17 Greatest Hikes in Oahu Hawaii in 2023

Oahu is residence to among the finest hikes in all of Hawaii. The island is residence to 2 huge mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae. Operating alongside one another they assist to create dramatic and memorable landscapes and a lot of the finest hikes on Oahu soar up their ridgelines.

Hikes on Oahu vary in problem from informal paved strolls by means of botanic gardens to epic muddy treks deep into the jungle in the hunt for waterfalls. No matter takes your fancy, distinctive surroundings will encompass you in each path and the summit views can be value each leg-burning mile.

Prime Hikes On Oahu

Deciding what mountain climbing trails you must add to your Oahu itinerary will be difficult, so learn on and study all concerning the 15 finest hikes on Oahu. After finishing one among these excellent treks, learn our article on the finest issues to do in Oahu to maintain the enjoyable instances rolling.

1. Manoa Falls Path

Solely fifteen minutes from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Seashore, the Manoa Falls Path presents the right city escape and is among the hottest Oahu hikes for locals and vacationers alike.

From the moment you hit the path, your world will remodel right into a jungle paradise and you will note why that is our favourite Oahu hike. Flanked by the plush Manoa Valley on both facet, you’ll rise previous the valley in direction of a stupendous 150ft waterfall. You’ll hear the tumble of the water lengthy earlier than you arrive, and while you do, shade prisms and rainbows will float by means of the air. The path is well-maintained and there are a number of benches alongside the way in which the place you may relaxation.

The spotlight of the hike is unquestionably the waterfall on the finish of the path. The waterfall is about 150 ft tall and it’s an ideal place to chill off on a scorching day. The Manoa Falls mountain climbing path is a comparatively easy hike that could be a nice starter trek for newcomers to Oahu and in addition for households in search of an outside journey.

• Trailhead: Manoa Falls Trailhead
• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Problem: Straightforward hike
• Elevation Achieve: 633ft

2. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Hike)

In one of the vital picturesque corners of Oahu, a brief ridge hike ends in iconic and colourful pillboxes. Also referred to as the Kaiwa Ridge Path, this trek is among the most rewarding but simple mountain climbing trails on Oahu.

The regular, steep grade will get the legs shifting however fortunately the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is simply roughly a mile one-way. Views are superb all alongside the path, providing you with a glimpse into what’s to return. As soon as you’re on the high, you’ll not solely see the pillboxes, that are two concrete bunkers that had been constructed throughout World Warfare II, however additionally, you will get pleasure from epic views of Lanikai Seashore, Kailua Seashore, and the Mokulua Islands.

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike faces due east, so all of the extra cause to rise up early, full the hike, and soak up an unbeatable Hawaiian dawn.

• Trailhead: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Problem: Straightforward Hike
• Elevation Achieve: 656ft

3. Olomana Path

Now that you’ve got stretched your legs and damaged in your mountain climbing boots, it’s time to problem your self somewhat extra. That is the place the Olomana 3 Peaks Hike is available in.

As one of many tougher hikes on Oahu, the Olomana Path takes you up a steep incline to the primary of three peaks. After gaining 2000ft of elevation, take a break and soak within the views of the Ko’olau Mountain Vary and the rugged Oahu coast, earlier than making your approach throughout to the second peak.

The path is steep and rocky, and there are some sections that require scrambling and cord help. So this can be a hike I might solely counsel trying in case you are actually in form and have mountain climbing expertise.

Though you may climb the third peak, we suggest turning round after peak two due to security considerations. When you’re again on degree floor, head to the native pub and toast to an unimaginable day within the mountains.

• Trailhead: Loop Drive close to Royal Hawaiian Golf Membership
• Distance: 4.4 miles
• Problem: Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 2761ft

4. Waimea Falls Path

Just like the Manoa Falls Path, Waimea Falls is a really accessible hike close to Oahu’s north shore. The path makes its approach by means of the great botanical backyard of Waimea Valley. The valley is value exploring additional after the hike because it comes with a major cultural and archaeological website.

This is among the extra in style Oahu hikes primarily as a result of it includes a largely paved path alongside flat floor. Alongside the trek, dense forests and beautiful gardens will welcome you at each flip. After you have reached the top, it is possible for you to to take a seat, loosen up and take within the 45ft waterfall because it tumbles into the Kamanui Stream. To assist make the hike much more accessible, there are non-compulsory shuttles for younger households and aged hikers.

• Trailhead: Waimea Valley Customer Heart
• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Problem: Straightforward
• Elevation Achieve: 272ft

Don’t have time to do all these hikes on Oahu? This best-selling full-day Oahu island tour covers all of the highlights together with Hanauma Bay to the North Shore, the Kualoa Ranch, Halona Blowhole Nu`uanu Pali Lookout, the seashores of the North Shore, and extra.

5. Diamond Head Path

Anybody who has visited Oahu will know concerning the mass of volcanic rock that’s seen from so many components of the island, the Diamond Head State Monument. This iconic pure function can also be residence to top-of-the-line hikes on Oahu. The Diamond Head Path takes you thru some unimaginable landscapes which might be a world away from the earlier treks by means of rainforests.

The enjoyable, however difficult volcano hike includes a steep hike as much as the perspective at Diamond Head Crater that rewards you with panoramic views of turquoise waters and the Honolulu skyline. Alongside the way in which, the path leads you thru an thrilling 225ft tunnel, which is nearly as memorable because the views. However bear in mind that is a particularly in style hike and it may possibly get actually crowded at dawn, so be ready.

• Trailhead: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Problem: Reasonable
• Elevation Achieve: 560ft

Don’t simply see Oahu from the bottom, rise up within the air with this helicopter tour that we did. It goes from Waikiki Seashore to the North Shore and it was stunning. Magnum PI followers can even love this helicopter tour in a reproduction of the sequence helicopter to see filming areas plus Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, and Le‘ahi (Diamond Head).

6. Koko Crater Hike

Close by to Diamond Head and Waikiki Seashore is among the most enjoyable mountain climbing trails on the island of Oahu. The notorious Koko Crater stairs aren’t simply there to make your legs heavy, they’re the stays of a railroad constructed within the Second World Warfare. Now as an alternative of transporting provides, hikers take to this path for the bodily problem.

The Koko Crater path takes you over 1,000 steps as much as the summit in lower than a mile. This is among the finest Oahu hikes however bear in mind that it’s a very steep climb and never for the unfit. From the highest of the Koko Head District Park, you’ll have gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean from 1200ft above sea degree.

For many who are up for the journey, put together to have some jelly legs on the descent.

In case you are hooked on Oahu’s distinctive panorama, go a step additional and discover out probably the most superb details about Hawaii.

• Trailhead: Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
• Distance: 2 miles
• Problem: Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 990ft

7. Seven Falls Hike

All the very best Oahu hikes have one thing distinctive to get pleasure from. However for an all-around journey, it’s laborious to cross up on the Seven Falls path. That includes waterfalls, loads of wading by means of streams, and boulder hopping alongside the difficult route, Seven Falls has all of it.

The mountain climbing path is subsequent to a rocky stream that cuts by means of a deep and slim gorge. Alongside the way in which, you’ll cross a number of waterfalls, with the path requiring using ropes so you may hike beside them.

It’s attainable to finish the whole trek and attain the seventh waterfall, nevertheless, your technical capacity will must be sound because it rapidly turns into a path for knowledgeable hikers.

• Trailhead: Yellow Gate on Maakua Street
• Distance: 5 miles
• Problem: Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 1805ft

8. Ka’au Crater Hike

From one epic journey to a different, Oahu certain doesn’t take its foot off the pedal. This hike comes full with an historic volcanic crater, waterfall after waterfall, and panoramic views at a number of phases.

Out of your first step, you enter the jungle with magnificent hovering bushes all over the place you look. The foliage is so dense that the solar solely makes its approach by means of the cover at uncommon intervals. From gaps alongside the ridge, you will note so far as Waikiki Seashore and Oahu’s southeastern shoreline.

At numerous phases, you may glimpse stunning waterfalls. Some which you could pause and take a dip in, offering the right break to what’s a difficult however exhilarating hike, ending with views into the crater from the summit.

• Trailhead: Ka’au Crater Trailhead
• Distance: 5.1 miles
• Problem: Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 1942ft

9. Crouching Lion Hike

A steep, but brief hike is a good way to see the breathtaking Kahana Bay from above, together with the imposing sight of Pu’u Manamana. Like seemingly all of the Oahu mountain climbing trails, there isn’t any gradual starting, with the trail instantly ascending into the heavens.

The path comes with not only one, however a number of viewpoints which create many spots to relaxation alongside the way in which. It’s possible you have to it because the path will be slippery and the roots can deliver you unstuck.

However the very best view is, after all, from the height the place you will note the colourful coral reef beneath. On the proper time of day, the encircling mountains will mild up beneath the solar’s rays.

• Trailhead: 51-676 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI
• Distance: 4 miles
• Problem: Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 2000ft

10. Aiea Loop Path

After some difficult, adventurous hikes by means of the huge Oahu forests, it’s time to take the issue down a notch. The Aiea Loop Path is ideal for individuals who wish to get pleasure from a few of Oahu’s finest surroundings with out venturing deep into the mountains.

With loads of shade and flat sections, you may stroll across the loop at a leisurely tempo viewing forests filled with eucalyptus groves, Norfolk pine, and native Koa.

Being on the west facet of the Halawa Valley, the path additionally gives loads of long-range views of Pearl Harbor, the Ko’olau Mountains, and the ever-present Diamond Head monument.

• Trailhead: Aiea Loop Trailhead
• Distance: 4.8 miles
• Problem: Straightforward
• Elevation Achieve: 900ft

11. Mt Olympus Hike

As one of many tallest mountains on the island, Mt Olympus is a typical objective for lots of adventurous residents. At over 2400ft tall, Mt Olympus is often hidden by cloud protection. Regardless of having a number of choices, the preferred summit path begins within the Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Space.

This Oahu mountain climbing path takes you deep into one of many island’s important mountain ranges with a number of vantage factors to view the whole island. The whole hike takes round a 4 to 5-hour round-trip. With many muddy sections, deliver alongside sturdy boots and mountain climbing pants.

• Trailhead: Wa’ahila Ridge Trailhead
• Distance: 5.9 miles
• Problem: Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 2618ft

12. Maunawili Falls Path

On the windward facet of Oahu, the Maunawili Falls path is a three-mile trek. Nonetheless, it may possibly take so long as two hours to achieve the cascading waterfalls.

Alongside the way in which, you’ll attain a plateau the place you may have a break and take within the views all the way down to the valley together with the encircling jungle.

Afterward, the path descends into the bushes the place, after many monumental steps, you can be greeted by the 20ft falls tucked into the Pali Cliffs. The journey doesn’t finish right here although, proceed throughout one other stream and your reward can be a refreshing pure pool.

• Trailhead: Maunawili Falls Trailhead
• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Problem: Reasonable
• Elevation Achieve: 1007ft

13. Kuliouou Ridge Path

The Kuliouou Ridge Path is a reasonable to tough path that comes with comparatively dry mountain climbing in comparison with lots of the mountain climbing trails on this checklist. For that reason, the trek is a typical working path for locals.

Alongside the way in which, you’ll have sections of stairs taking you up and over rocky terrain, at different instances you’ll have to do it your self. The ridge comes with a number of plateaus offering wonderful views of the jap facet of Oahu earlier than traversing by means of a stupendous archway of banyan branches.

From the height, all of your toil can be value it with gorgeous views of the shoreline and so far as the attention can see.

• Trailhead: Finish of Kalalau Place
• Distance: 4.4 miles
• Problem: Reasonable–Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 1800ft

14. Makapu’u Lighthouse Path

For stunning ocean views and the prospect to see a historic lighthouse, the Makapuu Level and Lighthouse Path present loads of bang on your buck.

On the finish of the 1-mile journey to the jap tip of Oahu, you’ll have unbeatable views of Manana and Black Rock islands. From the highest of the 600ft volcanic cliff, additionally, you will be capable to see the century-old lighthouse.

In case you are mountain climbing the path from December to Could, Makapuu Level is a good place to have a picnic, and preserve an eye fixed out for whales who arrive in nice numbers throughout these months.

• Trailhead: Makapuu Level Lighthouse Trailhead
• Distance: 2 miles
• Problem: Reasonable
• Elevation Achieve: 500ft

15. Stairway to Heaven by way of Moanalua Valley Path

Arguably probably the most well-known hike not simply in Oahu however Hawaii as an entire is the Haiku Stairs path. For the reason that late Eighties, the path has been closed to the general public, but its fame continues to rise. One technique to attain the spectacular viewpoint alongside the Haiku Stairs is to take a tough, but authorized route.

The hike begins on the Moanalua Valley facet and takes you to the summit by way of a sequence of rope climbs and steep ascents. It’s going to take round half a day to achieve the summit shared with the closed route. Remember that when you be part of the Stairway to Heaven viewpoint, you’re thought of to be on the unlawful path.

• Trailhead: Moanalua Valley Trailhead
• Distance: 9.3 miles
• Problem: Troublesome
• Elevation Achieve: 5030ft

16. Wiliwilinui Ridge path

The Wiliwilinui Ridge path is one among Oahu’s best-kept secrets and techniques. Situated on the jap facet of Oahu alongside the backbone of the Ko?olau Mountain vary this hike takes you thru the plush forest as much as the highest of the mountain ridge to the summit the place you’re going to get unimaginable views of all of Oahu.

It isn’t too tough of a hike in case you are in form however there it does get a bit steep within the final half mile of the hike as much as the summit. It isn’t beneficial for newbie hikers as you’ll have to the place you’ll scramble up a bunch of steep stairs, made from wooden and often coated within the Oahu clay, which may make issues fairly slippery so bear in mind.

To entry this hike you’ll have to get a parking allow in the beginning of the path in a gated group. There are just a few parking spots, however this path is comparatively unknown so you must be capable to snag one. When you get to the highest you’ll surprise why this hike isn’t extra in style. It appears like you’re looking out on Jurassic Park!

• Trailhead: Waialae Iki Gated Group
• Distance: 4.7 miles
• Elevation acquire: 1,617 ft
• Problem: Reasonable

17. Makiki Valley Loop Path

The Makiki Valley Loop Path is the right hike for individuals who are in search of a brief forest path on Oahu that’s near Waikiki and simple to entry. This path is fairly simple with solely 1000ft of elevation acquire, however it may possibly get muddy, so in case you are considering of doing it with the household or pets preserve this in thoughts.

The hike itself takes you thru the plush inexperienced forest with trails coated in inexperienced palms, bushes draped with vines, and even a small waterfall about midway alongside the path. The footing will get somewhat tougher because the elevation modifications however so long as you’re paying consideration you ought to be. alright.

In case you are trying to escape the town then that is the right hike to take.

• Trailhead: Hawaii Nature Heart in Makiki
• Distance: 3.2 Miles
• Elevation Achieve: 1000 ft
• Problem: Reasonable

Continuously Requested Questions

What’s the best hike in Oahu?

There are over 200 hikes to select from in Oahu. Many attain nice heights and go deep into the dense island jungle. Nonetheless, there are a number of simple hikes that would be the good transient tour to interrupt up your trip.

The Lanikai Pillbox hike together with the Waimea and Manoa Falls are wonderful examples of brief, easy hikes that also present walkers with views and memorable highlights.

What are the mountain climbing trails like in Oahu?

Mountain climbing on Oahu brings superb selection, the place you may full a crater hike within the morning and end with a jungle trek to a stupendous sundown viewpoint.

Two distinct protect volcanoes performed a big function in creating Oahu’s dramatic panorama. Mountains right here soar out of the valley at stark angles so a lot of the mountain climbing on the island options steep climbs. Though the dense forest helps to maintain the bottom strong, many trails nonetheless face points of abrasion and trails will be slippery and muddy.

For these causes, it’s best to organize for these hikes with sturdy footwear and settle for that you simply’ll usually get soiled. For tips about mountain climbing throughout Hawaii, try our article on the finest hikes in Hawaii.

Remaining Ideas on Oahu Hikes

Mountain climbing in Oahu is thrilling for individuals of all ability ranges. The straightforward, easy-access hikes deliver you near the island’s stunning surroundings with out strenuous effort. Then again, the vary of difficult hikes will put a smile on the face of skilled hikers who wish to go that additional mile for an unforgettable view.

Whether or not you’re coming to Hawaii to benefit from the solar, surf, and cocktails with the odd day hike or planning on doing nothing however trek the infinite trails, you will see what you’re in search of on this checklist of the final word 15 hikes in Oahu.

As soon as your time in Oahu is up, why not journey to Huge Island? Discover the finest issues to do on Huge Island.