Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park is a popular attraction in the state of Hawaii.
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Summary
The park is located on the road to Hana and offers visitors a chance to take in the natural beauty of the area. There are several good reasons to visit this park, including the opportunity to see some breathtaking waterfalls and hike through lush tropical forests.
One of the main points of interest in Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park is the waterfall. Visitors can take a short hike to get a closer look at the waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool below. There are also several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Interesting facts about the area include that it is home to a variety of native plants and animals, including the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. Visitors may also be lucky enough to spot some of the many species of birds that call the park home.
The best time of year to visit Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak season, so it is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Overall, Puaa Kaa State Wayside Park is a must-see attraction in Hawaii. With its stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and unique wildlife, it is a great place to explore and experience the natural beauty of the state.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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