Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area
Photo Credit: DUDEK

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit.

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[KAUA’I]  - 1/6/26: Kalalau Trail, Nāpali Coast SWP remains CLOSED due to potential flood conditions.  

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[OʻAHU] 1/5/26 - Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permits available now: kaenasups.ehawaii.gov. All applicants must create a NEW account and apply as a new applicant.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATE 12/15/25 — Ka‘ena Point State Park: Mokulē‘ia Section Vehicle Access Gate is temporarily CLOSED due to saturated road conditions.

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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.

Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area

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    Hours

    Summer: 7:00am to 7:45pm

     

    Winter: 7:00am to 6:45pm

     

    Summer Hours Begin on April 1st

    Winter Hours Begin the Day After Labor Day
    Entrance Fee None

    Description

    Enjoy picnicking along the wooded shore of Wahiawa Reservoir (a.k.a. Lake Wilson). Year-round shore and boat fishing.  Check with the State DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources for applicable fishing restrictions. No swimming or water skiing. Boating is only for fishing purposes. Boat ramp at the park.

    History of Past Planning Efforts

    The Wahiawa Freshwater Park Master Plan, which laid out the building blocks for development of the current park, was prepared in 1975. Construction of the park was completed in 1978.

    To view the master plan report, Click Here —> Wahiawa Fresh Water Park Master Plan

    To view images of the current park, Click Here —> Wahiawa FWSRA Images and Overview

    In 2019, the University of Hawai‘i Community Design Center (UHCDC) completed the Lake Wilson: Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area Study and Proof‐of‐Concept Design Report. UHCDC has played an instrumental role in informing preliminary discussions about the park’s future and increasing community awareness about the potential for Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area. Innovative ideas for the redesign of the park envisioned comprehensive redevelopment across the property, with a fishing lodge for overnight accommodations, 750-seat outdoor amphitheater, disc golf course, piers, and boardwalks for shoreline fishing access, and wetland restoration and drainage improvements to support water quality. Although this report does not represent State Parks’ authorized plans for future park developments, it provides a good framework for community involvement and awareness of the potential for innovations in park improvements.

    We would like to acknowledge that UHCDC was the recipient of a 2021 Honor Award in the Research and Communication category from the Hawaii Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects for the work represented by their 2019 report. A link to view the report is below.

    To view the report, Click Here —> UHCDC Conceptual Plan Page