Waʻahila Ridge Trail
Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu
Waahila Ridge

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[O’AHU] UPDATE 3/30/26

Kaʻena Point State Park, Mākua-Keawaʻula Section: CLOSED due to flooding and collapsed road on Farrington Highway.

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Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokulēʻia Section: CLOSED due to saturated and eroded roads.

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Ahupuaʻa O Kahana State Park and Camping REOPEN this weekend.

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[MAU’I] UPDATE 3/30/26

Waiʻānapanapa State Park : Currently CLOSED to parking, park entry, tent camping, camper van camping and all cabin reservations, anticipated REOPEN on March 31st.

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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.

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Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice. Parking and entry CLOSED until April 26.

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Kaumahina State Wayside CLOSED.

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/25/26

Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.

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Kiholo State Park Reserve: Road CLOSED to vehicles due to erosion until further notice, pedestrian access remains opened. Camping remains CLOSED.

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Lapakahi State Historical Park: CLOSED until further notice due to unsafe trails and water bars.

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[KAUAʻI] 3/24/26

Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.

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Kalalau trail OPENED. 

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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

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[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

Waʻahila Ridge Trail

    ‹ ›
    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.