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The Best Hikes in Oahu

Is hiking in Oahu on your must-do list during your Hawaii vacation? Looking for the best hikes in Oahu? I’ve got you covered!

There are more than 200 hiking trails in Oahu. You won’t be able to hike all of them, but choose a few from this list of the best hikes in Oahu to explore during your Hawaii vacation. 

Do I need a rental car on Oahu?

There are a few instances where you will not need a rental car for a vacation in Oahu. However, if you plan on hiking in Oahu, a rental car can be helpful. I recommend one because Oahu is so much more than Waikiki and Honolulu!

I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best deals, and you don’t have to pay for your rental until arrival.

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
• 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
• Never hike alone – some hiking trails in Oahu may not have cell service

Speaking of trespassing. Hiking the Haiku Stairs or “Stairway to Heaven” is trespassing, period, and it is dangerous. Your favorite influencer 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!

The Best Hikes in Oahu

Here are some of the best hikes in Oahu in no particular order. 

Koko Crater Tramway to Kokohead Lookout

This hike in Oahu is considered difficult. It is steep with very little shade. Halfway to the lookout, you will discover a bridge without any ground underneath. If you aren’t ready to tackle that challenge, there is a trail to bypass that section.

The difficulty of this best Oahu hike is worth it for the spectacular views at the top. The opportunity to see the Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay and part of Molokai are worth the sweat and labored breathing.

Location: Koko Crater Regional Park

Length of Hike: 1.6 miles

Entry Fee: Free

Fun Fact: There are 1,048 railroad ties, or steps, on the Kokohead Stairs. Once you reach the last step, you are almost to the lookout points.

Diamond Head (Le’ahi) Summit Trail

Out of all the best hikes in Oahu, this is one of the easiest. Yes, the beginning of the hike is steep. After that, it gets much easier all the way to the summit.

The locals have been hiking this trail since 1908. You can see the crater, Fire Control Station, bunkers, and a navigational lighthouse when you reach the top.

Oh, and if you plan your hike during the winter, you can see humpback whales along the shoreline.

It is important to note that this hiking trail in Oahu has strict operational hours. Before heading out, you will want to check the hours the trail is open.

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. 

Fun Fact: The Diamond Head Crater is also called Le’ahi, which translates to “brow of the tuna.”

Manoa Falls Trail

The Manoa Falls Trail is one of the shorter of the best hikes in Oahu. The views through the rainforest are incredible too. The downside to this hike in Oahu is you can’t swim at the base of the waterfall.

Flash flooding is common in this area. Check the weather before heading out for this hike.

Location: Round Top Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 1.7 miles

Entry Fee: $5 for parking

Fun Fact: Parts of Jurassic Park and LOST were filmed within the tropical rainforest this hiking trail winds through.

Kuliouou Ridge Trail

This isn’t one of the shorter of the best hikes in Oahu. And it is moderately challenging. The views of the Kuliouou Ridge and surrounding landscape are worth the journey.

This trail is steep. It gets slippery when it is wet too. Lots of people love doing this hiking trail in Oahu. Be prepared for lots of people, depending on the time of day you decide to visit.

Location: Kuliouou Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 4.7 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This is an excellent place to learn about plants in Oahu. A plant identifier app can help identify them all.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

Paved hiking trails in Oahu are challenging to find. If you are searching for one, consider this lighthouse trail. Despite being paved, it is not designed for strollers due to the steps in certain areas.

From the top, you can see Koko Crater and the southeastern shoreline of the island. On really clear days, a glimpse of Molokai and Lanai are possible.

During your hike, head down the trail to see the lighthouse up close. Take binoculars with you too. They can help you see the seabirds and humpback whales out in the ocean.

Location: Waimanalo, Oahu

Length of Hike: 2.5 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The Makapu’u Lighthouse, with its red roof, was constructed in 1909.

Aiea Loop Trail

This is one of the best hikes in Oahu for families. Yes, it is a little longer but an easy hike. The restrooms and picnic areas are quite helpful.

When you reach the trail’s end, you can see beautiful views of Halawa Valley.

Location: Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

Length of Hike: 4.9 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The B-24J Crash Site is near this hiking trail.

Olomana Trail

If you are looking for quite a challenging hike in Oahu, check out Olomana Trail. This is one of the most strenuous hikes in Oahu. There is rope climbing and scrambling involved. There are three peaks you must conquer to reach the top. Then you need to reverse course and make the return trip down.

It is best to avoid this hike after it has rained. The area can become quite slippery.

Pro tip: There is no parking on the road near the trailhead. You must park in an area a little distance from there, or your car will be towed.

Location: Mount Olomana State Monument

Length of Hike: 4.4 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: One of the most challenging rope climbing hikes in Oahu!

Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail

The Lanikai Pillbox hike on Oahu is short. It is also quite steep and slippery. Scrambling and using ropes may be required in some areas. Only experienced hikers should attempt hiking trails like these in Oahu.

This is an excellent trail early in the morning when the sun is coming up. Or later in the day before sunset. Just make sure you are back to your car before it gets dark.

Speaking of vehicles, there is no parking at this trailhead. You may need to walk from the nearest parking area to do this hike.

Location: Kailua Beach Park

Length of Hike: 1.7 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This trail is across from the Mid Pacific Country Club. A round of golf and a hike all in one day!

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

This is one of the hiking trails on Oahu that is located in a gated community. The beginning of the trail is paved. Then it turns into a dirt path that gets steep towards the top. This trail is muddy, especially after it rains.

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 4.7 miles

Entry Fee: None – A parking pass is required. Only a limited number of passes are given out, so arrive early.

Fun Fact: This trail was completed by the US Army back in 1941.

Waimano Falls Trail

The Waimano Falls Trail is quite steep and challenging. I recommend keeping the past weather conditions in mind because the waterfall is not always flowing. It would be such a bummer to hike down to the waterfall only to discover it’s not there!

You can’t swim in the water beneath the waterfall. But there is a pool nearby where you can go swimming.

Location: Ewa Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 2.9 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The waterfall and nearby pool are not always viewable. They dry up during warmer weather if there is not enough rain.

Pink Pillbox/Ma’ili Pillbox (Pu’u O Hulu Trail)

The Pu’u O Hulu Trail hike is considered one of the best Oahu hikes. It is a short trail. There are a few sharp drop-offs near the narrower sections of the trail. So, you may not want to take small children with you on this hike.

The views from the top are incredible. On clear days, you can see Mount Kaala and Kaena Point. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the bright pink pillbox at the top.

Location: Waianae, Oahu

Length of Hike: 1.6 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Pu’u O Hulu looks like a camel’s hump. The only difference is that it looks like a water tank directly in the middle.

Makiki Valley Loop Trail

The Makiki Valley Loop Trail is one of the better hikes on Oahu when looking for shade. Along the trail, you will spot eucalyptus and swamp mahogany trees. There are also plenty of native Hawaiian plants.

Location: Round Top Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 3.2 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This hiking trail in Oahu connects to four other trails. Those trails include Maunalaha, Kanealole, Moleka, and Ualakaa Nahuina.

Moanalua/Kamananui Valley Trail

This trail begins at Moanalua Valley Park. There is a green gate in front of the trail. The trail is narrow. Be careful you don’t walk off the trail while enjoying the views.

This is a challenging hike that may require the use of ropes and possibly even hiking spikes when the trail is wet. This trail can get muddy after the rain. Plan your hike here carefully and check the weather before leaving too.

Location: Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 9.2 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This trail leads directly to the Stairway to Heaven. Do not attempt to head up those stairs, though. The Haiku Stairs, or Stairway to Heaven, is closed to the public due to unsafe hiking conditions.

Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail

The Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail is currently closed to the public since it is on private property.

This hike on Oahu is slightly challenging, so keep that in mind if it opens back up to the public.

Location: Kaneohe, Oahu

Length of Hike: 2.3 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This hiking trail is also called Digging Hill.

Likeke Falls Trail

It is easy to get slightly lost on this easy-to-hike trail on Oahu. You must remember to turn right when you reach the trees. This will take you along a rocky path toward the waterfall.

Location: Nu’uanu Pali State Wayside

Length of Hike: 0.8 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Likeke Falls is a two-tiered waterfall. The water rushes down approximately 20 feet into the pool below.

Ehukai Pillboxes

Hiking to the Ehukai Pillboxes can be slightly challenging near the junctions of the pillboxes. Other than that, it is a very family-friendly hike on Oahu. The trail is graded well, so you won’t need to worry about tripping over too much.

The trail can get slippery when it rains and after a storm. Keep that in mind as you are planning your hiking adventure in Oahu.

Location: Pupukea Paumalu Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 2.3 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: You will see an old World War II bunker at the summit.

Judd Trail

This is a looped trail, so you can easily hike in either direction and return to where you began. You will see eucalyptus, bamboo, and ironwood trees during your hike.

The Judd Trail does connect to the Nu’uanu Trail if you are looking for a slightly more challenging hike on Oahu.

The weather can cause this hiking trail on Oahu to close. Please check local conditions before heading out.

Location: Round Top Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 1.0 mile

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This trail was created naturally by locals and the planting crews of the Civilian Conservation Corps. This trail was rebuilt back in 1954.

Mount Olympus Awaawaloa via Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

This is one of the best ridge hikes on Oahu. There are slightly eroded sections on the trail. You can easily get around them. The fun part will be going up to the ridges and then down again until you reach the next ridge.

The views of Manoa Valley and Palolo Valley are incredible at the end.

If you want more of a challenge, continue the hike to the top of Mt. Olympus. Please only do this if you are an experienced hiker, though!

Location: Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area

Length of Hike: 5.9 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: You will constantly go up and down hills to the summit of this trail.

Waimea Valley Trail

This is one of the best family-friendly hikes on Oahu. The paved trail leads directly to the waterfall. The trail is steep in a few areas but is still doable for older and younger people.

The best part about this hike on Oahu is you can swim under the waterfall. You will need to wear a lifevest to do that.

Location: Haleiwa, Oahu

Length of Hike: 1.9 miles

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

Fun Fact: Ponds, a botanical garden, and replicas of ancient buildings are all near this hiking trail.

The best hikes on Oahu

These are the best hikes in Oahu. Did your favorite Oahu hike make the list? If not, share it in the comments below!

Are you planning an Oahu vacation? Check out some of my best Oahu travel tips, including The best restaurants in Oahu, the best Oahu Golf Courses, the best Oahu snorkeling, the best luau on Oahu, and the 10 best things to do in Oahu.

Want even more Hawaii travel ideas? You won’t want to miss 20 things you should never do in Hawaii, the best island to visit in Hawaii, or 10 things to know before going to Hawaii.

Planning a Hawaii vacation

Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I only take on a select number of monthly clients. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I’d love to chat about planning a custom vacation just for you. 

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