The Wa’ahila Ridge hiking trail begins at the Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, located at the end of St. Louis Heights Drive on the South Shore of Oahu. The trail is also called the St. Louis trail. It’s an intermediate level hike with beautiful views of Manoa Valley and Honolulu. It’s a great trail and a short drive from town. To get there, continue up St. Louis Drive until you reach Peter Street. Take a right onto Peter Street, then a left on to Ruth Place. Continue into the recreation area, and there is a paved parking lot. Like all places in Hawaii, don’t leave any valuables in your car or there’s a good chance it won’t be there when you come back.

The trail starts on a wide dirt path through large Cook Pines, which are really cool trees that look like they’re straight out of the Jurassic Period. Upon proceeding, you will arrive at a fork in the trail. Stay to the left to continue on the hiking trail. The path to the right is a mountain-biking trail. Then continue along the ridge. The trail is wide at some parts and narrow at others, with a number of rocky inclines. Watch your step because it can get slippery and steep.

The hike is filled with strawberry guava trees. The fruit is edible and makes a nice snack along the way. It looks like, well, a strawberry mixed with a guava. The taste is a little bittersweet, but I’m always stoked to eat fruit in its natural habitat. We also came across a couple guys who found a Jackson chameleon in the wild! I’m a huge reptile fan, so this was definitely the highlight of the hike for me. They’re so cool! It’s like holding a mini Triceratops! Yes, that was my second prehistoric reference. Obviously this hike has turned me in to a 12-year-old boy all over again. I spent the rest of the hike searching for another chameleon with no luck.

Jana and I brought our 2 dogs on the hike, and our friends brought their dogs as well. Altogether, we had a herd of six dogs trampling through the trail off-leash. Most hikers love the encounters with man’s best friend, but occasionally we run across somebody who isn’t too comfortable with six big dogs surrounding them. In those cases, we leash them up for the moment and continue our trek. Technically, the trail does not permit animals but like most places in Hawaii, it’s not enforced. Several hikers bring their dogs and it’s always been casual and pleasant greetings among the hikers and dogs alike.

If you’re looking to escape the city without having to go far, the Wa’ahila trail is perfect for you. It’s best on a clear and dry day. Otherwise, the trail can become dangerous in wet conditions. It’s a fun hike with plenty of spots to catch your breath and take in the sights.