Hillcrest Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Hillcrest Park, also known as Wailuku Heights, is a scenic park located in the state of Hawaii.


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Summary

The park offers stunning views of the island and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. One of the main reasons to visit Hillcrest Park is to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including the nearby town of Wailuku and the ocean. The park is also a great place to go for a hike or a picnic, as there are several trails and picnic areas available.

One of the most popular points of interest in Hillcrest Park is the Wailuku Waterfall, which cascades down a rocky cliff face and into a pool below. Visitors can take a short hike to reach the waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool. Another notable attraction in the park is the Hillcrest Aquatic Center, which features a large swimming pool and water park.

Interesting facts about Hillcrest Park include its history as a former sugar plantation and the fact that it is home to several endangered bird species, including the native Hawaiian honeycreeper. The park is also a popular spot for stargazing due to its remote location and lack of light pollution.

The best time of year to visit Hillcrest Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak tourist season, so it is best to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds. Overall, Hillcrest Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Hawaii, offering stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique wildlife experiences.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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