Waʻahila Ridge Trail
Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu
Waahila Ridge

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

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

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[STATEWIDE] 3/9/26 – A potentially 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.   Please check back frequently for storm closure updates.

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[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.

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[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 The 2024-2025 Purple decals are no longer valid.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.

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[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.

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[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.

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.