Manuka Nature Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports before your park •

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[KAUA’I] - UPDATE 3/11/25: Kalalau trail, Nāpali Coast SWP has REOPENED for DAY HIKING ONLY as far as Hanakapi'ai Falls.  Stream flooding has subsided, but the trail has been compromised further out due to heavy rain and runoff, with impassable sections.   Emergency repairs will be undertaken at the earliest convenience, and the trail will be reopened as soon as it is deemed safe, which we expect to be within days.

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[MAUI] UPDATE 3/4/25 - Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Beginning April 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025 the park, cabin campgrounds and access road to Polipoli Forest Reserve will be closed due to tree mitigation work. 

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 2/7/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Full park closures have commenced Tuesdays through Fridays beginning March 4 to March 14, and April 1 to April 11. Full park closures will also occur Monday through Thursday April 14 to April 17.  Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM occur on Monday’s during these dates. Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will resume again Monday through Friday, (excluding weekends and holidays) on April 21.   Normal park hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume during Spring Break March 17 to March 28, Good Friday Holiday on April 18, and Weekends.  The project began January 6, 2025, and will run to July 25, 2025, or upon completion of the rock fall mitigation construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. During Partial park closures from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the last reservation time slot for Parking and Entry and Entry Only will be 12:00 p.m. If you reserved at 12:00 p.m., you must enter the Park no later than 12:30 p.m. or you will be denied entry. Please check back for updates.

 

Manuka Nature Trail

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    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.