Best Hikes in Oahu

When visiting a paradisiacal destination like this island, enjoying nature is one of the best things you can see and do on Oahu. Its lush vegetation, beautiful rivers and waterfalls and idyllic beaches have made this island a favorite among travelers and the most visited of all the Hawaiian archipelago.

As you will see for yourself, hiking trails on Oahu are very popular, as the geography of the terrain allows the creation of hikes at all possible levels of difficulty. Below is a diversified list so that all my traveler friends can find options that suit them.

Makapuʻu Lighthouse is made up of a paved trail and a gentle climb, making it an ideal hike if you're going to Oahu with kids, as a family.

It is one of the best hikes to do near Honolulu especially during clear days, as from the lighthouse that sits atop a cliff you can see other islands in the archipelago, such as Molokai, Lanai and Maui, in the distance.

Where it is and how to get there

Getting to this area by public transport is a bit complicated. If you go by private or rental car head east of Honolulu taking the Kalanianaole Highway; you will find a parking area very close to the Makapu'u Lighthouse trailhead.

Useful information about Makapu'u lighthouse

• Duration of hike: The hike could take about 1h 20 minutes to complete.
• Difficulty level: Easy, ideal for families.
• Distance 4.0 KM.
• Are there organized tours: Yes, tours to Makapu'u lighthouse with private transportation and guide are organized from Honolulu. Available from 35€ approximately.

If you decide to do this hike, you must go to Manoa Valley for an easy, very fun and somewhat muddy trail that will eventually lead you to one of the most impressive sights of Oahu: Manoa Falls.

The trail was closed for renovations for almost two years and reopened to the public in June 2021.

Where to find us and how to get there

Located just north of town, the entrance to the Manoa Falls trailhead is at the end of Manoa Road, next to the Lyon Arboretum. Taking Manoa Road by car will take you about 15 minutes to get there approximately.

Useful information

• Travel time: The walking tour through the vegetation takes a little over 1 hour to complete.
• Difficulty level: Easy, ideal for inexperienced users or those who do not want to tire themselves excessively.
• Distance: The trail is 2.7 km long.
• Are there organized tours: Yes, there are tours available to the falls with transportation from Honolulu, the price ranges from 50€ to 80€ on average.

The Kaena Point Trail is a favorite hike for experienced hikers visiting the island of Oahu.

Although it is a bit of a long trail, it is flat terrain with few inclines ideal for a leisurely, family-friendly nature hike; especially if you direct your hike to the Keawaula/Waianae side of the beach to enjoy the ocean view.

The trail has many sunny areas so it is important to wear a hat or cap and protective clothing. In my experience the best time to hike this trail is early in the morning avoiding the midday sun at all costs.

Where it is and how to get there

Located right on the northwest side of the island, you will have two access points from Honolulu. You can access the trail from the west side by taking the road to Yokohama Beach or you can access the trail from North Shore Avenue. On both routes you will find free parking.

Useful information

• Length of trail: The trail will take about 2 hours to complete.
• Difficulty level: Easy, suitable for all physical conditions.
• Distance: 8.0 km
• Organized excursions: Not at the moment.

Possibly one of the most popular hiking tra ils on Oahu is the hike to Diamond Head.

If you enjoy hiking, it is simply a must-do activity on your Hawaii vacation. Completing the trail is a unique experience that pays off at the top with fabulous views of the entire Waikiki area, Honolulu and the south shore of the island.

Although the Diamond Head route is paved and perfectly conditioned to facilitate the hike, take into consideration that, after all, it is a steep climb, with no shaded areas, which increases temperatures.

Where it is and how to get there

Located in the southwestern part of Honolulu, the Diamond Head trail is within the reserved area known as Diamond Head State Monument.

From the heart of Honolulu, take Interstate H1 (Lunalilo Freeway) to get there in about 15 minutes.

Useful information

• Duration of the tour: The tour can be completed in about 1 hr.
• Difficulty level: easy, despite the steep road.
• Distance: 2.9 km.
• Are there organized tours: Yes, guided tours in private transportation from Honolulu starting at 38€ per traveler. The price usually includes the entrance fee to the park.

The Koko Crater trail consists of a 300-meter staircase made of old railroad planks.

Finishing the hike to the top of Koko Crater is possibly one of the most fascinating sensations you will experience; first for the moderate physical effort involved and second for the beautiful view that this point of the island gives us.

To avoid the hot hours, many locals do this tour at night. However, the park's parking lot operates on a schedule and closes at night, so I recommend checking the schedule in advance before your visit or do it early in the morning.

Where it is and how to get there

Located on the southeast side of the island, in the area known as Maunalua Bay, at the moment the only way to get there is by private transportation. A drive from Honolulu will take you about 27 minutes.

Useful information

• Travel time: About 30 minutes is usually enough time to complete it.
• Difficulty level: Moderate, although the walk is short the climb up the stairs can be a challenge depending on the physical condition of the person.
• Distance: 1.4 km to the top.
• Are there organized tours: Yes, they are usually included in private hiking packages that combine different routes on Oahu. The price for 5 or 6 hikes with transportation from Honolulu is approximately 250€.

Heading up to the Forest Reserve to hike the Kuliʻouʻou trail is one of the best things to do in Ouha if you love hiking in the forest.

Normally dry, on the hike you'll encounter little muddy terrain in the middle of a palo fierro forest and plenty of shade; the view all the way to the end of the trail is simply spectacular with spectacular views of the Waimanalo.

Where to find us and how to get there

The reserve is located east of Honolulu and the only way to get there is by private transportation; a drive from the heart of the city will take you 22 minutes. The trail begins just off Kalaau Place Road.

Useful information

• Length of hike: The hike requires a considerable time investment as the trail takes about 3 hours to complete.
• Difficulty level: Moderate, mainly due to the time it takes.
• Distance: The complete tour has a distance of 7.6 km.
• Are there organized tours: This tour is included in private tours of Oahu. The package with 5 or 6 different routes usually costs about 250€ and several people can participate. Transportation to and from the city is also included.

The LanikaI Fort Trail is named for the abandoned army bunkers here at the top of the hillside.

The trail is short but strenuous and at the end of the trail you will be treated to stunning views of Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach and Waimanalo Beach all on the Ko'olau Coast.

This hiking trail is also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail.

Where it is and how to get there

The trail is located on the east side of the island and can be reached by private car in a 28-minute drive from downtown Honolulu.

Another way is to use Oahu's public transportation, bus number 67 takes you from Honolulu to the trailhead.

Useful information

• Travel time: It will take you at least 1 hour to complete the trail.
• Difficulty level: Difficult, recommended for travelers with hiking experience and good physical condition.
• Distance: 2.7 km distance.
• Are there organized tours: No, not at the moment.

Visiting Waimea Valley and Waimea Waterfall is one of the best adventures in Hawaii; in the north of the island you will find a shaded, paved walkway with an open-air botanical garden along the way. It is one of the best places to enjoy Hawaii's lush flora with its beautiful and attractive colors.

Follow the botanical trail and at the end of the trail you'll see another local wonder: a 45-foot waterfall where you can swim, cool off and have a few hours of fun. There is also a children's area designed for the little ones.

Where it is and how to get there

Waimea Valley is literally at the opposite end of the island from Honolulu in the area known as North Shore; the best way to get to this point of Oahu is by private transportation on a route that will take you 1 hour drive from the city.

Useful information

• Duration of the hike: The hike will take approximately 1 hr to complete.
• Difficulty level: Easy, ideal for families and novice hikers.
• Distance: 3.1 km (2.1 miles).
• Are there organized tours: Yes, in fact it is one of the best and most fun hikes to do on a trip to Oahu; tours usually cost about 120€ on average.

The Makiki Valley hiking trail will take you through a beautiful tropical forest on a walk that will allow you to enjoy a little bit of everything: meandering climbs through dense vegetation cover, lots of tropical wildlife, and bodies of water.

The best part of the tour is, without a doubt, the large mango and avocado trees, in the months of the year when they are full of fruit.

Where to find us and how to get there

The best part of the Makiki Valley excursion is its proximity to the city. If you decide to go by car, a 10-minute drive will take you to the entrance of the trail.

You also have the option of public transportation by taking the 123 bus to the "Makiki Heights Dr + Tantalus Dr" stop.

Useful information

• Travel Time: It takes about 2 hours to complete the hiking trail.
• Difficulty level: Moderate, recommended for hikers with some experience.
• Distance: It is a long hike covering 5.1 km of terrain.
• Organized excursions: Not at the moment.

On this tour you will encounter the only reverse route on Oahu. The tour starts at the top of a hill on a downhill route that takes you to the impressive waterfall, deep natural pools and a rope swing where you can jump off.

Don't let the explanation confuse you though, it is a challenging route on poorly conditioned and mostly long terrain. A good physical condition is required to complete it. On the way back, you will test the strength of your legs when you must return up the steep hill.

Where it is and how to get there

The Waimano Falls trail is located in the Ewa Forest Preserve, located in the heart of Oahu.

The easiest way to reach this area of the island from Honolulu is by private transportation, a journey that will take approximately 25 minutes by car.

Useful information

• Travel time: You will need to spend between 1h 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete the journey.
• Difficulty level: Difficult, recommended for travelers with hiking experience and good physical condition.
• Distance: The route is long with a total distance of 4.7 km.
• Are there organized tours: Yes, this adventure is offered as part of combined hiking tours to various Oahu destinations; these are private tours priced at around 250€.