26 Best Hikes In Oahu Hawaii: Top Oahu Hikes & Trails

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It’s hard to come up with a list of the best hikes in Oahu Hawaii, because there are so many good ones!

Oahu may be the busiest and most populated Hawaiian island, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great Oahu hikes and nature trails to get away from the bustle and see some spectacular mountains, beaches, and waterfalls.

I’ve spent many months exploring Hawaii over the years, and especially the island of Oahu, and I think hitting up the hiking trails is definitely one of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii.

A few of these trails are difficult or technical, but there are also lots of easy hikes on Oahu for the families and older folks, including some Honolulu hikes that you can reach a short distance from the city.

Without further ado, this is my guide to the top Oahu hikes and hiking trails! In my opinion, these are some of the very best hikes in Oahu Hawaii.

Where To Stay In Oahu

 
 

 

Best Hikes In Oahu Hawaii

 

1. Stairway To Heaven (Haiku Stairs)

This Oahu hike is epic, scary, and slightly illegal. Still interested? The ‘Stairway to Heaven‘ takes you to the top of the Ko’olau mountains via 3,922 metal stairs of pure adrenaline and doom. At some points, the stairway is almost vertical, clinging to the side of the steep mountain.

There’s an old World War II radio station at the top of the mountain, but the stairway has been closed since the 1980s, and fines of up to $1,000 have been given out to people caught climbing it. The area is even patrolled by security guards around the clock.

Still, thousands of people make the climb every year, and for good reason — it’s one of the most spectacular hikes on Earth!

I first discovered this hike on the internet in 2015 and knew I had to try it. Not only are the views out of this world, but the whole experience is just beyond awesome and unique.

Even after traveling in many countries now, this is still probably my favorite hike in the world. It may never be topped!

Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,625 feet (800 m)
Difficulty: Hard

Read More: Stairway To Heaven Hike

       
 
 

2. Moanalua Valley Trail

If you want to see the ‘Stairway To Heaven’ legally, with virtually no chance of fines, you can hike up the Moanalua Valley Trail on the back side of the same mountain. This is known as the back way for the Stairway To Heaven.

The Moanalua Valley Trail takes you up a steep, strenuous dirt path with ropes and no stairs, but you can reach the ‘Stairway To Heaven’ at the top and go back down in either direction when you’re done.

Keep in mind, to stay 100% legal on this hike you will have to go back the same way you came. If you hike up the Moanalua trail and then down the stairs, you’re still risking a fine, because the stairway is not legal.

However, it’s possible to take some great pictures on the stairs and then leave via Moanalua without hiking the entire stairway from top to bottom, that way you get to experience two epic hikes in one.

The Moanalua trail can be muddy after rain, so check the conditions before you go. You definitely want good weather for this hike. Wind and rain can make it much harder and more risky.

Ironically, the general consensus is that the stairs are actually a safer and easier route to the top of the mountain. The main reason to take the back way is to stay legal and rule out any possible fines.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet (850 m)
Difficulty: Hard

       

 

3. Crouching Lion Hike

Crouching Lion is one of my favorite Oahu hikes. It’s a short but epic trail that ends with a panoramic view of the mountains and jungle at Kahana Bay, in northeast Oahu.

You can stop at this hill after an easy hike, or keep going up the mountain and the trail will eventually merge with Pu’u Manamana, one of the scariest and most dangerous cliff trails in Hawaii.

All in all, Crouching Lion is definitely one of the best hikes in Oahu!

Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet (90 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Read More: Crouching Lion Hike

 

4. Lanikai Pillbox Hike

The Lanikai pillbox is one of the easiest Oahu hikes and also one of the most popular spots on the windward side of the island.

This hike takes you to a couple of World War II-era concrete bunkers above Lanikai Beach, and the 360 degree views that you get on top of the bunkers are amazing.

It’s a very short hike (you could probably do it in 15 minutes if you rushed), but it’s all uphill and a bit strenuous, so it still feels plenty challenging.

Last, but not least, the Lanikai pillbox is one of the best sunrise and sunset spots on the whole island!

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 450 feet (140 m)
Difficulty: Easy

Read More: Lanikai Pillbox Hike

 

5. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

This one’s not really much of a hike per se, but it’s more like an easy stroll on a path around a lake.

Even so, it’s one of the most stunning places on the island of Oahu, and it’s free to visit, so you can’t miss it. This hike is a great one for families or older folks.

The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden has more than 400 acres of Jurassic Park-esque tropical scenery, making it perfect for a morning walk or jog. The lake has stunning reflections if you go in the early morning.

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet (30 m)
Difficulty: Easy

       

 

6. Chinaman’s Hat (Mokolii Island)

The Chinaman’s Hat island, also called Mokolii island, is a neat little mini island that got its name from the unique shape that looks kind of like a traditional Asian rice farming hat.

This is a little island located on the windward side of Oahu, and the best way to reach it is by kayak, or sometimes it’s also possible to wade to it when the tide is low.

You may not see this one very often on lists of the best Oahu hiking trails, but the climb to the top of the ‘hat’ is a good, rocky scramble and you’re rewarded with some amazing views of the Ko’olau mountain range!

Distance: N/A
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60 m)
Difficulty: Moderate

Read More: Chinamans Hat Hike

 

7. Diamond Head Lookout

The Diamond Head hike is a paved trail with railings most of the way, taking you to the top of the old Diamond Head volcano crater.

From the top, you can look out over Waikiki and the whole Honolulu cityscape, and you also get to see the remains of some World War II pillboxes.

This trail can be pretty busy with tourists sometimes, but I still think it’s worthwhile for the city views from the summit.

Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Easy

Read More: Diamond Head Crater Hike

 

8. Pink Pillbox Hike

The Maili pink pillbox hike is another ridge hike that takes you to some small World War II bunkers on the west side of Oahu, including a pink painted bunker at the top of the ridge.

You can walk inside any of these concrete bunkers or climb on top of them, and you get some great views of the Waianae neighborhoods in the distance.

This hike is starting to become popular, but it’s still not as crowded as some other trails like Diamond Head or the Lanikai pillboxes!

Also known as the Maili Point Hike, this one ends with awesome views of the nearby beaches, highway, and suburbs from above.

It’s a fun family friendly Oahu hike with a pretty mild set of dirt switchbacks all the way to the top of the mountain. Pets and kids can do it, and the main challenge is just the mid-day heat.

The graffiti covered pillboxes have amazing views of the coastline and ocean at Waianae. There are slit windows inside the bunkers, so you can look out of them while hiding from the sun for a bit!

Distance: 1.2 miles (2 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Easy

Read More: Pink Pillbox Hike

 

9. Ka’ena Point Trail

The Ka’ena Point hike takes you to the remote western tip of Oahu island. You can do this hike from two different starting locations (Waianae or North Shore), and both are nice.

Ka’ena Point is a pretty quiet part of the island and it’s also a wildlife sanctuary, so it’s a great place to see Hawaiian monk seals, humpback whales, and other animals!

In one hike, I counted half a dozen monk seals lounging on the rocks at Ka’ena Point.

It’s a 5-6 mile roundtrip hike to Ka’ena Point, but the trail is flat all the way, making it pretty easy overall.

This is one of the more family friendly hikes on Oahu and it’s great for kids, although I’d try to avoid the midday heat. This is also one of the best sunset spots on the whole island.

Keep in mind if you do Ka’ena Point for sunset then you’ll be walking back to your car in the dark, so it’s a good idea to bring a headlight.

Also, if you do the hike from the southwest trailhead (Waianae), you have to park outside of the gates, because they lock these at 7 PM, and you don’t want your car to get locked in for the night.

Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Read More: Kaena Point Trail

 

10. Ka’ena Point Pillbox

If you want to extend your hike at Ka’ena Point, you can climb the nearby ridge to see an old military pillbox with amazing views of the whole area. This is a great way to make one of the best Oahu hikes even better!

The side trail to the Kaena Point pillbox is short, but pretty strenuous. Part of the challenge is finding the path to the top of the ridge, because it’s unmarked, rocky, and a bit overgrown. The pillbox trail starts here. You’ll definitely want shoes for this one, not sandals. Bring a good headlight too if you go for sunset.

In terms of difficulty, I would compare this spur trail to the Lanikai pillbox hike, although it feels harder because you just hiked out to Ka’ena Point first in order to reach it. It’s basically like doing two Oahu hikes back to back: they’re both fairly easy hikes on their own, but when put together it’s a bit more exhausting.

Once at the top of the pillbox, you get to see Ka’ena Point from above, with a nice breeze and the sound of sea birds, plus amazing views of the sunset and whales hopping in the distance.

It’s one of the best sunset hikes on Oahu, and to top it off, we had the place all to ourselves! Most people just hike to Ka’ena Point and then call it a day.

Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 425 feet (130 m)
Difficulty: Moderate

Read More: Kaena Point Hike

 

11. Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail

This is one of the less known Oahu hikes, and it’s pretty easy.

It’s another short pillbox hike that gives you views of Kaneohe Bay and the entire windward side of the island. You can even sit and watch the U.S. Marine Corps planes flying in and out of the base at MCBH.

The other bonus is that it’s a barely known hike, so it’s never crowded. We were the only people on the trail!

Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet (180 m)
Difficulty: Easy

 

12. Upper Makua Cave

The short but steep hike to Upper Makua Cave is not recommended if you have a fear of heights. This one is a guaranteed adrenaline rush.

It’s a hidden gem on the west side of the island, and there were only a couple of other people on the trail when I went.

The view from inside the cave looks like a picture frame of the west coast! It’s a very unique view.

Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 425 feet (130 m)
Difficulty: Easy

 
 

13. Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail

This is a short, paved hike that gives you sweeping views of the beautiful Hanauma Bay, which is one of Oahu’s most famous snorkeling spots. The hike can be as long (or short) as you make it.

Most people will only follow this trail to the top of the ridge and then turn around, but if you continue south along the bay you can find a natural rock bridge by the sea and other interesting sights.

Morning is the best time to do the Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail since it’s better for photos and not quite so hot. The trail starts from a locked gate right by the entrance to Hanauma Bay.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Easy

 

14. Mauna Lahilahi

Mauna Lahilahi is a small, rocky mountain on the Makaha coast, with beautiful beaches on both sides.

This hike is a bit of a hidden gem on the west side of Oahu. You can reach the top in only 15 minutes, but it requires some short rock scrambling that could be unnerving for inexperienced hikers. Proceed with caution.

At the top, you get amazing 360 degree views of the Makaha coastline, with Papaoneone Beach and the Hawaiian Princess Resort dominating the landscape.

Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

 

15. Koko Head Stairs

The Koko Head hike is like Hawaii’s version of the famously challenging Manitou Incline in Colorado. The hike to the top of this old volcano crater is a huge workout, hence the nickname ‘Stairs of Doom.’

The elevation on this hike isn’t as bad as the Manitou Incline, but Hawaii’s midday heat and humidity can still make it pretty tough. It’s not a dangerous hike and there haven’t been any falling deaths, but it’s a real fitness test and may not be fun for everyone.

I’ve hiked the Koko Crater trail many times over the years, and it’s always great fun. I hated this hike the first time I did it, but now I’ve really grown to enjoy it. It easily belongs on a list of the best hikes in Oahu!

The good news is that this is also one of the best places to watch the sunset or sunrise on the whole island of Oahu. I’ve climbed Koko Head almost a dozen times now for sunset, and the view at the top is always spectacular.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 900 feet (275 m)
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard

Read More: Koko Head Hike

 

16. Koko Crater Rim

Have you ever wanted to walk along the rim of an extinct volcano crater? Here’s your chance! The Koko Crater Rim trail loops in a circle along the top of the Koko Crater.

The north rim of this crater is difficult and potentially dangerous, but the south rim (the side nearest the ocean) is quite a bit tamer and safer. If you only hike the south rim, I’d describe it as moderate.

Part of the fun of the Koko Crater Rim hike is that there are many ways to do it. You can start from the Koko Crater Botanical Garden and loop around the entire crater rim in a circle, or just hike along the south rim of the crater and go down the Koko Stairs.

There’s even a path on the south rim that intersects with the Koko Arch hike (below), that way you can do three hikes in one!

Distance: 2.4 miles (3.9 km) roundtrip (full loop trail)
Elevation Gain: 1,025 feet (315 m)
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard

 

17. Koko Arch

This is a short, easy hike that leads to a natural rock arch on the south slope of the Koko Head crater.

The arch is giant, and it’s supposed to be a good spot for sunrise too. The main trailhead starts by the road at the Halona Beach Lookout, and it’s only 1/2 mile to the arch, so you can reach it in under 10 minutes.

If you want to turn this into a much longer, more difficult hike, you can climb up the arch and hike along the south Koko Crater rim to the top of Koko Head, and then go down the Koko Stairs (or do the same thing in the opposite direction)!

Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 350 feet (110 m)
Difficulty: Easy

 

18. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

This is a nice family-friendly hike where you can see a lighthouse, a few World War II pillboxes, and (if you’re lucky) humpback whales! The best time to see whales here is between the months of November and May.

The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is located on the southeastern corner of Oahu, and it’s one of the only places on the island where you can see such a picturesque lighthouse, which is why I think it’s one of the best Oahu hikes.

Even though the trail is entirely paved, it’s a bit of an uphill trudge and the path is entirely exposed to the sun, so you’ll want to bring a hat and some sunscreen for this one.

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

 

19. Lulumahu Falls

This is a nice 50-foot waterfall near the Pali Highway that you can reach in about 45 minutes of hiking. It’s doable for all ages, although you’ll have to contend with some mud, slippery rocks, and mosquitoes. Shoes and bug spray are a good idea.

Lulumahu Falls is a nice waterfall hike, and if you have time you can see a second waterfall and some Hawaiian ruins in this same area. Take a detour through the bamboo forest to find Luakaha Falls and the Kaniakapupu Ruins (King Kamehameha III’s summer home).

Technically a permit is required for any part of this hike, although it doesn’t seem to be enforced. Most people skip the permit, but it’s very cheap and you can buy permits online here if you want the peace of mind.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

 

20. Manoa Falls

This is a 150-foot waterfall that can be reached on a short, easy trail through the jungle. Combine it with the nearby Lyon Arboretum for even more tropical scenery!

Manoa Falls is located near Honolulu and it’s suitable for all ages, although the path is a bit rocky and it can get muddy after rain, so you’ll want to wear shoes.

Keep in mind this waterfall is on the leeward side of Oahu, so it tends to be more seasonal and dries up easily. Check conditions before you go.

The best time to visit Manoa Falls is after a big rain, or during the wetter months (November to March), otherwise it may be a disappointing trickle.

Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Easy
 

21. Likeke Falls

This is one of the shortest and easiest Oahu hiking trails. If you keep a good pace, you can reach the waterfall in only 15 minutes!

Likeke Falls is on the windward side of the island, and along the trail you can see exotic plants and mountain views. The strange yellow flowers on this hike are Rattlesnake Gingers.

The waterfall itself is not particularly amazing, but I think it’s well worth such an easy trek.

Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60 m)
Difficulty: Easy

       
 
 

22. Pali Puka

This is a short but intense little hike that starts from the Pali Lookout, ending at a ‘puka’ (window in the rock) that gives you views of the whole windward side of Oahu.

It’s a fun hike, but I’d rate it as moderate because the whole thing is an uphill trudge with slippery tree roots and occasionally steep drop-offs. It’s not a very dangerous hike since you can mostly avoid the cliff sections by cutting through the forest, although I still wouldn’t recommend it for people with mobility issues or a fear of heights.

Like many hiking trails in Oahu, this one is unsanctioned. The hike starts from the bus parking lot at the Pali Lookout, but the entrance can be a bit hard to see at first if there are a lot of tour buses parked there. Just look for a small clearing in the jungle with a caution sign.

Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 m)
Difficulty: Moderate

       

 

23. Maunawili Falls

If I had to pick a favorite waterfall hike in Oahu, it would probably be Maunawili Falls. It may not be a huge waterfall, but there’s a great swimming hole below, and you can climb up and jump from the rocks.

I’d rate this one as easy or moderate. The hike to the waterfall doesn’t take too long, but it involves stream crossings, muddy patches, and mosquitoes. Along the way, you pass through some beautiful jungle scenery.

The main trailhead for Maunawili Falls is sadly closed indefinitely, but it’s still possible to reach the waterfall via the alternate trail from the Pali Highway, which is longer and harder.

Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet (300 m)
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
 

24. Olomana (Three Peaks)

The Three Peaks hike (also known as Olomana) is one of the most difficult hikes in Oahu, Hawaii. It might also be the most dangerous mainstream hike Oahu has to offer.

Quite a few tourists and locals have died on the second and third peaks, including some as recently as 2022. I don’t want to scare you out of doing Olomana if you’re capable, but it’s important to know the risks. This hike is no joke.

If you want to make this hike safer and easier, you can just go to the first or second peak and then turn back. The general consensus is that the most scenic views are from the first and second peaks anyway.

However, even if you only plan to go to the first peak, be aware there is a rock climbing section near the end that’s a bit scary, so I still wouldn’t recommend it for people who aren’t comfortable with heights.

The third peak of Olomana is where the main danger lies. There are times where you’ll be climbing vertically with your hands on exposed terrain (or with ropes) where a fall would be long and fatal.

Bring water and a friend. Weather is also an important factor for this hike. It would be especially dangerous if it’s wet or raining, so remember to keep an eye on the current weather conditions before you go.

If you only go to the first peak, you can finish the hike in about 3 hours roundtrip. If you go to the third peak and back, plan on taking longer.

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,850 feet (575 m)
Difficulty: Hard
 

25. Waimea Falls

This is a family friendly North Shore hike that features a nice swimming waterfall and botanical garden. Hiking Oahu has never been easier than a stroll through the Waimea Valley.

Most of the hike is flat, and along the way you get to walk through a quiet jungle valley with all kinds of exotic plants and a handful of Hawaiian cultural sites.

I’ve rated this as one of the best Oahu hikes because it’s relatively easy and you get to see a lot of nice scenery for such a short hike. It’s definitely one of the best North Shore hikes!

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

       
 
 

26. Ehukai Pillbox Hike

Also known as the ‘peace pillbox’ hike, this is a nice trail on the North Shore with views of Ehukai and the coast from above.

There are two concrete World War II pillboxes on this hike. The view at the first one is blocked by trees, but it’s still fun to walk inside the bunker. From here, you continue past some boulders and down the hill until you reach the second pillbox, which has stunning views of the North Shore.

Overall, it’s a family friendly hike with a fair amount of elevation gain, similar to the Lanikai pillbox trail, although this one has a lot more shade since you’re walking through a forest for most of the hike.

The trailhead for the Ehukai pillbox hike is clearly marked and it starts from the parking lot of Sunset Beach Elementary School, which is right next to Ehukai Beach Park.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 650 feet (200 m)
Difficulty: Easy
 

Map Of Oahu Hikes

Here’s a map of Oahu hikes you can use to plan your trip. You can click the icons to get more info and directions for each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate.

For more detailed information on how to find the exact trailheads for some of these hikes on Oahu, you can check out my individual travel guides for each hike.

As always, please remember to keep the trail clean, be considerate of other hikers, and leave no trace. Thanks and happy travels!
 

 

Honolulu Hikes: Best Hikes In Honolulu Hawaii

If you’re mainly interested in Honolulu hikes that you can reach easily from the city, here are a few recommendations.

These are some of the best hikes in Honolulu and the nearby area:

• Diamond Head Lookout (Easy / Moderate)
• Ka’au Crater Trail (Hard)
• Koko Head Stairs (Moderate / Hard)
• Kuliouou Ridge Trail (Moderate)
• Manoa Falls (Easy)
• Mount Olympus (Hard)
• Wiliwilinui Trail (Moderate)

 

Best Easy Hikes On Oahu

Oahu has quite a few easy hikes that are manageable for families with kids, as well as older folks.

These are some of the best easy hikes on Oahu Hawaii:

• Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kailua)
• Diamond Head Lookout (Honolulu)
• Manoa Falls (Honolulu)
• Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden (Kaneohe)
• Likeke Falls (Kaneohe)
• Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail (Kaneohe)
• Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail (Hawaii Kai)
• Waimea Falls (North Shore)
• Ehukai Pillbox Hike (North Shore)
• Ka’ena Point (North Shore)
• Pink Pillbox Hike (Waianae)

 

Best Oahu Tours

 

Oahu Hotels

 
 

More Hawaii Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this list of the best hikes in Oahu Hawaii. There are so many great hiking trails on this island.

Don’t forget to check out my complete list of the best things to do in Oahu Hawaii!
 

See Also

• Best Things To Do In Oahu Hawaii – Fun, Couples, & Free
• Best North Shore Beaches In Oahu Hawaii