Oahu is known for its unbelievable ocean views, incredible surfing, and national landmarks like the awe-inspiring Pearl Harbor National Memorial. It’s also well known for its abundance of hiking trails — you’ll find some of Hawaii’s top hiking trails in Oahu. If you’re looking for some of the best views on the island, start your journey on any of these unparalleled hiking paths.
Before you set off on any Oahu hike, it’s important to pack plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and in some cases insect repellent. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear like a pair of good hiking boots (save your flip flops for the beach), and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun’s harsh rays. Most importantly, don’t forget to pack plenty of water so you can rehydrate often, to avoid overheating. Hiking in Oahu is a little different than hiking in the Smokies or the Rockies!
From easy trails to more adventurous hikes, here are six of the best trails for hiking in Oahu.
1. Diamond Head Summit Trail
Diamond Head Summit Trail is one of the most popular spots for hiking in Oahu. Located at the edge of Waikiki, this historic hiking trail is made up of a massive 475-acre crater. The trail to Diamond Head’s summit was built in 1908 as part of Oahu’s coastal defense system, and you’ll find several World War II bunkers on your way up the path. It’s a moderate hike that starts out easy with a paved walkway at the beginning of the trail, which then gets progressively steeper as you find yourself zig-zagging upward on one of countless switchbacks. Once you come out of the tunnel in the middle of the hike, the trail forks — the right fork is shorter with many stairs to the top, and the left fork is an easier (albeit longer) trail. Both forks lead you to the top of the crater, where you can see the ocean for miles, as well as 360-degree views of Waikiki and the surrounding terrain. In the winter, you might get lucky and spot some breaching humpback whales!
Length: 1.6 miles round trip
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: Yes (parking and trail access)
2. Koko Crater Railway Trail
Koko Crater Railway Trail, also known as Koko Crater Steps, is one of the most adventurous hiking trails in Oahu. It’s a steep, grueling climb to the top with absolutely no shade, which takes an average of 90 minutes to complete, depending on how many times you decide to stop and enjoy the view (or stop and catch your breath). Test your endurance up this abandoned railroad track dating all the way back to World War II. The track is mounted to the hillside and was used as part of an inclined tram to transport supplies to the summit lookout point. With an elevation change of nearly 1,000 feet, this hike is not for the faint of heart — it’s hard work, to say the least. Once you make it to the top, relish in the panoramic views of Honolulu’s shoreline. You sure earned it! Bask in the sun and maybe even take a few bites from your packed lunch — it might be awhile before you decide to head back down.
Length: 1.4 miles round trip
Duration: 1.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Fee: No
3. Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a moderate trail, offering stunningly beautiful views of Oahu’s coastline and nearby landmarks. Hike past the Makapuu Lighthouse, built in 1909, while scoping out the ocean for humpback whales passing by on their winter migration routes. Bring a pair of binoculars for whale-spotting, and also to watch for native bird species, like the iwa, frigate, and tropicbird.You might see flocks of seabirds in the area, as the nearby offshore islets offer these birds sanctuary. Although inaccessible, the lighthouse itself is an interesting viewpoint. It’s a picturesque red and white structure that once protected ships from the coastline’s craggy depths, and now serves as a historic landmark. Watch for World War II pillboxes as well, and keep your eyes peeled for the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai, which are viewable in the distance on clear days. Although downward views of lush vegetation surround the trail, the path itself is very dry and feels more like a desert. Watch out for prickly cacti and avoid excess sun exposure as much as you can. Although uphill, the trail is paved, which makes it easily accessible for families with children and people of all ages. This trail is quite possibly the coolest lighthouse hike Oahu has to offer.
Length: 2 miles round trip
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: No
4. Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike takes you on a short and narrow trail, featuring two military bunkers and panoramic views of Lanikai Beach. In case you’re wondering how the hike got its name, in military terms a pillbox is a defensive site full of narrow loopholes through which defenders can fire weapons at their attackers. Because of its grade, this hike is ranked as moderate, and generally takes about 45-60 minutes to complete. Although it’s a popular hike, there are plenty of quiet areas along the path, and the trail is a fascinating experience full of stunning views and interesting history. You’ll reach the first bunker about 20 minutes into the hike, and the second after another 10 minutes or so of hiking. From there, you can choose whether you turn around and head back, or you can continue on the Kaiwa Ridge Trail which leads to a residential area about an hour farther. Once at the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Kailua Bay, Lanikai Beach, and the Mokulua Islands. The increasing grade of the climb is well worth the effort as you’re rewarded with absolutely stunning views at the end.
Length: 1.5 miles round trip
Duration: 45-90 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: No
5. Manoa Falls Trail
Manoa Falls Trail is just a short drive from downtown Honolulu, but feels like you’re miles and miles away! The lush, tropical rainforest is drizzly all year long, which means the hike to the 100-foot-high Manoa Falls is completely shaded by overhanging trees. This popular hiking trail was also the filming location for several Jurassic Park movies, and television shows “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-O.” It’s no wonder Hollywood producers chose this incredible oasis as the backdrop for their filming — surrounding the trail are eucalyptus trees, brightly colored tropical flowers, enormous banyan trees, and a bamboo grove, all of which makes for a picture-perfect tropical background. The trail can get muddy in places, so appropriate footwear is recommended (no sandals), and the rainforest’s high humidity means insect repellent is a must. Manoa Falls is at the end of the trail, and its 100-foot-high falls are glorious. Once you reach the falls, enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall but keep in mind that the pools beneath the falls are strictly for visual enjoyment, and that swimming is prohibited.
Length: 1.6 miles round trip
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: Yes (parking)
6. Waimea Falls Trail
It’s no secret that a trip to Hawaii is a very special vacation. If you’re wanting to take a hike through sacred land, Waimea Falls Trail is the right hike for you. It’s also one of the best easy hikes Oahu has to offer. It’s a fully-paved trail with gentle hills, but you can opt to take the more strenuous side paths instead of the easier main path if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous. Along the way, you might spot the alae’ula, a native Hawaiian bird who lives in the ponds on the way to the falls. There are many educational signs along this trail, designed to help you learn about Hawaiian culture while making your way to the waterfall. For additional education on all things Hawaiian, the area surrounding the trail often hosts cultural demonstrations, workshops, and performances. When you arrive at the waterfall, there are changing rooms for you to put on your swimwear and then cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool below the falls. Swimming is generally allowed (conditions permitting), and there are lifeguards on duty to keep everyone safe.
Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Fee: Yes (trail access)
These are just the top six — there are dozens more amazing trails for hiking in Oahu. Visit this page for a list of additional waterfall hikes, and this page for a list of additional hikes with scenic views. RCI is full of tips and information to help you plan your Hawaii getaway.
There will come a time on your Hawaiian vacation when you’re all hiked out. For filling the rest of your time in Hawaii, give these handy articles a read to discover the top 10 attractions in Hawaii, four amazing Hawaiian hidden gems, and a full seven-day itinerary for exploring Oahu.
Where To Stay In Oahu With RCI
Turtle Bay Resort — Kahuka
Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas — Kapolei
‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach — Honolulu
Ambassador Hotel Waikiki — Honolulu
Club Wyndham at Waikiki Beach Walk — Honolulu
Club Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki — Honolulu
Club Wyndham Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai — Honolulu
Grand Waikikian, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club — Honolulu
Hawaiian Sun Holidays — Honolulu
Hokulani Waikiki, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club — Honolulu
Imperial Hawaii Vacation Club — Honolulu
Kuhio Banyan Club — Honolulu
Lagoon Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club — Honolulu
Lifetime in Hawaii — Honolulu
Park Shore Waikiki — Honolulu
Pearl Hotel Waikiki — Honolulu
Shell Vacations Club @ Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai — Honolulu
Sweetwater at Waikiki — Honolulu
The Grand Islander, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club — Honolulu
The Modern Honolulu — Honolulu
The Twin Fin — Honolulu
Vacation Internationale Aloha Towers — Honolulu
Vacation Internationale Fairway Villa — Honolulu
Vacation Internationale Royal Kuhio — Honolulu
Vacation Internationale Waikiki Sky Towers — Honolulu
White Sands Hotel — Honolulu
