking trails, halls, pavilions, and planned events to ensure the safety of the public. Closures will remain in effect until damage assessments are completed.

[MAU’I] UPDATE 3/19/26

Waiʻānapanapa State Park : Waiʻānapanapa State Park remains closed to parking, park entry, tent camping, campervan camping, and all cabin reservations. All reservations from Monday, March 23 through Sunday, March 30, 2026, have been cancelled, and closures will be extended as needed based on current conditions with no electricity, and water restrictions.

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are closed until further notice due to storm impacts on access road.

Iao Valley State Monument: Closed till March 30, tentative date to re-open on March 31st.

Makena Beach State Park: Open for business.

[KAUAʻI] UPDATE 3/18/26 - The Kalalau trail will be open tomorrow morning, 3-19-26. 

[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/18/26

East Hawaii – All parks open

West Hawaii:

Kealakekua State Historical Park – Open

Manuka Wayside – Open

Kekaha Kai (Manini Owali & mahai’ula Sections) – Park Open / Water Clear

Kiholo State Park Reserve – Camping Closed due to hazardous trees above campground *Waiting for Contractor to respond / Day Use is open to the public.

Hapuna/Waialea SRA – Park Open / Water clear

Lapakahi State Historical Park – Park Open to look out / Trails closed to debris and water bar damage.

[KAUAʻI] UPDATE 3/16/26 - Polihale State Park closed until further notice due to mud and debris removal. Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site closed for construction. Kōkeʻe State Park, Waimea Canyon State Park, and Wailua River State Park is open. Hāʻena State Park - Day use and overnight campers allowed to enter for the day. Overnight campers not allowed to go past Hanakapiai Valley, only to Hanakapiai Falls. A sign will be posted on the trail after Hanakapiai beach heading to Kalalau.

[HAWAIʻI] UPDATE  3/5/26 – ʻAKAKA FALLS STATE PARK: Dept. of Water Supply shut off water in the area until further notice affecting the park.

[O‘AHU] UPDATE  3/4/26 - KA‘ENA POINT STATE PARK, MOKULE‘IA SECTION, VEHICLE ACCESS GATE [UPDATE 3/12 - temporarily closed due to storm]. You need the 2026 Gold decal adhered to the rear of your vehicle to enter the park, the accompanying permit account provides access to the gate combination online. The 2024-2025 Purple decals are no longer valid. Apply for a 2026 Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permit here. All applicants must create a NEW account and apply as a new applicant. We are experiencing significant delays in processing, we appreciate your continued patience. Vehicle access dirt road repairs are occurring to stabilize severe erosion, and armor problem areas with aggregate to reduce erosion and puddling, and improve road stability.

[KAUAʻI, OʻAHU, HAWAIʻI] 2/10/26 – Wailua River State Park (Kauaʻi), Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park (Oʻahu), Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (Hawaiʻi): All commercial kayak operators must apply for a Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application, each kayak vessel requires a registered decal. Visit State Parks Permits page here and download and mail in the Rental Vessel Special Use Permit – Commercial Application.

[ALL ISLANDS] UPDATE – 12/12/25: Camping - Reservations for February 1, 2026 and beyond available at https://explore.ehawaii.gov, please create an account on Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi to make a camping reservation.

Manuka Nature Trail

Trail Length 2 mile loop
Activity Pedestrian
Difficulty Moderate
Terrain Cool, Forested
Elevation Gain 400 ft
Park Name Manukā State Wayside

Description

Manukā Nature Trail is located in the Manukā Natural Area Reserve, but accessed via the adjacent Manukā State Wayside. The trail takes hikers through a forest of native Hawaiian plants and animals. It offers an experience in Hawaiian natural history, featuring lava flows of different ages, a pit crater, cultural sites and native and non-native species of plants and animals. Bring plenty of water. Mosquitoes are prevalent. Allow 2-3 hours to complete the loop.

Route

The trailhead is located just off the parking lot – follow the signs to the start of the trail. The pit crater is at the top of the loop, after which you will begin descending back toward the trailhead.

Directions

Trailhead within Manukā State Wayside. Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11), 19.3 miles west of Na’alehu.

Additional Info

  • Mountain biking is not allowed on this trail.
  • Stay on the trail.
  • Pack out at least what you pack in.
  • No open fires.