Waʻahila Ridge Trail
Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu
Waahila Ridge

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

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[HAWAI’I] - UPDATE 8/22/25: Recruiting for a Park Maintenance Supervisor II – Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. More information at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hawaii/jobs/5019812-0/park-maintenance-supervisor-ii-kailua-kona-hawaii
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[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 8/29/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion and camping is CLOSED until further notice. 

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[OʻAHU] - 7/25/25:  Sand Island State Recreation Area – Camping will be CLOSED for construction from August 30th, 2025 – December 31, 2025.

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[KAUA’I] - 7/11/25:  VISITORS TO WAIMEA CANYON AND KŌKEʻE STATE PARKS CAUTIONED TO EXPECT DELAYS AND LIMITED PARKING.  

Beginning July 14, 2025, Waimea Canyon Lookout with be closed for construction of safety improvements through early December, 2025.  This closure, in addition to several overlapping roadwork projects by both DOT-Highways and DLNR-State Parks, will cause delays, impact traffic patterns, and restrict overall parking capacity in these two popular parks through the end of the year.  DOT work is continuing on Waimea Canyon Drive, while work on portions of Kōkeʻe Road from the Kalalau Lookout to Puʻu o Kila lookout will be starting the same week.  Visitors can drive as far as the Kalalau Lookout, where improvements will also be initiated on July 17, with limited parking available.  We urge patience and driving with care as these various improvements are ongoing.  Local visitors are encouraged to enjoy these parks and lookouts on weekends, when most work will be suspended. Waimea Canyon Lookout will be closed for the duration of the project including weekends.

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[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.

Waʻahila Ridge Trail

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    Trail Length 2.4 miles
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Moderate to Difficult
    Terrain Dry, Mountainous, Partly Native Forest
    Elevation Gain 500 ft
    Park Name Waʻahila Ridge State Recreation Area

    Description

    This ridge hike originates in Wa‘ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, and offers great views and viewing of native forest and birdlife.

    Route

    The trail begins at the back of Wa‘ahila Ridge State Recreation Area within ironwood and guava trees. It traverses alternately between open ridge and forest as it gradually ascends up the ridge between Manoa and Palolo Valleys. It offers spectacular views of Manoa Valley, Palolo Valley, Honolulu and the Ko‘olau Range. Native Hawaiian plants are common along the upper portions of this trail, including koa and ‘ohia lehua. This trail can also be a good place to observe the native birds amakihi and apapane. This trail ends at an intersection with Kolowalu Trail. Do not go up to the summit beyond the Kolowalu/Wa‘ahila junction – it is a Restricted Watershed Area. You may continue down Kolowalu Trail, which descends steeply down into the back of Manoa Valley.

    Directions

    From Waialae Avenue, proceed up St. Louis Drive. Wind up the road, turning right on Peter St. near the top. At the end of Peter (at the cul-de-sac), turn left on Ruth St., continuing into Wa‘ahila Ridge State Recreation Area. Park in the provided parking lot and follow trailhead signs.

    Additional Info

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