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16 Easy Hikes in Oahu

If you’re planning an Oahu vacation and looking for easy hikes on Oahu, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly hikes or short hikes on Oahu, this list will have something for you.

Hiking is a great way to get outside and experience the beauty of Oahu. With its diverse landscapes and varied terrain, Oahu offers a wide range of hikes suitable for hikers of all levels, including those who are just starting out or prefer a leisurely pace.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best easy hikes on Oahu, showcasing the stunning scenery, wildlife, and cultural sites that make Oahu such a special place.

You’ll need a rental car to access the hikes on this list of easy hikes in Oahu. You’ll find the best prices anywhere at Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Some people say you don’t need a rental car on Oahu, and that is true! However, if you truly want to explore the island, I recommend having a rental car. 

Oahu Hiking tips

Before you hit the trails in Oahu, here are some common-sense tips for hiking on Oahu.

• Wear appropriate hiking shoes – Especially in areas where trails are muddy most of the time.
• Never hike alone – some hiking trails in Oahu may not have cell service
• Hike early in the day to avoid the intense heat
• Always bring plenty of food and water, plus sunscreen
• Be courteous to neighbors and do not trespass on others’ property 
• Always pay attention to warning signs – many cliffs have major drop-offs

Easy Hikes in Oahu

Here are some easy hikes on Oahu (and moderate hikes in Oahu) listed in no particular order. 

Waimea Valley Trail

The Waimea Valley Trail is located on the north shore of Oahu. There is a large parking lot at the trail. This is excellent news if you don’t like to head out on hikes early while on vacation.

There is an entrance fee for this easy hike in Oahu. The cost is $25 for adults. Children, seniors, and members of the military receive discounted rates.

The Waimea Valley Trail is just under 2 miles long. It is considered the easiest hike on the island of Oahu. At the end of the trail, there is a beautiful waterfall. You can swim at the base of these Waimea falls. There is plenty of water in the waterfall pool.

The paved trail is easy to walk along. Thanks to the pavement, this trail never gets muddy. And you won’t need to go rock climbing on this trail or any of the other easy trails in Oahu.

As you walk along this trail, you will find yourself going through botanical gardens.

This is one of the best hikes in Oahu for small children. When you leave, head over to Waimea Bay to go swimming. You may want to bring life jackets for the younger kids. Or skip the water and enjoy the beautiful views during a picnic lunch.

Location: Haleiwa, Oahu

Length of Hike: 1.9 miles

Entry Fee: Adults $25, Children ages 4-12 $14, Military discounts are available

Ehukai Pillbox Hike

The Ehukai Pillbox hike is also called the Sunset Pillbox hike. There is a small parking area right at the trailhead. There is street parking if the parking lot is full.

This 2-plus mile hike gets steep in a few spots. However, the slight struggle will be worth it when you see the beautiful ocean views. The spectacular views of Ehukai Beach are also worth the time you will spend hiking.

A couple of side notes for this fairly easy hike. First, there are places where ropes are provided. Those ropes will help you get up and down the steeper spots. Second, young children may have a difficult time on this trail. They may need to be carried in certain spots.

Location: Pupukea Paumalu Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 2.3 miles

Entry Fee: None

Diamond Head Hike

The most favorite hike on Oahu is the Diamond Head hike. It takes you along the Le’ahi Summit Trail. You will hike up a volcanic cone. Once you reach the top, you will see views of Waikiki, including Waikiki Beach. You will also see the Diamond Head Crater. It was formed more than 300,000 years ago.

Round trip, this hike comes in just under 2 miles. The paved path is flat in the beginning., but that won’t last long. Before you know it, the flat trail starts getting steeper. Then it begins to wind around the mountain.

There are handrails near the steep steps, so you shouldn’t feel in danger at any time.

Since this is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu, you should be prepared for it to be crowded. This is one of the best places to go hiking early in the day.

Location: Diamond Head State Monument

Length of Hike: 1.8 miles

Entry Fee: $5 per person plus a $10 parking fee for non-residents. Reservations are required and can be made through the Hawaii Division of State Parks. 

Judd Trail to Jackass Ginger Pond

One of the beautiful hikes in Oahu is the Judd Trail. This is a 1-mile long trail that is looped. This trail will take you into the mountains. There is a brook next to the trail.

You will even discover a waterfall at one point. Actually, this is one of the best waterfall hikes for young children in Oahu.

This trail can be quite muddy and slippery, especially after a recent rainstorm.

If you want to hike further, you can take the detour to the Jackass Ginger Pool. This is a perfect place to have a snack before you head back to your car.

Location: Round Top Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 1.0 mile

Entry Fee: None

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

The Lanikai Pillbox hike is also called the Kaiwa Ridge Trail. Parking for this hiking trail is within the residential neighborhood. You may need to arrive early to succeed at finding a spot. That is a good reason to wake up early one morning.

I do have this on the list of easy hikes in Oahu, but it’s not really easy, just fairly short. This is a steep hike, and the elevation gain is higher than some of the other easier hikes in Oahu. You will get a workout during this short hike despite the fact that it is less than 2 miles long.

When you reach the end of this trail, you will have amazing views of Lanikai Beach. On a clear day, you can even see the Mokulua Islands.

There are two Lanikai Pillboxes. The first one will have you enjoying incredible views. However, the second one gives you an even better panoramic view.

It does get a little crowded at the end of this trail. There are also a few tricky spots on the trail. So, it may not be one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Oahu. Don’t worry; you won’t need to carry the kids the entire time, just for a little bit.

Location: Kailua Beach Park

Length of Hike: 1.7 miles

Entry Fee: None

Koko Head Crater Tramway Hike

During this almost 2-mile hike, you will gain quite a bit in elevation. This is due to the more than 1,000 steps that take you to the top.

If this is your first time hiking this trail, start slow. You will be amazed at how quickly you will get tired of climbing those steps, especially since the steps are old railroad tracks. It is best to wear really sturdy sneakers or hiking boots.

Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the best views of the surrounding area.

Manoa Falls Trail

The Manoa Falls hike is one of the best easy hikes in Oahu. It is located near the Pearl Harbor base.

This is one of the kid-friendly hikes on all the Hawaiian Islands. The distance of this hike is about 1 and a half miles.

The best time to do this hike is right after a rainfall. That is when the waterfall is flowing the best. I recommend arriving early in the day or going later. That way, you will avoid the influx of people.

This trail can be muddy after a storm. Keep that in mind, as it can be slightly slippery.

The best part of this beautiful Manoa Falls trail is seeing the Manoa Valley. Oh, and as you hike through the rainforest, you may see areas that were used in the movie Jurassic Park.

Location: Round Top Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 1.7 miles

Entry Fee: $5 for parking

Kamananui Valley

The Kamananui Valley hiking trail is over 9 miles long. This is one of the longest hikes on the list and is generally considered moderate. This is the best trail if you want to be out in nature for hours.

There are quite a few places to stop at along the way. Many of those stops have historical meaning.

Location: Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve

Length of hike: 9.2 miles

Ka’ena Point Trail

The Ka’ena Point Trail is 7 miles round trip. It will take approximately 5 hours to complete this easy hike in Oahu. The best things to do on this hike are checking out all the wildlife and birdwatching.

The main road to the trailhead is currently closed. However, you can hike along that road to reach the trailhead. It will add 1 mile to your hike.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

The easiest hike on Oahu will take you to the Makapu’u Lighthouse. This great hike is 2 and a half miles long. There is a large parking lot at the base of the trail.

The paved road to the lighthouse is stroller friendly. This means this is a great way to get out with the kids. Be prepared for the 500 feet in elevation gain.

During this hike, you will see Diamond Head, Koko Head, and the ocean. If you are on vacation in Oahu at the right time of the year, you may even see humpback whales.

There is a secret blowhole along this hiking trail. Try to find it as you are walking along.

Location: Waimanalo, Oahu

Length of Hike: 2.5 miles

Entry Fee: None

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Hike

These botanical gardens are filled with native plants. The trail that leads through the gardens is 2 miles long. This trail is the best way to see the gardens, as well as Kaneohe Bay and the Kualoa Mountains.

To see the mountains, you will need to take a slight detour to the Kilonani Mauka Overlook.

Maunawili Falls Trail

If you love waterfall trails, you will love this hike to Maunawili Falls. This hike is just under 3 miles. It is a great place to visit at any time of the year. The only time you should avoid it is after it has just rained.

The incline of this trail isn’t too steep. And it is flat in many spots. You will be crossing over a couple of streams during this hike. Keep that in mind when getting dressed in the morning!

Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike

This short hiking trail will allow you to see some incredible views of Hanauma Bay. In the distance, you can also see the Koko Head Crater on a clear day.

This trail is just under 4 miles long. It will take about 2 hours to complete this hike round trip. You may not be able to drive down the paved road to the trailhead. Sometimes the gate is locked. If that happens, you will need to park your car somewhere else and then hike in.

Likeke Falls Hike

The Likeke Falls hike isn’t the easiest hike in Oahu. But it isn’t that difficult. This hiking trail is 2 miles long. There is an elevation gain of 200 feet.

You must park at Pali Lookout before heading to the trail. After you park your car, walk down Old Pali Highway. When you reach an opening in the trees, you will have found the trailhead. The opening is marked with pink ribbons.

Simply walk along the trail until you reach Likeke Falls.

Location: Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside

Length of Hike: 0.8 miles

Entry Fee: None

Banyan Tree Hike

The Banyan Tree hike is in Kahuku, Oahu. This is one of the easy 2-and-a-half-mile hikes on the island. It is a popular trail that can get crowded during peak hiking times.

During your hike, you will see great views of the banyan trees, as well as the nearby beaches.

Location: Kahuku, Oahu

Length of Hike: 2.5 miles

Lulumahu Falls Hike

You used to be able to hike to Lulumahu Falls. However, the trail is now located on private property. Therefore, you cannot hike to these falls until you are invited by the owners. Please do not attempt this hike, no matter what you read on the internet!

Location: Private property, do not attempt to hike this.

Easy hikes on Oahu

Please keep in mind that ownership of property can change at any time. If you see signs saying no trespassing, please choose another hike. 

Speaking of trespassing. Hiking the Haiku Stairs or “Stairway to Heaven” is trespassing, period, and it is dangerous. Yes, even the “back trail,” which is also trespassing. While it’s not one of the easy hikes in Oahu, it’s worth mentioning in case you’re considering it.

Your favorite influencer on social media may have told you there is a back way that makes it legal, but it is still trespassing and definitely not legal. Not only are you doing something wrong, but you could also be hit with a hefty fine. Just don’t do it. There are plenty of other fantastic Oahu hikes!

Easy hikes in Oahu