Oahu is house to a few of the finest hikes in all of Hawaii. The island is house to 2 huge mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae. Working alongside one another they assist to create dramatic and memorable landscapes and many of the finest hikes on Oahu soar up their ridgelines.
Hikes on Oahu vary in problem from informal paved strolls by botanic gardens to epic muddy treks deep into the jungle seeking waterfalls. No matter takes your fancy, distinctive surroundings will encompass you in each course and the summit views will probably be value each leg-burning mile.
High Hikes On Oahu
Deciding what mountaineering trails it is best to add to your Oahu itinerary will be difficult, so learn on and be taught 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 occasions 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 rework right into a jungle paradise and you will notice why that is our favourite Oahu hike. Flanked by the luxurious Manoa Valley on both facet, you’ll rise previous the valley in direction of a phenomenal 150ft waterfall. You’ll hear the tumble of the water lengthy earlier than you arrive, and if you do, shade prisms and rainbows will float by the air. The path is well-maintained and there are a number of benches alongside the best way the place you may relaxation.
The spotlight of the hike is certainly the waterfall on the finish of the path. The waterfall is about 150 toes tall and it’s an ideal place to chill off on a scorching day. The Manoa Falls mountaineering path is a comparatively easy hike that could be a nice starter trek for newcomers to Oahu and in addition for households searching for an out of doors journey.
- Trailhead: Manoa Falls Trailhead
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Issue: Simple hike
- Elevation Achieve: 633ft
2. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Hike)
In probably the most picturesque corners of Oahu, a brief ridge hike ends in iconic and colourful pillboxes. Also called the Kaiwa Ridge Path, this trek is among the most rewarding but easy mountaineering trails on Oahu.
The regular, steep grade will get the legs transferring however fortunately the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is barely 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 Battle II, however additionally, you will take pleasure in 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 absorb an unbeatable Hawaiian dawn.
- Trailhead: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Issue: Simple Hike
- Elevation Achieve: 656ft
3. Olomana Path
Now that you’ve got stretched your legs and damaged in your mountaineering boots, it’s time to problem your self a bit of extra. That is the place the Olomana 3 Peaks Hike is available in.
As one of many more difficult 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 means throughout to the second peak.
The path is steep and rocky, and there are some sections that require scrambling and twine help. So this can be a hike I might solely counsel making an attempt in case you are actually in form and have mountaineering expertise.
Though you may climb the third peak, we suggest turning round after peak two due to security considerations. When you’re again on stage floor, head to the native pub and toast to an unbelievable day within the mountains.
- Trailhead: Loop Drive close to Royal Hawaiian Golf Membership
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 2761ft
4. Waimea Falls Path
Much like the Manoa Falls Path, Waimea Falls is a really accessible hike close to Oahu’s north shore. The path makes its means by 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 fashionable Oahu hikes primarily as a result of it encompasses a largely paved path alongside flat floor. Alongside the trek, dense forests and lovely gardens will welcome you at each flip. After getting reached the top, it is possible for you to to take a seat, calm down and take within the 45ft waterfall because it tumbles into the Kamanui Stream. To assist make the hike much more accessible, there are elective shuttles for younger households and aged hikers.
- Trailhead: Waimea Valley Customer Middle
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Issue: Simple
- 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 characteristic can be house to among the finest hikes on Oahu. The Diamond Head Path takes you thru some unbelievable landscapes which are a world away from the earlier treks by rainforests.
The enjoyable, however difficult volcano hike encompasses 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 best way, the path leads you thru an thrilling 225ft tunnel, which is sort of as memorable because the views. However bear in mind that is an especially fashionable hike and it may possibly get actually crowded at dawn, so be ready.
- Trailhead: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Issue: Average
- 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 lovely. Magnum PI followers will even love this helicopter tour in a reproduction of the sequence helicopter to see filming places 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 mountaineering 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 Battle. Now as a substitute 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 should have gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean from 1200ft above sea stage.
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 essentially the most superb info about Hawaii.
- Trailhead: Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
- Distance: 2 miles
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 990ft
7. Seven Falls Hike
All one of the best Oahu hikes have one thing distinctive to take pleasure in. However for an all-around journey, it’s exhausting to go up on the Seven Falls path. That includes waterfalls, loads of wading by streams, and boulder hopping alongside the difficult route, Seven Falls has all of it.
The mountaineering path is subsequent to a rocky stream that cuts by a deep and slender gorge. Alongside the best way, you’ll go a number of waterfalls, with the path requiring using ropes so you may hike beside them.
It’s doable to finish your complete trek and attain the seventh waterfall, nonetheless, your technical means will should be sound because it rapidly turns into a path for knowledgeable hikers.
- Trailhead: Yellow Gate on Maakua Street
- Distance: 5 miles
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 1805ft
8. Ka’au Crater Hike
From one epic journey to a different, Oahu positive 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 levels.
Out of your first step, you enter the jungle with magnificent hovering timber all over the place you look. The foliage is so dense that the solar solely makes its means by the cover at uncommon intervals. From gaps alongside the ridge, you will notice so far as Waikiki Seashore and Oahu’s southeastern shoreline.
At varied levels, you may glimpse lovely waterfalls. Some 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
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 1942ft
9. Crouching Lion Hike
A steep, but quick 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 mountaineering trails, there isn’t a 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 best way. It’s probably you will have it because the path will be slippery and the roots can convey you unstuck.
However one of the best view is, after all, from the height the place you will notice the colourful coral reef under. On the proper time of day, the encircling mountains will mild up underneath the solar’s rays.
- Trailhead: 51-676 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI
- Distance: 4 miles
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 2000ft
10. Aiea Loop Path
After some difficult, adventurous hikes by the huge Oahu forests, it’s time to take the issue down a notch. The Aiea Loop Path is ideal for individuals who need to take pleasure in 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 supplies 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
- Issue: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 900ft
11. Mt Olympus Hike
As one of many tallest mountains on the island, Mt Olympus is a typical aim for lots of adventurous residents. At over 2400ft tall, Mt Olympus is recurrently 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 mountaineering path takes you deep into one of many island’s most important mountain ranges with a number of vantage factors to view your complete island. The entire hike takes round a 4 to 5-hour round-trip. With many muddy sections, convey alongside sturdy boots and mountaineering pants.
- Trailhead: Wa’ahila Ridge Trailhead
- Distance: 5.9 miles
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 2618ft
12. Maunawili Falls Path
On the windward facet of Oahu, the Maunawili Falls path is a three-mile trek. Nevertheless, it may possibly take so long as two hours to achieve the cascading waterfalls.
Alongside the best way, you’ll attain a plateau the place you may have a break and take within the views right down to the valley together with the encircling jungle.
Afterward, the path descends into the timber the place, after many huge steps, you may 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 will probably be a refreshing pure pool.
- Trailhead: Maunawili Falls Trailhead
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation Achieve: 1007ft
13. Kuliouou Ridge Path
The Kuliouou Ridge Path is a reasonable to troublesome path that comes with comparatively dry mountaineering in comparison with lots of the mountaineering trails on this record. For that reason, the trek is a typical working path for locals.
Alongside the best way, you should have sections of stairs taking you up and over rocky terrain, at different occasions you’ll have to do it your self. The ridge comes with a number of plateaus offering wonderful views of the japanese facet of Oahu earlier than traversing by a phenomenal archway of banyan branches.
From the height, all of your toil will probably 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
- Issue: Average–Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 1800ft
14. Makapu’u Lighthouse Path
For lovely ocean views and the prospect to see a historic lighthouse, the Makapuu Level and Lighthouse Path present loads of bang to your buck.
On the finish of the 1-mile journey to the japanese tip of Oahu, you should 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 mountaineering the path from December to Might, Makapuu Level is a superb place to have a picnic, and maintain a watch out for whales who arrive in nice numbers throughout these months.
- Trailhead: Makapuu Level Lighthouse Trailhead
- Distance: 2 miles
- Issue: Average
- Elevation Achieve: 500ft
15. Stairway to Heaven through Moanalua Valley Path
Arguably essentially the most well-known hike not simply in Oahu however Hawaii as a complete is the Haiku Stairs path. Because the late Nineteen Eighties, the path has been closed to the general public, but its fame continues to rise. One strategy to attain the spectacular viewpoint alongside the Haiku Stairs is to take a troublesome, but authorized route.
The hike begins on the Moanalua Valley facet and takes you to the summit through a sequence of rope climbs and steep ascents. It’ll take round half a day to achieve the summit shared with the closed route. Needless to say when you be a 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
- Issue: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 5030ft
16. Wiliwilinui Ridge path
The Wiliwilinui Ridge path is one among Oahu’s best-kept secrets and techniques. Positioned on the japanese facet of Oahu alongside the backbone of the Ko?olau Mountain vary this hike takes you thru the luxurious forest as much as the highest of the mountain ridge to the summit the place you’ll get unbelievable views of all of Oahu.
It’s not too troublesome 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’s not really useful for newbie hikers as you’ll have to the place you’ll scramble up a bunch of steep stairs, fabricated from wooden and often coated within the Oahu clay, which might make issues fairly slippery so bear in mind.
To entry this hike you’ll have to get a parking allow at first of the path in a gated neighborhood. There are only some parking spots, however this path is comparatively unknown so it is best to be capable to snag one. When you get to the highest you’ll marvel why this hike isn’t extra fashionable. It seems like you’re looking out on Jurassic Park!
- Trailhead: Waialae Iki Gated Neighborhood
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation acquire: 1,617 toes
- Issue: Average
17. Makiki Valley Loop Path
The Makiki Valley Loop Path is the right hike for individuals who are searching for a brief forest path on Oahu that’s near Waikiki and simple to entry. This path is fairly straightforward with solely 1000ft of elevation acquire, however it may possibly get muddy, so in case you are pondering of doing it with the household or pets maintain this in thoughts.
The hike itself takes you thru the luxurious inexperienced forest with trails coated in inexperienced palms, timber draped with vines, and even a small waterfall about midway alongside the path. The footing will get a bit of more difficult 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 Middle in Makiki
- Distance: 3.2 Miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1000 ft
- Issue: Average
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. Nevertheless, there are a couple of straightforward 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 quick, easy hikes that also present walkers with views and memorable highlights.
What are the mountaineering trails like in Oahu?
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 phenomenal sundown viewpoint.
Two distinct protect volcanoes performed a big position in creating Oahu’s dramatic panorama. Mountains right here soar out of the valley at stark angles so many of the mountaineering on the island options steep climbs. Though the dense forest helps to maintain the bottom stable, many trails nonetheless face points of abrasion and trails will be slippery and muddy.
For these causes, it’s best to arrange for these hikes with sturdy footwear and settle for that you simply’ll usually get soiled. For tips about mountaineering throughout Hawaii, take a look at our article on the finest hikes in Hawaii.
Closing Ideas on Oahu Hikes
Climbing in Oahu is thrilling for folks of all talent ranges. The easy, easy-access hikes convey you near the island’s lovely surroundings with out strenuous effort. However, the vary of difficult hikes will put a smile on the face of skilled hikers who need 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, one can find what you’re searching for on this record of the final word 15 hikes in Oahu.
As soon as your time in Oahu is up, why not journey to Massive Island? Discover the finest issues to do on Massive Island.
