ʻUalakaʻa Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

[HAWAIʻI] 3/12/26 - Camping has been closed at the following areas due to the approaching storm and predicted heavy winds and rain: Kalopa and Kiholo. Kiholo has been experiencing strong winds (25 – 30 mph) since yesterday 3/11/26 evening. Wailoa SRA will also be closing the pavilions. As of this morning, all parks remain open until further notice.

[STATEWIDE] UPDATE 3/11/26 – A severe storm is expected to bring flooding rain, high winds, and thunderstorms to most of the State from Late Tuesday through the weekend.  Multiple park area closures are anticipated.    As of 3/9/26, Kalalau Trail, Nāpali Coast SWP, Kauaʻi is CLOSED until further notice.  Polihale State Park, Kauaʻi is CLOSED until further notice, Kōkeʻe State Park camping will be suspended as of Tuesday, 3/10.  On Oʻahu, Kaʻena Point, Mokulēʻia permitted vehicle access will be suspended as of Tuesday, 3/10.   All campsites on the islands of Oʻahu and Maui are closed as of 3/11.   \"Iao Valley State Monument, Maui is CLOSED as of 3/11.  Please check back frequently for storm closure updates.

[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: Will REOPEN today. 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 The 2024-2025 Purple decals are no longer valid.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.

ʻUalakaʻa Trail

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.