The Incredibly Unique Park That's Right Here In Hawaii's Own Backyard
By Megan Shute|Published June 24, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to more natural beauty than any other American state – or at least that’s what we’d like to think. Around every turn, you will find panoramic vistas, picturesque parks, and endless opportunities to explore. And while we love all of Hawaii’s incredible parks, there is one incredibly unique area that certainly stands out in a crowd: Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area.
Quite literally found in Honolulu’s backyard, this forested park overlooks Manoa and Palolo Valleys - as well as the city of Honolulu.
Set above the Saint Louis Heights amidst a towering forest of Cook Island pines is a park unlike any other you’ll find across the Hawaiian Islands: this slice of paradise is breezy, shady, quiet, and quite scenic.
...or take on Mount Olympus. The official Wa’ahila Ridge Trail is a 2.5-mile hike takes you on a journey along the ridge, with plenty of elevation gain, before ending at the back of Manoa and Palolo valleys.
From here, many opt to take the unofficial trail to the summit of Mount Olympus, though we don’t necessarily recommend this: the trail is in a restricted watershed area, gains approximately 800 feet in elevation over a half-mile, and is narrow, steep, and slippery - especially after it has rained.
With panoramic views, awesome picnic spots, and an epic hiking trail, you could spend all day enjoying the natural beauty this picturesque forest in Honolulu’s backyard has to offer.
