Wa'ahila Ridge Trail
Image Credit D Smith|https://www.flickr.com/photos/dfsmith/3241649434/
Image Credit D Smith
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Address Ruth Pl, Honolulu, HI 96822
 
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Popular, 2.4 mile long trail close to Waikiki.
Features
• General: Cost: Free • General: Photo Opportunity • General: State Park • Hiking: Hiking • Hiking: Length: 2-3 Miles
• Hiking: Level: Moderate • Hiking: Minor Elevation Changes • Hiking: Out & Back Trail • Hiking: Ridge Hike • Sightseeing: Great Views
The Wa'ahila Ridge Trail is a 2.4 mile long (each way), out and back style hiking trail in the Honolulu area of O'ahu. The trail begins in Wa'ahila Ridge State Park and is easy to access, see our map / directions page for exact location. You'll find a parking lot in Wa'ahila Ridge State Park and the trailhead is right next to it.

Image credit: D Smith

The trail switches between open ridge and forest and gradually ascends around 500 feet up the ridge between Palolo Valley and Manoa Valley. There are some spectaculars views of the valleys, Honolulu, and the Ko'olau Mountains. This is a popular trail so don't expect to be alone on this one.

Image credit: D Smith

The trail ends when it connects with the Kolowalu Trail. At that point you can head to your left and be on the Kolowalu Trail trail and enjoy a longer hike (though you'll still need to turn around and come back the same way you came from).

Image credit: Google

At that same junction, there is another trail called the Mount Olympus Awaawaloa Trail (or just Mount Olympus Trail) but this trail is off limits (and in a restricted watershed area) so you'll want to stop at the end of the Wa'ahila Ridge Trail as the signs instruct you to do. The Mount Olympus Awaawaloa Trail goes for another 3 miles or so and is a very dangerous trail and should not be attempted.

Early Hawaiians used this trail to access the summit of Mt. Olympus and to cut wood, collect plants, and catch birds. Those tall trees in the beginning are Cook Pines (see The History of Captain James Cook) and were planted here in 1931 for reforestation. After the pines you may find some Strawberry Guava Trees which are quite tasty when ripe (usually August to September). Many people know this so you may not see any berries left. Of course, if you don't know for sure what you're eating then don't eat it! On that safety note, be sure to read Hiking Safety & Essentials as well.