Oahu is dwelling to a number of the finest hikes in all of Hawaii. The island is dwelling to 2 huge mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae. Working 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 issue from informal paved strolls by means of botanic gardens to epic muddy treks deep into the jungle looking for waterfalls. No matter takes your fancy, distinctive surroundings will encompass you in each course and the summit views shall be value each leg-burning mile.
Prime Hikes On Oahu
Deciding what climbing trails you need to add to your Oahu itinerary could be tough, so learn on and be taught all in regards to the 15 finest hikes on Oahu. After finishing certainly one of 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 likely one of 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 notice why that is our favourite Oahu hike. Flanked by the plush Manoa Valley on both aspect, you’ll rise previous the valley in direction of a fantastic 150ft waterfall. You’ll hear the tumble of the water lengthy earlier than you arrive, and whenever you do, colour 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’ll be able to 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 excellent place to chill off on a sizzling day. The Manoa Falls 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 out of doors journey.
- Trailhead: Manoa Falls Trailhead
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Problem: Simple 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 called the Kaiwa Ridge Path, this trek is likely one of the most rewarding but simple 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 prime, you’ll not solely see the pillboxes, that are two concrete bunkers that had been constructed throughout World Conflict 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 purpose to stand up early, full the hike, and absorb an unbeatable Hawaiian dawn.
- Trailhead: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Problem: Simple Hike
- Elevation Achieve: 656ft
3. Olomana Path
Now that you’ve stretched your legs and damaged in your climbing boots, it’s time to problem your self a bit 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 manner 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 climbing expertise.
Though you’ll be able to climb the third peak, we advocate turning round after peak two due to security issues. When you’re again on degree 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
- Problem: 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 manner by means of the fantastic botanical backyard of Waimea Valley. The valley is value exploring additional after the hike because it comes with a big cultural and archaeological website.
This is likely one of the extra fashionable Oahu hikes primarily as a result of it contains a principally paved path alongside flat floor. Alongside the trek, dense forests and lovely gardens will welcome you at each flip. After you have reached the top, it is possible for you to to sit down, 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-obligatory shuttles for younger households and aged hikers.
- Trailhead: Waimea Valley Customer Middle
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Problem: 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 in regards to the mass of volcanic rock that’s seen from so many elements of the island, the Diamond Head State Monument. This iconic pure function can be dwelling to among the best hikes on Oahu. The Diamond Head Path takes you thru some unbelievable landscapes which are a world away from the earlier treks by means of rainforests.
The enjoyable, however difficult volcano hike contains 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 an especially fashionable hike and it could actually 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, stand 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 may even love this helicopter tour in a duplicate of the collection 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 likely one of the most fun 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 Conflict. 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 likely one of 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 beautiful 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.
If you’re 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 perfect Oahu hikes have one thing distinctive to get pleasure from. However for an all-around journey, it’s arduous 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 climbing path is subsequent to a rocky stream that cuts by means of a deep and slender gorge. Alongside the way in which, you’ll cross a number of waterfalls, with the path requiring using ropes so you’ll be able to hike beside them.
It’s doable to finish all the trek and attain the seventh waterfall, nonetheless, your technical means will must be sound because it rapidly turns into a path for skilled 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 timber in every single place you look. The foliage is so dense that the solar solely makes its manner by means of 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 phases, you’ll be able to glimpse lovely waterfalls. Some which you can 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 quick hike is an effective way to see the breathtaking Kahana Bay from above, together with the imposing sight of Pu’u Manamana. Like seemingly all of the Oahu climbing 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 way in which. It’s doubtless you will want it because the path could be slippery and the roots can carry you unstuck.
However the perfect view is, after all, from the height the place you will notice the colourful coral reef beneath. On the proper time of day, the encompassing mountains will gentle up below 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 need 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’ll be able to stroll across the loop at a leisurely tempo viewing forests filled with eucalyptus groves, Norfolk pine, and native Koa.
Being on the west aspect 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
- Problem: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 900ft
11. Mt Olympus Hike
As one of many tallest mountains on the island, Mt Olympus is a standard objective for lots of adventurous residents. At over 2400ft tall, Mt Olympus is commonly hidden by cloud protection. Regardless of having a number of choices, the most well-liked summit path begins within the Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Space.
This Oahu climbing path takes you deep into one of many island’s major mountain ranges with a number of vantage factors to view all the island. The whole hike takes round a 4 to 5-hour round-trip. With many muddy sections, carry alongside sturdy boots and climbing pants.
- Trailhead: Wa’ahila Ridge Trailhead
- Distance: 5.9 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 2618ft
12. Maunawili Falls Path
On the windward aspect of Oahu, the Maunawili Falls path is a three-mile trek. Nevertheless, it could actually take so long as two hours to achieve the cascading waterfalls.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll attain a plateau the place you’ll be able to have a break and take within the views right down to the valley together with the encompassing jungle.
Afterward, the path descends into the timber the place, after many huge steps, you’ll 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 shall 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 climbing in comparison with lots of the climbing trails on this record. Because of this, the trek is a standard working path for locals.
Alongside the way in which, you should 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 aspect of Oahu earlier than traversing by means of a fantastic archway of banyan branches.
From the height, all of your toil shall be value it with beautiful 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 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 jap 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 of see the century-old lighthouse.
If you’re climbing 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
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 500ft
15. Stairway to Heaven through Moanalua Valley Path
Arguably probably the most well-known hike not simply in Oahu however Hawaii as a complete is the Haiku Stairs path. For the reason that late Nineteen 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 aspect and takes you to the summit through a collection 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 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
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 5030ft
16. Wiliwilinui Ridge path
The Wiliwilinui Ridge path is certainly one of Oahu’s best-kept secrets and techniques. Positioned on the jap aspect 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 unbelievable 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, product of wooden and normally 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 initially of the path in a gated neighborhood. There are just a few parking spots, however this path is comparatively unknown so you need to be capable of snag one. When you get to the highest you’ll surprise why this hike isn’t extra fashionable. It looks like you’re looking out on Jurassic Park!
- Trailhead: Waialae Iki Gated Neighborhood
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation achieve: 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 achieve, however it could actually get muddy, so in case you are considering of doing it with the household or pets maintain this in thoughts.
The hike itself takes you thru the plush 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 more difficult because the elevation modifications however so long as you’re paying consideration try to be. alright.
If you’re 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
- Problem: Reasonable
Steadily 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 just a few 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 quick, easy hikes that also present walkers with views and memorable highlights.
What are the climbing trails like in Oahu?
Mountain climbing on Oahu brings superb selection, the place you’ll be able to full a crater hike within the morning and end with a jungle trek to a fantastic sundown viewpoint.
Two distinct defend volcanoes performed a big position in creating Oahu’s dramatic panorama. Mountains right here soar out of the valley at stark angles so a lot of the 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 could 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 typically get soiled. For recommendations on climbing throughout Hawaii, take a look at our article on the finest hikes in Hawaii.
Last Ideas on Oahu Hikes
Mountain climbing in Oahu is thrilling for folks of all talent ranges. The straightforward, easy-access hikes carry you near the island’s lovely surroundings with out strenuous effort. Alternatively, the vary of difficult hikes will put a smile on the face of skilled hikers who need to go that further 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 that what you’re in search of 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.
