Oahu is residence to among the finest hikes in all of Hawaii. The island is residence to 2 huge mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae. Operating 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 via botanic gardens to epic muddy treks deep into the jungle in quest of waterfalls. No matter takes your fancy, distinctive surroundings will encompass you in each course and the summit views will likely be price each leg-burning mile.
Prime Hikes On Oahu
Deciding what climbing trails you need to add to your Oahu itinerary will be difficult, so learn on and study all in regards to the 15 finest hikes on Oahu. After finishing considered one of these excellent treks, learn our article on one of the best 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 proper city escape and is without doubt one of 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 aspect, you’ll rise previous the valley in direction of an exquisite 150ft waterfall. You’ll hear the tumble of the water lengthy earlier than you arrive, and whenever you do, coloration prisms and rainbows will float via the air. The path is well-maintained and there are a number of benches alongside the best way the place you possibly can relaxation.
The spotlight of the hike is certainly the waterfall on the finish of the path. The waterfall is about 150 ft tall and it’s an incredible place to chill off on a scorching day. The Manoa Falls climbing path is a comparatively easy hike that may 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 Acquire: 633ft
2. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Hike)
In one of the crucial picturesque corners of Oahu, a brief ridge hike ends in iconic and colourful pillboxes. Often known as the Kaiwa Ridge Path, this trek is without doubt one of the most rewarding but easy climbing trails on Oahu.
The regular, steep grade will get the legs transferring however fortunately the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is simply roughly a mile one-way. Views are superb all alongside the path, supplying you with a glimpse into what’s to come back. As soon as you’re on the prime, you’ll not solely see the pillboxes, that are two concrete bunkers that have been constructed throughout World Battle 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 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 Acquire: 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 method 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’d solely counsel trying in case you are actually in form and have climbing expertise.
Though you possibly can 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 unimaginable day within the mountains.
Trailhead: Loop Drive close to Royal Hawaiian Golf Membership Distance: 4.4 miles Issue: Troublesome Elevation Acquire: 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 method via the great botanical backyard of Waimea Valley. The valley is price exploring additional after the hike because it comes with a big cultural and archaeological website.
This is without doubt one of the extra well-liked Oahu hikes primarily as a result of it includes a largely paved path alongside flat floor. Alongside the trek, dense forests and beautiful gardens will welcome you at each flip. Upon getting reached the tip, 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 optionally available shuttles for younger households and aged hikers.
Trailhead: Waimea Valley Customer Middle Distance: 3.5 miles Issue: Simple Elevation Acquire: 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 components of the island, the Diamond Head State Monument. This iconic pure characteristic can be residence to among the finest hikes on Oahu. The Diamond Head Path takes you thru some unimaginable landscapes which might be a world away from the earlier treks via rainforests.
The enjoyable, however difficult volcano hike includes 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 a particularly well-liked hike and it may get actually crowded at dawn, so be ready.
Trailhead: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead Distance: 1.6 miles Issue: Average Elevation Acquire: 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 may even love this helicopter tour in a duplicate of the sequence helicopter to see filming areas plus Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, and Le‘ahi (Diamond Head).
6. Koko Crater Hike
Close by to Diamond Head and Waikiki Seashore is without doubt one of the most enjoyable 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 Battle. Now as an alternative 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 without doubt 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’ll have gorgeous 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.
In case you are hooked on Oahu’s distinctive panorama, go a step additional and discover out probably the most superb information about Hawaii.
Trailhead: Koko Crater Railway Trailhead Distance: 2 miles Issue: Troublesome Elevation Acquire: 990ft
7. Seven Falls Hike
All one of the best Oahu hikes have one thing distinctive to get pleasure from. However for an all-around journey, it’s arduous to move up on the Seven Falls path. That includes waterfalls, loads of wading via 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 via a deep and slender gorge. Alongside the best way, you’ll move a number of waterfalls, with the path requiring using ropes so you possibly can hike beside them.
It’s doable to finish your complete trek and attain the seventh waterfall, nonetheless, your technical means will must be sound because it shortly turns into a path for skilled hikers.
Trailhead: Yellow Gate on Maakua Street Distance: 5 miles Issue: Troublesome Elevation Acquire: 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 historical 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 bushes in all places you look. The foliage is so dense that the solar solely makes its method via 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 possibly can glimpse lovely waterfalls. Some that you could pause and take a dip in, offering the proper 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 Acquire: 1942ft
9. Crouching Lion Hike
A steep, but brief 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 any 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’ll need it because the path will be slippery and the roots can deliver you unstuck.
However one of the best view is, in fact, from the height the place you will notice the colourful coral reef under. 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 Issue: Troublesome Elevation Acquire: 2000ft
10. Aiea Loop Path
After some difficult, adventurous hikes via the huge Oahu forests, it’s time to take the problem down a notch. The Aiea Loop Path is ideal for many 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 possibly can stroll across the loop at a leisurely tempo viewing forests full of 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 Issue: Simple Elevation Acquire: 900ft
11. Mt Olympus Hike
As one of many tallest mountains on the island, Mt Olympus is a standard purpose for lots of adventurous residents. At over 2400ft tall, Mt Olympus is repeatedly 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 climbing path takes you deep into one of many island’s important mountain ranges with a number of vantage factors to view your complete island. The whole hike takes round a 4 to 5-hour round-trip. With many muddy sections, deliver alongside sturdy boots and climbing pants.
Trailhead: Wa’ahila Ridge Trailhead Distance: 5.9 miles Issue: Troublesome Elevation Acquire: 2618ft
12. Maunawili Falls Path
On the windward aspect of Oahu, the Maunawili Falls path is a three-mile trek. Nevertheless, it may take so long as two hours to succeed in the cascading waterfalls.
Alongside the best way, you’ll attain a plateau the place you possibly can have a break and take within the views all the way down to the valley together with the encompassing jungle.
Afterward, the path descends into the bushes the place, after many monumental 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 will likely be a refreshing pure pool.
Trailhead: Maunawili Falls Trailhead Distance: 2.8 miles Issue: Average Elevation Acquire: 1007ft
13. Kuliouou Ridge Path
The Kuliouou Ridge Path is a reasonable to troublesome path that comes with comparatively dry climbing in comparison with most of the climbing trails on this listing. Because of this, the trek is a standard operating path for locals.
Alongside the best way, you’ll 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 glorious views of the jap aspect of Oahu earlier than traversing via an exquisite archway of banyan branches.
From the height, all of your toil will likely be price 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 Acquire: 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 on your buck.
On the finish of the 1-mile journey to the jap tip of Oahu, you’ll 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.
In case you are climbing the path from December to Could, Makapuu Level is a good place to have a picnic, and maintain an eye fixed out for whales who arrive in nice numbers throughout these months.
Trailhead: Makapuu Level Lighthouse Trailhead Distance: 2 miles Issue: Average Elevation Acquire: 500ft
15. Stairway to Heaven by way of 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 approach to attain the spectacular viewpoint alongside the Haiku Stairs is to take a troublesome, but authorized route.
The hike begins on the Moanalua Valley aspect and takes you to the summit by way of a sequence of rope climbs and steep ascents. It is going to take round half a day to succeed in the summit shared with the closed route. Remember that when you be 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 Acquire: 5030ft
16. Wiliwilinui Ridge path
The Wiliwilinui Ridge path is considered one of Oahu’s best-kept secrets and techniques. Situated on the jap aspect 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 unimaginable views of all of Oahu.
It isn’t 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 isn’t advisable for newbie hikers as you’ll have to the place you’ll scramble up a bunch of steep stairs, made from wooden and normally coated within the Oahu clay, which may 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 only some 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 marvel why this hike isn’t extra well-liked. It seems like you’re looking out on Jurassic Park!
Trailhead: Waialae Iki Gated Neighborhood Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation achieve: 1,617 ft Issue: Average
17. Makiki Valley Loop Path
The Makiki Valley Loop Path is the proper hike for many 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 achieve, however it may 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, bushes draped with vines, and even a small waterfall about midway alongside the path. The footing will get a bit more difficult because the elevation adjustments however so long as you’re paying consideration you have to be. alright.
In case you are trying to escape town then that is the proper hike to take.
Trailhead: Hawaii Nature Middle in Makiki Distance: 3.2 Miles Elevation Acquire: 1000 ft Issue: Average
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 a couple of straightforward hikes that would be the good temporary tour to interrupt up your trip.
The Lanikai Pillbox hike together with the Waimea and Manoa Falls are glorious examples of brief, easy hikes that also present walkers with views and memorable highlights.
What are the climbing trails like in Oahu?
Mountaineering on Oahu brings superb selection, the place you possibly can full a crater hike within the morning and end with a jungle trek to an exquisite sundown viewpoint.
Two distinct defend volcanoes performed a big function 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 stable, many trails nonetheless face points of abrasion and trails will be slippery and muddy.
For these causes, it’s best to organize for these hikes with sturdy footwear and settle for that you just’ll usually get soiled. For recommendations on climbing throughout Hawaii, try our article on one of the best hikes in Hawaii.
Ultimate Ideas on Oahu Hikes
Mountaineering in Oahu is thrilling for folks of all ability ranges. The straightforward, easy-access hikes deliver you near the island’s lovely surroundings with out strenuous effort. Then again, 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 countless trails, you’ll find what you’re searching for on this listing of the last word 15 hikes in Oahu.
As soon as your time in Oahu is up, why not journey to Huge Island? Discover one of the best issues to do on Huge Island.