Wa'ahila Ridge Hike (Optional to Mt. Olympus)

One of the ridge hikes closer to Waikiki, this trail offers a full of fun and great scenery traversing alternately between open ridge and forest. The ridge is located between Manoa and Palolo Valleys.

The 3-hour length allocated here is a rough estimate to a couple of turnaround points (about 3-4 mile round trip), not to Mt. Olympus.
If you join all the way to summit Mt. Olympus, it will probably take 5-6 hours, about 5.5 mile round trip. Please come well prepared for it if you are aiming for the summit.
Please note the end time can vary depending on the hike speed, weather and other various conditions being out in nature.

Even if you do not go to the Mt. Olympus summit and turn around for a moderate hike, you will get to enjoy spectacular views of Manoa Valley, Palolo Valley, Honolulu and the Ko‘olau Range.
The trail begins with going uphill so it will get your heart going soon after the start.

Parking: The park parking lot often gets full. Plan extra time to look for a street parking and walk to the trailhead. FYI, there is a civilized bathroom at the park parking.

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/waahila-ridge-state-recreation-area/

Recommended for the hike:

• Bring plenty of WATER and lunch/snacks to keep your energy going.
• Wear a pair of hiking shoes with good traction.
• Bring gloves for grabbing rocks, trees and ropes.
• Hiking poles or microspikes and long pants strongly recommended if you are going to summit. Some area is heavily eroded.
• Even if you are not going to the summit, there are some sections with steep hills and rocks. Packing poles or spikes may help.
• It has been rainy and windy recently. Might want to bring a rain jacket or something warm.

HIKERS POLICY/DISCLAIMER (please read):

Respect the Host(s), fellow hikers and the 'aina.

New Friends in the 808, a Meetup Group (Group). and/or its Event Hosts, or Organizers, shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage to persons and/or property, direct or indirect, arising out of any events of the Group. The assumption of risk, which is inherent in this type of outdoor activity, is implied on the part of each person participating in any Group hiked. Every person participating in any of these events assumes all risk and liability during the event.

All hikes, require advance registration (RSVP) before the hike's date, to allow the Host to make preparations. For intermediate/advanced hikes, the Host may: 1) contact members in advance; 2) close RSVP early, when necessary to limit the size of the hiking group; 3) refuse RSVPs to persons who may not be sufficiently strong to stay with the group; and 4) turn back any hiker, the Host feels can't complete the hike.

Adopted/modified from:

Mountain Club of Maryland / Hiker’s Policy
13740 Oster Farm Road
West Friendship, MD 21794
email: contact@mcomd.org

used with permission

SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING:

1. Bring sufficient water. Do not drink stream water.
2. Stay on the trail.
3. Allow ample time to return before nightfall by figuring 1.5 miles per hour.
4. Bring proper equipment, as indicated by the host; including a first aid kit.
5. Wear proper shoes and clothing.
6. Hike in a group and keep track of those in your party.
7. You are responsible for your own safety.

(created 12/1/2019, updated on 1/27/2025)