Oahu is house to several of the very best walkings in all of Hawaii. The island is house to 2 large chain of mountains, the Koolau and also Waianae. Running together with each various other they aid to develop significant and also remarkable landscapes and also the majority of the very best walkings on Oahu blast off their ridgelines.
Hikes on Oahu array in trouble from laid-back smooth walks via botanic yards to legendary sloppy expeditions deep right into the forest looking for falls. Whatever takes your fancy, distinct views will certainly border you everywhere and also the top sights will certainly deserve every leg-burning mile.
Top Hikes On Oahu
Deciding what treking routes you ought to contribute to your Oahu plan can be challenging, so continue reading and also find out everything about the 15 ideal walkings on Oahu. After finishing among these impressive expeditions, review our write-up on the very best points to do in Oahu to maintain the enjoyable times rolling.
1. Manoa Falls Trail
Only fifteen mins from midtown Honolulu and also Waikiki Beach, the Manoa Falls Trail provides the ideal metropolitan retreat and also is just one of one of the most preferred Oahu walkings for citizens and also vacationers alike.
From the split second you hit the road, your globe will certainly change right into a forest heaven and also you will certainly see why this is our favored Oahu trek. Flanked by the rich Manoa Valley on either side, you will certainly climb past the valley in the direction of a gorgeous 150ft falls. You will certainly listen to the tumble of the water long prior to you show up, and also when you do, tint prisms and also rainbows will certainly drift via the air. The path is well-kept and also there are a number of benches in the process where you can relax.
The emphasize of the walk is most definitely the falls at the end of the path. The falls has to do with 150 feet high and also it’s a fantastic area to cool down on a warm day. The Manoa Falls treking path is a fairly straightforward walk that is a fantastic starter expedition for newbies to Oahu as well as additionally for family members seeking an outside experience.
Trailhead: Manoa Falls Trailhead Distance: 1.6 miles Difficulty: Easy walk Elevation Gain: 633ft
2. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Hike)
In among one of the most attractive edges of Oahu, a brief ridge walk finishes in renowned and also vivid pillboxes. Also referred to as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, this expedition is just one of one of the most satisfying yet simple treking routes on Oahu.
The constant, high quality will certainly obtain the legs relocating yet fortunately the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is just approximately a mile one-way. Views are outstanding the whole time the path, offering you a peek right into what is to find. Once you go to the top, you’ll not just see the pillboxes, which are 2 concrete shelters that were constructed throughout World War II, yet you will certainly additionally delight in legendary sights of Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach, and also the Mokulua Islands.
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike deals with due east, so even more factor to rise early, finish the walk, and also absorb an unsurpassable Hawaiian daybreak.
Trailhead: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI Distance: 1.8 miles Difficulty: Easy Hike Elevation Gain: 656ft
3. Olomana Trail
Now that you have actually extended your legs and also barged in your treking boots, it is time to test on your own a bit extra. This is where the Olomana 3 Peaks Hike can be found in.
As among the extra difficult walkings on Oahu, the Olomana Trail takes you up a high slope to the very first of 3 optimals. After obtaining 2000ft of altitude, relax and also take in the sights of the Ko’olau Mountain Range and also the tough Oahu coastline, prior to making your means throughout to the 2nd top.
The path is high and also rough, and also there are some areas that need clambering and also rope support. So this is a walking I would just recommend trying if you are truly fit and also have treking experience.
Although you can climb up the 3rd top, we advise reversing after peak 2 as a result of safety and security issues. Once you’re back on degree ground, head to the regional bar and also salute to an extraordinary day in the hills.
Trailhead: Loop Drive near Royal Hawaiian Golf Club Distance: 4.4 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 2761ft
4. Waimea Falls Trail
Similar to the Manoa Falls Trail, Waimea Falls is a really easily accessible walk near Oahu’s north coast. The path makes its means via the fantastic arboretum of Waimea Valley. The valley deserves discovering even more after the walk as it features a substantial social and also historical site.
This is just one of the extra preferred Oahu walkings generally due to the fact that it includes a mainly smooth path along level ground. Along the expedition, thick woodlands and also stunning yards will certainly invite you every which way. Once you have actually gotten to completion, you will certainly have the ability to rest, loosen up and also absorb the 45ft falls as it detects the Kamanui Stream. To assistance make the walk much more easily accessible, there are optional shuttle bus for young family members and also senior walkers.
Trailhead: Waimea Valley Visitor Center Distance: 3.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 272ft
Don’t have time to do all these walkings on Oahu? This very successful full-day Oahu island scenic tour covers all the highlights consisting of Hanauma Bay to the North Shore, the Kualoa Ranch, Halona Blowhole Nu`uanu Pali Lookout, the coastlines of the North Shore, and also extra.
5. Diamond Head Trail
Anyone that has actually seen Oahu will certainly learn about the mass of volcanic rock that shows up from numerous components of the island, the Diamond Head State Monument. This renowned all-natural attribute is additionally house to among the very best walkings on Oahu. The Diamond Head Trail takes you via some amazing landscapes that are a globe far from the previous expeditions via rain forests.
The enjoyable, yet testing volcano walk includes a high raise to the perspective at Diamond Head Crater that compensates you with scenic sights of blue-green waters and also the Honolulu sky line. Along the means, the path leads you via an interesting 225ft passage, which is practically as remarkable as the sights. But know this is an exceptionally preferred walk and also it can obtain truly crowded at daybreak, so be prepared.
Trailhead: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead Distance: 1.6 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 560ft
Don’t simply see Oahu from the ground, rise airborne with this helicopter scenic tour that we did. It goes from Waikiki Beach to the North Shore and also it was lovely. Magnum PI followers will certainly additionally enjoy this helicopter scenic tour in a reproduction of the collection helicopter to see recording places plus Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, and also Le‘ahi (Diamond Head).
6. Koko Crater Hike
Nearby to Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach is one of the most exciting hiking trails on the island of Oahu. The infamous Koko Crater stairs aren’t simply there to make your legs hefty, they are the remains of a railway constructed in the Second World War. Now as opposed to delivering materials, walkers require to this path for the physical difficulty.
The Koko Crater path takes you over 1,000 actions up to the top in much less than a mile. This is just one of the very best Oahu walkings yet know that it is a really high climb and also except the unsuited. From the top of the Koko Head District Park, you will certainly have magnificent sights of the Pacific Ocean from 1200ft over water level.
For those that are up for the experience, prepare to have some jelly legs on the descent.
If you are hooked on Oahu’s distinct landscape, go an action even more and also discover one of the most outstanding truths regarding Hawaii.
Trailhead: Koko Crater Railway Trailhead Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 990ft
7. Seven Falls Hike
All the very best Oahu walkings have something distinct to delight in. But for a well-rounded experience, it is tough to miss on the Seven Falls path. Featuring falls, a lot of learning streams, and also rock jumping along the difficult path, Seven Falls has all of it.
The treking path is alongside a rough stream that punctures a deep and also slim chasm. Along the means, you will certainly pass a number of falls, with the path calling for using ropes so you can trek close to them.
It is feasible to finish the whole expedition and also get to the 7th falls, nevertheless, your technological capacity will certainly require to be audio as it rapidly ends up being a route for knowledgeable walkers.
Trailhead: Yellow Gate on Maakua Road Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 1805ft
8. Ka’au Crater Hike
From one legendary experience to an additional, Oahu sure doesn’t take its foot off the pedal. This walk comes full with an old volcanic crater, falls after falls, and also scenic sights at several phases.
From your primary step, you get in the forest with splendid skyrocketing trees all over you look. The vegetation is so thick that the sunlight just makes its means via the cover at uncommon periods. From spaces along the ridge, you will certainly view as much as Waikiki Beach and also Oahu’s southeastern coastline.
At numerous phases, you can peek lovely falls. Some that you can stop briefly and also swim in, offering the ideal break to what is a tough yet exciting walk, do with sights right into the crater from the top.
Trailhead: Ka’au Crater Trailhead Distance: 5.1 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 1942ft
9. Crouching Lion Hike
A high, yet brief walk is a fantastic means to see the awesome Kahana Bay from above, together with the enforcing view of Pu’u Manamana. Like apparently all the Oahu treking routes, there is no steady start, with the course quickly rising right into the paradises.
The path features not simply one, yet several perspectives which develop lots of places to relax in the process. It is most likely you will certainly require it as the path can be unsafe and also the origins can bring you unstuck.
But the very best sight is, certainly, from the top where you will certainly see the lively reef listed below. At the correct time of day, the bordering hills will certainly illuminate imaginable’s rays.
Trailhead: 51-676 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 2000ft
10. Aiea Loop Trail
After some difficult, daring walkings via the large Oahu woodlands, it’s time to take the trouble down a notch. The Aiea Loop Trail is ideal for those that intend to delight in several of Oahu’s ideal views without venturing deep right into the hills.
With a lot of color and also level areas, you can walk around the loophole at a leisurely rate checking out woodlands loaded with eucalyptus groves, Norfolk ache, and also indigenous Koa.
Being on the west side of the Halawa Valley, the path additionally offers a lot of long-range sights of Pearl Harbor, the Ko’olau Mountains, and also the ever-present Diamond Head monolith.
Trailhead: Aiea Loop Trailhead Distance: 4.8 miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 900ft
11. Mt Olympus Hike
As among the highest hills on the island, Mt Olympus is a typical objective for a great deal of daring locals. At over 2400ft high, Mt Olympus is consistently concealed by cloud protection. Despite having several alternatives, one of the most preferred top path starts in the Wa’ahila Ridge State Recreation Area.
This Oahu treking path takes you deep right into among the island’s major chain of mountains with a number of viewpoint to see the whole island. The full walk takes about a 4 to 5-hour round-trip. With lots of sloppy areas, bring along durable boots and also treking trousers.
Trailhead: Wa’ahila Ridge Trailhead Distance: 5.9 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 2618ft
12. Maunawili Falls Trail
On the windward side of Oahu, the Maunawili Falls path is a three-mile expedition. However, it can take as long as 2 hrs to get to the plunging falls.
Along the means, you will certainly get to a plateau where you can have a break and also absorb the sights to the valley together with the bordering forest.
Afterward, the path comes down right into the trees where, after lots of substantial actions, you will certainly be welcomed by the 20ft drops put right into the Pali Cliffs. The trip doesn’t finish below however, proceed throughout an additional stream and also your incentive will certainly be a revitalizing all-natural swimming pool.
Trailhead: Maunawili Falls Trailhead Distance: 2.8 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 1007ft
13. Kuliouou Ridge Trail
The Kuliouou Ridge Trail is a modest to hard path that features fairly completely dry treking contrasted to most of the treking routes on this checklist. For this factor, the expedition is a typical running path for citizens.
Along the means, you will certainly have areas of stairways taking you up and also over rough surface, at various other times you will certainly need to do it on your own. The ridge features a number of plateaus offering outstanding sights of the eastern side of Oahu prior to going across via a gorgeous archway of banyan branches.
From the top, all your work will certainly deserve it with magnificent sights of the coast and also as for the eye can see.
Trailhead: End of Kalalau Place Distance: 4.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult Elevation Gain: 1800ft
14. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
For lovely sea sights and also the opportunity to see a historical lighthouse, the Makapuu Point and also Lighthouse Trail offer a lot of value.
At completion of the 1-mile trip to the eastern pointer of Oahu, you will certainly have unequalled sights of Manana and also Black Rock islands. From the top of the 600ft volcanic high cliff, you will certainly additionally have the ability to see the century-old lighthouse.
If you are treking the path from December to May, Makapuu Point is a fantastic area to have a barbecue, and also watch out for whales that show up in multitudes throughout these months.
Trailhead: Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trailhead Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 500ft
15. Stairway to Heaven by means of Moanalua Valley Trail
Arguably one of the most well-known walk not simply in Oahu yet Hawaii overall is the Haiku Stairs path. Since the late 1980s, the path has actually been shut to the general public, yet its popularity remains to climb. One means to get to the excellent perspective along the Haiku Stairs is to take a hard, yet lawful path.
The walk begins on the Moanalua Valley side and also takes you to the top by means of a collection of rope climbs up and also high climbs. It will certainly take about half a day to get to the top shown to the shut path. Keep in mind that when you sign up with the Stairway to Heaven perspective, you are taken into consideration to be on the unlawful path.
Trailhead: Moanalua Valley Trailhead Distance: 9.3 miles Difficulty: Difficult Elevation Gain: 5030ft
16. Wiliwilinui Ridge path
The Wiliwilinui Ridge path is just one of Oahu’s best-kept tricks. Located on the eastern side of Oahu along the spinal column of the Ko?olau Mountain array this walk takes you via the rich woodland approximately the top of the hill ridge to the top where you will certainly obtain amazing sights of every one of Oahu.
It is not also hard of a walking if you remain in form yet there it does obtain a little bit high in the last fifty percent mile of the raise to the top. It is not advised for newbie walkers as you will certainly need to where you’ll clamber up a number of high stairways, constructed from timber and also typically covered in the Oahu clay, which can make points fairly unsafe so know.
To accessibility this walk you will certainly need to obtain an auto parking authorization at the beginning of the path in a gated neighborhood. There are just a couple of vehicle parking places, yet this path is fairly unidentified so you ought to have the ability to grab one. Once you succeed you will certainly question why this walk isn’t extra preferred. It seems like you are looking out on Jurassic Park!
Trailhead: Waialae Iki Gated Community Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation gain: 1,617 feet Difficulty: Moderate
17. Makiki Valley Loop Trail
The Makiki Valley Loop Trail is the ideal walk for those that are seeking a brief woodland path on Oahu that is close to Waikiki and also very easy to accessibility. This path is rather very easy with just 1000ft of altitude gain, yet it can obtain sloppy, so if you are considering doing it with the family members or animals maintain this in mind.
The trek itself takes you via the rich environment-friendly woodland with routes covered in environment-friendly hands, trees curtained with creeping plants, and also also a tiny falls regarding midway along the path. The ground obtains a bit extra difficult as the altitude modifications yet as lengthy as you are taking note you ought to be. alright.
If you are seeking to leave the city after that this is the ideal walk to take.
Trailhead: Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki Distance: 3.2 Miles Elevation Gain: 1000 feet Difficulty: Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simplest walk in Oahu?
There more than 200 walkings to select from in Oahu. Many get to excellent elevations and also go deep right into the thick island forest. However, there are a couple of very easy walkings that will certainly be the ideal short trip to separate your holiday.
The Lanikai Pillbox trek together with the Waimea and also Manoa Falls are outstanding instances of brief, straightforward walkings that still offer pedestrians with sights and also remarkable highlights.
What are the treking routes like in Oahu?
Hiking on Oahu brings outstanding range, where you can finish a crater walk in the early morning and also completed with a forest expedition to a gorgeous sundown perspective.
Two unique guard volcanoes played a huge function in producing Oahu’s significant landscape. Mountains below skyrocket out of the valley at plain angles so the majority of the treking on the island includes high climbs up. Although the thick woodland aids to maintain the ground strong, lots of routes still face concerns of disintegration and also routes can be unsafe and also sloppy.
For these factors, it is best to plan for these walkings with durable shoes and also approve that you’ll commonly obtain unclean. For pointers on treking throughout Hawaii, have a look at our write-up on the very best walkings in Hawaii.
Final Thoughts on Oahu Hikes
Hiking in Oahu is interesting for individuals of all ability degrees. The straightforward, easy-access walkings bring you near to the island’s lovely views without difficult initiative. On the various other hand, the series of difficult walkings will certainly place a smile on the face of knowledgeable walkers that intend to go that added mile for an extraordinary sight.
Whether you are involving Hawaii to delight in the sunlight, browse, and also mixed drinks with the strange day trek or intending to do only hike the countless routes, you will certainly locate what you’re seeking on this checklist of the supreme 15 walkings in Oahu.
Once your time in Oahu is up, why not trip to Big Island? Explore the very best points to do on Big Island.
