Waʻahila Ridge Trail
Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu
Waahila Ridge

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

[OʻAHU] UPDATED: 5/24/2023 – Kaʻena Point State Park Mokuleʻia Section: During the upcoming three-day holiday weekend, all vehicles need to be out of the park by 7:00 p.m. except for valid permit holders who will not be affected.  Kaʻena Point State Park Keawaʻula Section: All vehicles need to be out of the park by 7:00 p.m. See Kaʻena Announcement for details.

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[MAUI] UPDATED 5/1/23: ʻIao Valley State Monument ha REOPENED. Reservations required for out-of-state residents. See ʻĪao site for updates.

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[O’AHU] UPDATED 5/1/23: Sand Island State Recreation Area – WATER OFFLINE, in the park, facilities impacted. See Sand Island site for updates.

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[HAWAIʻI] UPDATED 5/1/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. See Hapuna site for updates. 

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.