From cascading waterfalls and the inviting turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean to lush rainforests and mountain peaks, breathtaking natural beauty abounds on the Hawaiian Islands. And nowhere will you find more incredible scenery than within Hawaii’s state and national parks. With more than 50 state parks, waysides, recreation areas, monuments, and historic sites, there are countless Hawaiian state parks to choose from, some more popular than others. This unique spot is as off-the-beaten-path as it gets and we can’t wait to show you around. 

Surrounded by the massive 25,000-acre park on the leeward flank of Mauna Loa, Manuka Forest Reserve, this tiny 13.4-acre park is home to an arboretum and a two-mile nature trail full of Hawaiian natural history.
JTM Bartels/AllTrails
Home to 130 introduced exotic plants and flowers — many of which were planted in the mid-19th century — the park’s 8-acre arboretum shows off a unique side of Hawaii.
Rosa Say/Flickr
You’ll also spot more than 40 species of native Hawaiian plants and trees.
Avery Chesser/AllTrails

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The highlight of the park, however, is the Manuka Nature Trail. Every step of the way, you’ll love learning about the arboretum’s peculiar plants and trees as well as the area’s unique geological history.
Matthew Redding/AllTrails
Along this two-mile trail, adventurers will indulge in quite a bit of Hawaiian natural history, passing by lava flows of different ages, cultural sites, and even a pit crater.
Jerry Taylor/AllTrails
The park doesn’t have many amenities, but you will find restrooms and camping opportunities (via permit only).
Rosa Say/Flickr
Though many people consider Manuka State Wayside to be simply a rest stop along Mamalahoa Highway, we think many Hawaii locals will love this overlooked oasis.
Joel/Flickr

The Manuka State Wayside is open daily during daylight hours, and you can get a camping permit for just $12 per night. For more information, head on over to the Hawaii state parks website.

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Manuk? State Wayside, Ocean View, HI 96737, USA