Waʻahila Ridge State Recreation Area

On a recent long weekend, I got the pup ready and we headed out for a hike. I chose Wa'ahila Ridge Trail and was not disappointed with the experience and views. The entrance to the park is at the top of St Louis Heights, which is accessible from Waialae by driving up or taking the bus to the top. At the cul-du-sac, right left and go right in.The park area has a number of amenities including an ample parking lot, paved picnic table areas that are open to free use, and a remodeled restroom building. The picnic area has shaded views of Manoa Valley. There are also plenty of trash cans for use. This area is covered by tall Captain Cook pine trees, which are equally beautiful and cooling. Being up so high also gives great breezes even on the hottest days down below.For those hiking, the trailhead is at the top of the parking lot, clearly marked with a sign. I'd say this is a moderate trail as certain parts about a mile or two in require scrabbling on rocks. For those less inclined for this, it is still a beautiful trail for a half mile or so that all ages and difficulty levels can do together. A short distance in will bring you to a clearing with the power lines (the trail turns to the left), this area has great views of Manoa Valley, Palolo Valley, and Honolulu beyond although obscured by the power lines. For those going farther in, a number of places along the trail have spectacular views. The trail goes back and fort between open ridge line and shaded trees. Sunscreen, hats, and WATER are necessary on this one even if it doesn't feel hot. The trail is about 3 miles from the parking lot to the "end" where it meets another trail. It is illegal to take this one into the mountains as it is a protected watershed; you can turn left on the steep trail into Manoa Valley. For casual hikers, this in an in-and-out hike (turn around when you need to).There are also opportunities to see rare endemic plants, other flowers, and trees that aren't found at sea level. One note: pig hunting is allowed on Wednesdays and Sundays, including with hunting dogs off leash. It's best to avoid this trail all together on those days with dogs and children. Overall, I highly recommend this trail. It's incredible how such a beautiful walk is so close to the city.

Wow this was a beautiful park to visit. A bit of a drive up st louis heights but once you get there it is definitely a site to see. With all the large trees it makes you feel like you're in the pacific north west but you're still in Hawaii.Parking- there is a nice size parking lot, nicely paved and ample parking for a holiday monday. At the end of the parking lot there is a small hill to drive up for 2 handicap stalls, but one has porta potties in it. Many shaded areas with picnic tables to sit on and enjoy lunch in the park.There are a lot of tress but if you go towards the edge you can get a view of Manoa valley without doing the hikeGo up and towards the right paved path there is a bathroom that is quite clean. No soap so bring your own soap or wipes. Right out side there is a water spout and area to wash your shoes. At the trail beginning there is a spot to brush off your shoes.First time here and definitely would come back to visit and walk around. Enjoy!

This is my 2nd visit to this state park. The parking lot was kind of full and some people with 3 young children walked on foot. We came here with our dog Sam who loves exploring.It is hard to believe that this place exists in St. Louis area. You think of this place as like Hawaii's Yosemite Park with no animals.

I found this hike upon looking at all trails for a dog friendly hike in Honolulu. The park has a large parking lot which is convenient compared to other hikes in Honolulu where you need to street park. The hike starts at a recreation area that has picnic tables and scenery perfect for having a outdoor lunch. We stayed on the main trail all the way to the top where it connected to the longer trail. The trail seemed pretty difficult for a beginner since it included muddy areas and times where you and your dog need to climb rocks. Even though I was dyingggg on the way there the view is a great reward.

Hiking through the Honolulu forest is truly an experience like no other. Everything from the lush greenery and the beautiful island views, to the smell of the forest is unlike anything that I've ever experienced while hiking in California. You can smell and feel the difference. It's that island glow surrounding you that just makes everything feel so different. I actually started on an off trail when I entered the park and ended up connecting to one of the main trails. I didn't take a car here, so I wasn't aware of where the mountain trail began until I had already hiked the other half of the park. The park itself is located high on a hill behind a small residential area. There's a small sign that says "Waahila Ridge" right before you come to a dead end. Make a left on this street, and you'll see the entrance sign. If you continue on the road past the sign, you'll pull up to a recreation area with benches, barbecue pits, and restrooms. Here, you'll also find parking and the beginning of the Mountain trail. Unfortunately, I didn't figure this out until after I had already hiked a few miles through the forest and by this time, I was already too tired to try to conquer the Mount Olympus Trail.If you asked me what trail I took... well, I wouldn't be able to answer that question. I was literally free for alling through the forest, but it was still a beautiful hike. Although it's shaded, it gets really warm up there so water is a must. There are many open spots with beautiful views of the Oahu hills and the Honolulu coastline. These trails are all dirt with large tree roots that have grown through the ground. Be careful passing by the wet spots because they are super muddy and slippery. Not gonna lie... I got a little scared when I was deep in the forest and couldn't find a manmade trail. Don't try and figure it out... just turn that ass back around and stay on the main trail where the other people are. It's not a super busy trail, but there were a few tents around where it looked like homeless people were living in some spots. If you stick to the main trail, it should be fine.And, I cannot cannot CANNOT forget; WEAR BUG REPELLENT! There weren't a ton of bugs around, but I got completely bit up by mosquitos! I usually always wear bug repellent when I'm hiking in the deep forest or near swampy terrains, but I was on vacation mode and completely forgot. The mosquitos here aren't as aggressive as Florida mosquitos, but you'll be itching like a heck a few days later. Come prepared! Also, there's a shoe wash near the restrooms at the recreation site. Wash your shoes before you leave. Not only for the purpose of clean shoes, but also so you don't track the soil from the forest back onto the Island habitat. They are really big on non-contamination here. Overall, it was a beautiful hike even though I didn't get a chance to hike up to Mount Olympus. I would love to return in the future to hike up to the mountain one day.

If you want a change of scenery, this place is pretty cool. We went today around 3p and there were quite a lot of people. There's a nice hike and a variety of benches to sit and have a picnic. It's clean and well kept, the parking is free and with the abundance of pine trees it almost feels like you aren't in Hawai'i anymore. Great place to take the kids and let them run out all their energy.

Near the top of St. Louis, and through a neighborhood of houses, you'll find one of the best hikes on the island. Ample parking, mostly shady hike, good scenic views, can't ask for much more.Definitely one of the "easier" hikes that allow you to go through different environments. Whether that's going down a slope, going through a pine forest, climbing rocks, you get a lot of great scenery in this short little hike. It connects to another hike if you're feeling adventurous but getting near the top and seeing a great view of Manoa was enough for me. I recommend going on this hike when it's dry because when it's wet, you can count of falling on your behind multiple times. The rocks and large tree vines are not very forgiving. But on a nice sunny day, it's an amazing hike!

The Waahila Ridge State Recreation Park and hike was amazing! The entrance to the park is at the top of St. Louis Heights on Ruth St. There is a PARKING LOT inside the park with about 20-25 stalls. Restroom facilities are also available and are well-kept. This trail is connected to "Mount Olympus" whose trailhead begins after the 1.5 hours hike of the Waahila Ridge. As you ascend the ridge, you immediately see views on the right of Palolo valley and Manoa valley to your left. Eventually, you will reach a point where you overlook the greater Honolulu area out toward the back of Diamond Head/Kahala area and even all the way out toward the airport (you can see the runway). The terrain of this trail varied from lots of roots, to big, sturdy rocks. We were informed by the park groundskeeper that it can get muddy and a bit slippery when wet, so just be careful. As a person who goes to the gym about 3-4x per week, I felt this hike was easy overall. Good hike for adults. I would not recommend it for small children, elderly, or people with bad knees!

Ahhhh...fresh breezy air flowing through the magical bristles of a surprising pine tree populated ridge we just like to call, you know - that park in St. Louis! This recreation area and hike are a breath of fresh air from the many other parks on this island. I love coming here just to sit and relax on one of many tables or benches around the parking area.The park in general reminds me of when I used to go camping in the woods of California. I love the pine trees and sense of calm and serenity this place gives off. I have hiked the trail a couple times but never all the way through, yet. Honestly I just like to come up here to clear my mind and get away from the hustle and bustle. If you have never been here I suggest checking this place out for a nice change. It's beautiful!

In 2020, a brush fire scorched below the parks parking lot, which opened up the area. The good part, a panoramic view from Hawaii Kai to Waipahu is visible for now. The sad part, the homeless lost their million dollar view with privacy.