Best Hikes in Oahu

When visiting a paradise destination like this island, enjoying nature is one of the best things to see and do on Oahu. Its lush vegetation, beautiful rivers and waterfalls and idyllic beaches have made this island a favourite among travellers and the most visited of all the Hawaiian archipelago.

As you will see for yourself, hiking trails on Oahu are very popular, as the geography of the terrain allows for the creation of hikes at all possible levels of difficulty. Below is a diversified list so that all of my fellow travellers can find options that suit them.

Makapuʻu Lighthouse consists of a paved path and a gentle climb, making it an ideal hike if you're going to Oahu with kids, as a family.

It's one of the best hikes to do near Honolulu, especially on clear days, because from the cliff-top lighthouse you can see other islands in the archipelago, such as Molokai, Lanai and Maui, in the distance.

Where to find us and how to get there

Getting to this area by public transport is a bit tricky. If you're in a private or rental car, head east of Honolulu on the Kalanianaole Highway; you'll find a parking area very close to the Makapu'u Lighthouse trailhead.

Useful information about Makapu'u

• Length of hike: The hike could take about 1h 20 minutes to complete.
• Difficulty level: Easy, ideal for families.
• Distance 4.0 KM.
• Are there organised tours: Yes, tours to Makapu'u Lighthouse with private transport and guide are organised from Honolulu. Available from approximately €35.

If you decide to do this hike, you should head up to Manoa Valley for an easy, fun and somewhat muddy trail that will eventually lead you to one of the most impressive sights on Oahu: Manoa Falls.

The trail was closed for renovations for almost two years and reopened to the public in June 2021.

Where to find us and how to get there

Located just north of town, the entrance to the Manoa Falls trailhead is at the end of Manoa Road, next to the Lyon Arboretum. Taking Manoa Road by car will take you approximately 15 minutes to get there.

Useful information

• Walking time: The walk through the vegetation takes just over 1 hour to complete.
• Difficulty level: Easy, ideal for inexperienced users or those who don't want to tire themselves out.
• Distance: 2.7 km long trail.
• Are there organised tours: Yes, tours to the falls are available with transport from Honolulu, costing between €50 and €80 on average.

The Kaena Point Trail is a favourite hike for experienced hikers visiting the island of Oahu.

Although it's a bit of a long hike, it's flat terrain with little incline, ideal for a leisurely, family-friendly nature hike- especially if you hike to the Keawaula/Waianae side of the beach to enjoy the ocean view.

The trail has many sunny areas so it is important to wear a hat and protective clothing. In my experience the best time to hike this trail is early morning avoiding the midday sun at all costs.

Where is it and how to get there

Located just off the northwest side of the island, there are two access points from Honolulu. You can access the trail from the west side by taking the road to Yokohama Beach or you can access the trail via North Shore Avenue. Free parking is available on both routes.

Useful info

• Length of trail: The trail will take about 2 hours to complete.
• Difficulty level: Easy, suitable for all fitness levels.
• Distance: 8.0 km
• Organised excursions: Not at the moment.

Possibly one of the most popular hiking tra ils on Oahu is the hike to Diamond Head.

If you enjoy hiking, it's simply a must-do activity on your Hawaii holiday. Completing the trail is a unique experience that pays off at the top with fabulous views of the entire Waikiki area, Honolulu and the south shore of the island.

Although the Diamond Head trail is paved and perfectly groomed for easy hiking, take into consideration that it is, after all, a steep climb with no shaded areas, which increases temperatures.

Where to find us and how to get there

Located in the southwestern part of Honolulu, the Diamond Head trail is within the reserved area known as Diamond Head State Monument.

From the heart of Honolulu you'll need to take Interstate H1 (Lunalilo Freeway) to get there in about 15 minutes.

Useful information

• Duration of tour: The tour can be completed in about 1 hr.
• Difficulty level: Easy, despite the steep road.
• Distance: 2.9 km.
• Are there organised tours: Yes, guided tours by private transport from Honolulu from €38 per traveller. The price usually includes entrance to the park.

The Koko Crater trail consists of a 300 metre long staircase made of old railway planks.

Finishing the hike to the top of Koko Crater is possibly one of the most fascinating sensations you will experience; firstly because of the moderate physical effort involved and secondly because of the beautiful view that this point of the island offers.

To avoid the heat of the day, many locals do this tour at night. However, the park's car park operates on a schedule and closes at night, so I recommend you check the schedule in advance before your visit or make it early in the morning.

Where it is and how to get there

Located on the southeast side of the island, in the area known as Maunalua Bay, at the moment the only way to get there is by private transport. A drive from Honolulu will take you about 27 minutes.

Useful information about Koko Crater

• Travel time: About 30 minutes is usually enough time to complete the walk.
• Difficulty level: Moderate, although the walk is short the climb up the stairs can be a challenge depending on your physical condition.
• Distance: 1.4 km to the top.
• Are there organised hikes: Yes, they are usually included in private hiking packages that combine different hikes on Oahu. The price for 5 or 6 hikes with transport from Honolulu is approximately 250€.

Heading up to the Forest Reserve to do the Kuliʻouʻou trail is one of the best things to do in Ouha if you love hiking in the forest.

Normally dry, on the hike you'll encounter little muddy terrain in the middle of ironwood forest and plenty of shade; the view to the end of the trail is simply spectacular with spectacular views of the Waimanalo.

Where to find us and how to get there

The reserve is located east of Honolulu and the only way to get there is by private transport; a drive from the heart of the city will take you 22 minutes. The trail begins just off Kalaau Place Road.

Useful information

• Length of hike: The hike requires a considerable time investment as the trail takes about 3 hours to complete.
• Difficulty level: Moderate, mainly due to the time it takes.
• Distance: The full tour has a distance of 7.6 km.
• Are there organised tours: This tour is included in private tours of Oahu. The package with 5 or 6 different tours usually costs around 250€ and several people can participate. Transport to and from the city is also included.

The LanikaI Fort Trail is named after the abandoned army bunkers here at the top of the hillside.

The trail is short but strenuous and at the end of the walk you'll be treated to stunning views of Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach and Waimanalo Beach all on the Ko'olau Coast.

This hiking trail is also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail.

Where to find it and how to get there

The trail is located on the eastern side of the island and can be reached by private car in a 28-minute drive from downtown Honolulu.

Another way is to use Oahu's public transportation, bus number 67, which takes you from Honolulu to the trailhead.

Useful information

• Length of hike: It will take you at least 1 hour to complete the trail.
• Difficulty level: Difficult, recommended for travellers with hiking experience and good physical condition.
• Distance: 2.7 km distance.
• Organised hikes: No, not at the moment.

Visiting Waimea Valley and Waimea Waterfall is one of Hawaii's best adventures; on the north side of the island you'll find a shaded, paved walkway with an open-air botanical garden along the way. It's one of the best places to enjoy Hawaii's lush flora with its beautiful and attractive colours.

Follow the botanical trail and at the end of the trail you'll see another local wonder: a 45-foot waterfall where you can swim, cool off and have a few hours of fun. There is also a children's area designed for the little ones.

Where is it and how to get there

Waimea Valley is literally at the opposite end of the island from Honolulu in the area known as the North Shore; the best way to get to this part of Oahu is by private transport on a 1-hour drive from the city.

Useful Info

• Duration of the hike: The hike will take approximately 1 hr to complete.
• Difficulty Level: Easy, ideal for families and novice hikers.
• Distance: 3.1 km walk.
• Are there organised hikes: Yes, in fact it is one of the best and most fun hikes to do on a trip to Oahu; hikes tend to cost around €120 on average.

The Makiki Valley hiking trail takes you through a beautiful rainforest on a walk that allows you to enjoy a bit of everything: meandering climbs through dense vegetation cover, lots of tropical wildlife, and bodies of water.

The best part of the walk is undoubtedly the large mango and avocado trees, in the months of the year when they are full of fruit.

Where to find us and how to get there

The best part of the Makiki Valley tour is its proximity to the city. If you decide to go by car, a 10-minute drive will take you to the entrance of the trail.

You also have the option of public transport by taking the 123 bus to the "Makiki Heights Dr + Tantalus Dr" stop.

Useful Info

• Aproximate duration: It takes about 2 hours to complete the hiking trail.
• Difficulty level: Moderate, recommended for hikers with some experience.
• Distance: It is a long walk covering 5.1 km of terrain.
• Organised excursions: Not at the moment.

On this tour you will encounter the only reverse route on Oahu. The tour starts at the top of a hill on a downhill route that takes you to the impressive waterfall, deep natural pools and a rope swing where you can jump off.

Don't let the explanation confuse you though, it's a challenging route on poorly conditioned and mostly long terrain. A good level of fitness is required to complete it. On the way back, you will test the strength of your legs as you make your way back up the steep hill.

Where it is and how to get there

The Waimano Falls trail is located in the Ewa Forest Preserve in the heart of Oahu.

The easiest way to reach this area of the island from Honolulu is by private transport, a journey that will take approximately 25 minutes by car.

Useful information

• Travel time: You will need between 1h 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete the journey.
• Difficulty level: Difficult, recommended for travellers with hiking experience and in good physical condition.
• Distance: The route is long with a total distance of about 4.7 km.
• Are there organised tours: Yes, this adventure is offered as part of combined hiking tours to various Oahu destinations; these are private tours priced at around €250.