Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area
Photo Credit: DUDEK

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor weather reports before your park visit!

•

[HAWAI\'I] - UPDATE 6/17/25: West Hawai’i Island Parks to Close Early on 4th of July Holiday. To prevent unauthorized use of fireworks on the 4th of July, and the potential for wildfire, three west side parks will close early on that day. Park visitors must exit these dry, leeward parks by 5pm, when the gates will be locked. The parks affected include Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, including Waialea Beach section, Kīholo State Park Reserve, and Kekaha Kai State Park (both the Mahaiʻula and Maniniʻōwali sections). The public is reminded that fireworks are prohibited at all times, in all Hawaiʻi State Parks.

•
[MOLOKA’I] - UPDATE 6/16/25: Pala’au State Park Pavilion: Due to continued renovation work, the pavilion closure has been extended from June 1 to July 31. The Pala’au Camping Area has been CLOSED from June 1 to July 31, 2025.

•

[MAUI] UPDATED 5/23/25 – Mākena State Park - State Parks is issuing an Invitation for Bids (“IFB”) to qualified parties interested in a Mobile Food Truck Concession Agreement to operate a Mobile Food Truck (“MFT”) Concession at Mākena State Park. More information may be obtained on the following link: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/invitation-for-bid-for-sealed-bid-proposal-to-provide-a-mobile-food-truck-concession-at-makena-state-park-on-maui/.

•

[OʻAHU] UPDATED 5/21/25 – Diamond Head State Monument (DHSM): Updated June Operating Hours - The rockfall mitigation project began January 6, 2025 and will run until September 5, 2025 or upon completion of the construction project at the Kahala Tunnel. Please check the Diamond Head State Monument website for updated park operation hours during this time.

•

[KAUAʻI] - UPDATE 3/21/25: Pā‘ula‘ula State Historic Site - Due to construction improvements, the park closure will begin starting March 24 until further notice.

Wahiawā Freshwater State Recreation Area

    ‹ ›
    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

    Park Improvements

    Improvements are already underway for the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area! Design is in progress for a new 25-stall parking area, new sitting areas and rain shelters, and educational signage highlighting the natural and cultural resources within the park. Construction of this is anticipated to begin in early 2022.

    A public planning process to identify additional improvements is also in progress. The outcome of this process will be a conceptual site plan that will be used to prioritize investments in facilities and park management over the next 7-10 years.

    To view the Open House information circulated in May 2022 , Click Here —> Virtual Open House LINK

    Comments received from the May 2022 open house event are being used to gauge the community’s reactions to the preliminary ideas and provide direction to refine and prioritize future improvements. A draft conceptual site plan is expected to be completed in Summer 2023, with preparation of an environmental assessment in early 2024.

    Opportunity for public input on the draft conceptual site plan will follow as part of the environmental review process. This includes future advisory committee meetings and a presentation to the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board during preparation of the environmental assessment.