ʻUalakaʻa Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit.

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[STATE PARKS] — UPDATE 11/19/25: Upcoming Parking Fees at Select State Parks -Starting soon, Hawai'i State Parks will begin implementing parking fees for visitors at four high-use parks: [KAUA'I] Wailua River State Park, [O'AHU] Pu'u 'U'ala Ka'a State Wayside, [HAWAI'I] Kekaha Kai State Park, and Wailuku River State Park. These changes will support ongoing maintenance, cultural and natural resource protection, and improved visitor services. Additional details, including official start dates and rates, will be shared in the coming weeks.

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[KAUA'I] - 11/14/25: THE KALALAU TRAIL has REOPENED.

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[OʻAHU] – UPDATE 11/12/25: Kaʻena Point State Parks - Mokuleʻia Section – Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permits: We anticipate Ka’ena applications to open at the end of December 2025.

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[OʻAHU] – UPDATE 10/3/25: Sand Island State Recreation Area – Comfort stations are CLOSED until further notice due to a transformer issue impacting the pump. Portable toilets are available at each comfort station. Camping has continued to be CLOSED for construction from August 30th, 2025 to December 31, 2025. 

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[O’AHU] - UPDATE 9/10/25: Mālaekahana State Recreation Area-Kahuku Section - State Parks is issuing a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals for parties interested in developing campgrounds. More info: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/malaekahana-state-recreation-area-rfq-rfp-2026/

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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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[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.

ʻUalakaʻa Trail

[OAHU] UPDATED 2/10/23 - PUʻU UʻALA KAʻA SWS is CLOSED due to power outages and no water.

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    Trail Length 0.53 miles
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Easy
    Terrain Forested
    Elevation Gain 400 ft
    Park Name Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside

    Route

    The trail begins in Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Wayside. It is a short loop through thick forest canopy. At the uphill end of the trail you come to a 4-way intersection with Makiki Valley, Moleka, and Maunalaha Trails. There is a system trail map at this intersection. This is a good family trail.

    Directions

    Proceed uphill on Round Top Drive. At a hairpin turn, look for Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Wayside on the left. Drive into the State Park looking for the trailhead sign at the end of the first curve of the road. Continue up the road to the parking area, then walk back down the road to the trailhead.

    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.