ʻUalakaʻa Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before you park

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[MOLOKA\'I] - UPDATE 3/24/25: Pala'au State Wayside Park Pavilion: Due to demolition and renovation work, the pavilion will be closed from March 25 to May 31.

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[OʻAHU] - UPDATE 3/24/25: The Nu'uanu Pali State Wayside is closed indefinitely due to police activity in the area.  Please avoid the area until further notice.

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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.

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[OʻAHU] - UPDATE 3/18/25: Mauna ʻAla, Royal Mausoleum State Monument will be undergoing improvements that may temporarily prevent vehicular access. Please check the Royal Mausoleum State Monument website for updates.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 3/18/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Full Park Closures will occur Tuesdays through Fridays beginning April 1 to April 11 and also Monday through Thursday April 14 to April 17.  Partial Park Closures Hours with operating hours from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM will occur on Monday April 7 during this time, and will resume from April 21 onwards Monday through Friday, (except weekends and holidays).   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. During Partial Park Closures Hours 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. 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. Please check back for updates.

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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. 

ʻUalakaʻa Trail

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

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.