Puu Ualakaa State Wayside Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Puu Ualakaa State Wayside Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Hawaii.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular tourist destination for several reasons. The park offers panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline, Diamond Head, and the ocean. The park is also home to several hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic at the park's picnic areas.
One of the most popular points of interest at the park is the Puu Ualakaa Lookout, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also hike the park's trails to see beautiful waterfalls, stunning vistas, and unique Hawaiian wildlife.
The park is home to several interesting facts. Puu Ualakaa State Wayside Park was originally a ranch owned by the prominent Hawaiian family, the Athertons. The park is now a protected natural area, home to several endangered plant and animal species.
The best time to visit Puu Ualakaa State Wayside Park is between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak tourist season. It is best to visit the park early in the morning or during the week to avoid crowds.
Overall, Puu Ualakaa State Wayside Park is a stunning natural area that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the beauty of Hawaii's natural landscape. With its panoramic views, hiking trails, and unique flora and fauna, it is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Hawaii.
Weather Forecast
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sand Island State Rec Area - Oahu
|
||
Kulamanu Beach
|
||
Bellows Field Beach Park - Oahu
|
||
Keaiwa Heiau State Rec Area - Oahu
|
||
Waimanalo beach park
|
Manoa Valley District Park
Archie Baker Mini Park
Makiki Street Mini Park
Punahou Square
Makiki District Park