Details
Length (one way): 0.53 mi / 0.85 km - Elevation Change: 400 ft / 121.92 m
General Summary: ʻUalakaʻa Trail is a trail that begins in a state park of the same name that connects to Maunalaha trail moving through the other Tantalus trails.
For additional information refer to the "Route description" below.
Volunteers under the direction of the Sierra Club, Hawai`i Chapter built the `Ualaka`a Trail during the summer of 1980.
Forested, pine tree forest, thick canopy
Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.
1. Stay on the trail.
2. Check the weather
3. Watch the time
4. Avoid undue risk
5. Read all posted signs
6. Respect other trail users
7. Pack out at least what you pack in.
The trail begins in Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Park. It is a short loop through thick forest canopy. At the uphill end of the trail you come to a 4-way trail intersection with Makiki Valley, Moleka, and Maunalaha Trails. There is a system trail map at this intersection. This is a good family trail. The park has restrooms, drinking water and trashcans.
Descriptions for route, history, plants and birds were provided by Stuart Ball, author of The Hikers Guide to Oahu and other hiking books.
NOTICE: Special pig control hunt in progress on this trail. Hunting with hunting dog activity is permitted on Wednesdays and Sundays from sun-up to sundown. Hunting may be in progress on these days on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers with pet dogs should consider using other trails during control hunt period to avoid possible encounters with hunting dogs. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.
Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.
Downloadable resources are provide below
After the first junction the route crosses a double row of tall Cook pines, perhaps originally planted as windbreak. The trees are columnar in shape and have overlapping, scalelike leaves about 1/4 inch long, rather than true needles. Named after Captain James Cook, the pines are native to New Caledonia (Isle of Pines) in the South Pacific between Fiji and Australia.
In the forest look and listen for the white-rumped shama. It is black on top with a chestnut-colored breast and a long black- and-white tail. The shama has a variety of beautiful songs and often mimics other birds. A native of Malaysia, the shama has become widespread in introduced forests such as this one.
First try to click on the “Get Directions” icon at the top of this page. If you are taking TheBus, click on the "Transit" icon at the top of the search bar. You may need to change the starting address to your current location. Clicking on TheBus link provided below will also take you to TheBus website. If driving, proceed uphill on Round Top Drive. Continue until you reach the Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Park. The park is almost at the top of the mountain on the left. Drive into the State Park looking for the trail head sign at the end of the first curve of the road. Continue up the road to the parking area, then walk back down the road to the trail head. The park has restrooms, drinking water and trashcans. Please note that 'Ualaka'aTrail (in yellow) is part of the Honolulu-Mauka Trail Network, comprising of 18 interconnected trails (in turquoise). The system may be accessed via the Makiki Arboretum Trail (dark blue) as part of an extended hike. The shortest route from the Makiki Arboretum Trail to the 'Ualaka'a trailhead is 1 mile.
