Oahu is residence to a number of the greatest 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 greatest 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 seeking waterfalls. No matter takes your fancy, distinctive surroundings will encompass you in each path and the summit views shall be value each leg-burning mile.
Prime Hikes On Oahu
Deciding what mountaineering trails you need to add to your Oahu itinerary might be tough, so learn on and be taught all in regards to the 15 greatest hikes on Oahu. After finishing one in all these excellent treks, learn our article on the greatest 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 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 aspect, you’ll rise previous the valley in the direction of a stupendous 150ft waterfall. You’ll hear the tumble of the water lengthy earlier than you arrive, and whenever you do, shade 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 may relaxation.
The spotlight of the hike is unquestionably the waterfall on the finish of the path. The waterfall is about 150 toes tall and it’s a fantastic place to chill off on a sizzling day. The Manoa Falls mountaineering 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 outside journey.
- Trailhead: Manoa Falls Trailhead
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Problem: Straightforward 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. Often known as 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 shifting however fortunately the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is barely 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 might be on the high, you’ll not solely see the pillboxes, that are two concrete bunkers that had been constructed throughout World Warfare 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 purpose to stand up early, full the hike, and soak up an unbeatable Hawaiian dawn.
- Trailhead: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Problem: Straightforward Hike
- Elevation Achieve: 656ft
3. Olomana Path
Now that you’ve stretched your legs and damaged in your mountaineering boots, it’s time to problem your self somewhat extra. That is the place the Olomana 3 Peaks Hike is available in.
As one of many tougher 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 approach 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 trying 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 issues. 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
- Problem: Tough
- 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 approach by means of the great botanical backyard of Waimea Valley. The valley is value exploring additional after the hike because it comes with a big cultural and archaeological web site.
This is among the extra common Oahu hikes primarily as a result of it includes a principally 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 sit down, chill out 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 Heart
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Problem: Straightforward
- Elevation Achieve: 272ft
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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 also be residence to probably the greatest hikes on Oahu. The Diamond Head Path takes you thru some unbelievable landscapes which might be a world away from the earlier treks by means of 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 way in which, the path leads you thru an thrilling 225ft tunnel, which is nearly as memorable because the views. However remember that is a particularly common hike and it may 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 can 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 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 Warfare. 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 greatest Oahu hikes however remember 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 stage.
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 essentially the most superb information about Hawaii.
- Trailhead: Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
- Distance: 2 miles
- Problem: Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 990ft
7. Seven Falls Hike
All the perfect Oahu hikes have one thing distinctive to take pleasure in. However for an all-around journey, it’s arduous to move 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 mountaineering path is subsequent to a rocky stream that cuts by means of a deep and slim gorge. Alongside the way in which, you’ll move a number of waterfalls, with the path requiring the usage of ropes so you may hike beside them.
It’s attainable to finish your entire trek and attain the seventh waterfall, nevertheless, your technical capacity will should be sound because it rapidly turns into a path for knowledgeable hikers.
- Trailhead: Yellow Gate on Maakua Street
- Distance: 5 miles
- Problem: Tough
- 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 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 timber in all places you look. The foliage is so dense that the solar solely makes its approach 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 numerous levels, you may glimpse lovely waterfalls. Some 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: Tough
- 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 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 way in which. It’s possible you have to it because the path might be slippery and the roots can carry you unstuck.
However the perfect view is, in fact, from the height the place you will notice the colourful coral reef under. On the proper time of day, the encircling mountains will gentle up underneath the solar’s rays.
- Trailhead: 51-676 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI
- Distance: 4 miles
- Problem: Tough
- 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 many who need to take pleasure in a few of Oahu’s greatest 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 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: Straightforward
- Elevation Achieve: 900ft
11. Mt Olympus Hike
As one of many tallest mountains on the island, Mt Olympus is a typical objective 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 most well-liked summit path begins within the Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Space.
This Oahu mountaineering path takes you deep into one of many island’s foremost mountain ranges with a number of vantage factors to view your entire island. The entire hike takes round a 4 to 5-hour round-trip. With many muddy sections, carry alongside sturdy boots and mountaineering pants.
- Trailhead: Wa’ahila Ridge Trailhead
- Distance: 5.9 miles
- Problem: Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 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 achieve the cascading waterfalls.
Alongside the way in which, 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 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 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 troublesome path that comes with comparatively dry mountaineering in comparison with lots of the mountaineering trails on this checklist. For that reason, the trek is a typical operating path for locals.
Alongside the way in which, 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 wonderful views of the jap aspect of Oahu earlier than traversing by means of a stupendous archway of banyan branches.
From the height, all of your toil shall 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
- Problem: Reasonable–Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 1800ft
14. Makapu’u Lighthouse Path
For lovely ocean views and the possibility to see a historic lighthouse, the Makapuu Level and Lighthouse Path present loads of bang in 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 have the ability to see the century-old lighthouse.
If you’re mountaineering the path from December to Might, Makapuu Level is a superb place to have a picnic, and preserve an eye fixed 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 by way of Moanalua Valley Path
Arguably essentially 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 option 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 would take round half a day to achieve the summit shared with the closed route. Remember the fact that when you be part of the Stairway to Heaven viewpoint, you might be thought-about to be on the unlawful path.
- Trailhead: Moanalua Valley Trailhead
- Distance: 9.3 miles
- Problem: Tough
- Elevation Achieve: 5030ft
16. Wiliwilinui Ridge path
The Wiliwilinui Ridge path is one in all 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’re going to get unbelievable 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 really useful for newbie hikers as you’ll have to the place you’ll scramble up a bunch of steep stairs, manufactured from wooden and normally lined within the Oahu clay, which may make issues fairly slippery so remember.
To entry this hike you’ll have to get a parking allow in the beginning of the path in a gated group. There are only some parking spots, however this path is comparatively unknown so you need to have the ability to snag one. When you get to the highest you’ll surprise why this hike isn’t extra common. It seems like you’re looking out on Jurassic Park!
- Trailhead: Waialae Iki Gated Neighborhood
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation acquire: 1,617 toes
- Problem: Reasonable
17. Makiki Valley Loop Path
The Makiki Valley Loop Path is the right 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 simple with solely 1000ft of elevation acquire, however it may get muddy, so in case you are pondering of doing it with the household or pets preserve this in thoughts.
The hike itself takes you thru the luxurious inexperienced forest with trails lined in inexperienced palms, timber draped with vines, and even a small waterfall about midway alongside the path. The footing will get somewhat tougher because the elevation adjustments however so long as you might be paying consideration you have to be. alright.
If you’re seeking to escape the town then that is the right hike to take.
- Trailhead: Hawaii Nature Heart in Makiki
- Distance: 3.2 Miles
- Elevation Achieve: 1000 ft
- Problem: Reasonable
Ceaselessly 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 number of 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 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 stupendous sundown viewpoint.
Two distinct protect 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 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 might 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 typically get soiled. For tips about mountaineering throughout Hawaii, try our article on the greatest hikes in Hawaii.
Last Ideas on Oahu Hikes
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. 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 might be 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 what you’re searching for on this checklist 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 greatest issues to do on Massive Island.