It doesn’t get any better than a workout with a reward. O‘ahu offers many beautiful hikes with amazing views. Whether it’s a panoramic view at the summit of a ridge hike, or just the natural green beauty of the journey itself, it makes your efforts well worthwhile. This list features some of my favorite trails to go on when I’m feeling adventurous. The difficulty level can range from easy to hard, so be sure to read the details below. Remember that hiking can be dangerous, so please do your research and evaluate your physical capabilities before heading out. I will share what to expect to help you decide whether the hike is a good fit. These hikes are all sanctioned trails. Unless granted permission, do not attempt to access closed trails on private land. Many of these hikes start in or around residential areas, so please be respectful. With that being said, let’s trek to that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Kahekili Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 2 hours
Length (roundtrip): 3 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: Park at Swanzy Beach Park, then walk up through the residential area.
Restrooms: Yes
Access street: Huamalani Road
This is an extremely challenging hike located behind the small community of Ka‘a‘awa. There are several steep sections with vertical inclines and ropes installed to assist you. It boasts some of the most stunning views I have ever seen. Looking to the left, you can see as far north as the Kahuku Wind Farms. Straight ahead is a birds-eye view of the Ka‘a‘awa residential area backed by unobstructed views of the ocean. Panning over to the east is a unique view of Ka‘a‘awa Valley (part of Kualoa Ranch) with Kaneohe MCBH in the far distance. What’s more, I was in awe staring up at the monstrous green mountain ridges behind me.
Lanikai Pillbox (Ka‘iwa Ridge)
Average time (roundtrip): 45 minutes
Length (roundtrip): 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Street
Restrooms: No
Access street: Ka‘elepulu Drive
Grab a front-row seat to view the Mokulua Islands and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lanikai. The trailhead is marked with a sign, located within a small residential area. This is an uncovered yet breezy trail with loose dry dirt on an incline, so dress accordingly. There are two separate pillboxes stationed along this trail that were used as lookouts during WWII. Going the extra distance to the second pillbox is totally worth it! There truly is no better way to view the Mokulua’s. Overall this is a short and sweet hike with an amazing payoff.
Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 3 hours
Length (roundtrip): 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Street
Restrooms: Yes
Access street: Kala‘au Place
Get started at the very back of the Kuli‘ou‘ou Valley residential area and work your way up along the valley ridge line leading up to the Ko‘olau summit. It is dry and shady for most of the hike but can get very hot on a clear sunny day. You will hit a series of switchbacks until it eventually straightens out roughly a third of the way in. Towards the top of the trail, you will have to climb several sections of stairs progressing to the top. Once you reach the dirt platform that is the summit, take in the panoramic views sweeping across from Kailua to Makapu‘u, where the Ko‘olau mountain ridge drops down. Glancing to the south, you will see Koko Head Crater, Hawai‘i Kai, Maunalua Bay, and Diamond Head.
Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 1.5 hours
Length (roundtrip): 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Lot
Restrooms: No
Access street: Kalaniana‘ole Highway
Located on the easternmost point of O‘ahu is the Makapu‘u Lighthouse. Maybe you’ve seen it in a scene from 50 First Dates? While you can’t access the lighthouse itself, you can view it from above, along with impressive sights of the eastern shoreline as far as Mokapu Point. Watching the deep blue ocean waves crash along the sea cliffs is quite a treat. You might even get lucky and spot a whale! The path is completely paved with a gradual incline making it a family-friendly destination. This is an easy trail with excellent panoramic views.
Makiki Valley Loop Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 2 hours
Length (roundtrip): 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Lot
Restrooms: Yes
Access street: Makiki Heights Drive
This unique hike incorporates three different trails (Maunalaha Trail, Makiki Valley Trail, and Kanealole Trail) to complete a loop. The start of the trailhead is a short walk up from the parking lot, past the Hawai‘i Nature Center, bathrooms, and finally a wooden bridge that takes you over a stream. This hike connects with several other trails, but there are signs posted to help you navigate. While there are no panoramic island views at the top of this trail, there is a view of Honolulu. Its close proximity to town makes it my go-to for a quick escape from the concrete jungle. Admire the great big trees blanketed with thick green vines, streams trickling down around you, and the occasional bird calls.
Koko Crater Stairs
Average time (roundtrip): 1.5 hours
Length (roundtrip): 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Lot in Koko Head Regional Park (end of Anapalau Street)
Restrooms: No
Access street: Koko Head Park Road
Welcome to the outdoor Stairmaster of Hawai‘i. Thick wooden “stairs” that make up the path were originally part of a World War II railway used to carry supplies to and from the summit of Koko Crater. It’s an unshaded straight shot up to the top, so it’s best to go earlier in the morning or afternoon. The beginning of the hike gradually rises as it reaches the midway section where you will reach a bridge. Your knees may shake a bit as you can see the ditch drop down below while balancing over each step. There is a bypass to the right if you do not feel comfortable. The last section has a steep and unforgiving incline to the top. Once you get to the last step, make your way up and around the right side of the bunker, and you will see amazing 360-degree ocean views of East O‘ahu.
Lanipō Ridge (Mau‘umae) Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 5 hours
Length (roundtrip): 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Parking: Street
Restrooms: No
Access street: Maunalani Circle
Admire the foliage as you trek along the ups and downs of Mau‘umae Ridge. Start your trek early as it will take you several hours to complete. The lower portion of the trail is open and dry, then gradually becomes cooler and wetter as you gain elevation. Along the way, observe the adjacent Pālolo Valley community and the city of Honolulu off in the distance. As you ascend closer to the top of the summit, catch a glimpse of Ka‘au Crater nestled within the lush green mountain walls. The summit offers views of Windward O‘ahu. I would advise wearing pants to protect your legs from the scratchy uluhe ferns.
Mānoa Falls Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 1.5 hours
Length (roundtrip): 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Lot (Fees may apply, see below)
Restrooms: Yes
Access street: Mānoa Road
Take a trek through the lush vegetation of this tropical Hawaiian rainforest situated deep in Mānoa Valley. At the end of the trail, you will be met by a glorious 150-foot cascading waterfall. You can walk right up to the base of this waterfall and look up in amazement. It is not advisable to swim in the water, as it may be subject to harmful bacteria. The majority of the trail is covered, so relax and enjoy the cool, moist Mānoa air. Keep in mind that with moisture comes mosquitos, so I would highly recommend bringing bug spray. There is a $7 parking fee for non-residents, and $4 for Kama‘aina (Hawai‘i residents) and Military.
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 3 hours
Length (roundtrip): 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Limited stalls in a gated community. ID is required to obtain a pass from the guard station.
Restrooms: No
Access street: Okoa Street
This ridge hike is situated above the community of Wai‘alae Iki with scenic views stretching from Kualoa to Waimānalo. It may be the easiest of all ridge hikes leading to the Ko‘olau Summit. The trail starts off on a paved path, then transitions to a dirt path. Don’t be fooled, as the latter chunk of the trail is steep with a good chance of mud. If met with heavy rain, it’s best to turn back to avoid a dangerous situation. Because of the large utility poles running around the trail, I always remember this hike as “the one with the powerlines”.
Wa‘ahila Ridge Trail (St. Louis Heights)
Average time (roundtrip): 2 hours
Length (roundtrip): 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Parking: Lot in Wa‘ahila Ridge State Recreation Area
Restrooms: Yes
Access street: Ruth Place
Enjoy a fairly short and pleasant excursion with views from the back of Mānoa Valley looking out towards Honolulu. The trail starts off through a cluster of towering Cook pines. Most of the terrain is dry and smooth, with a few challenging areas to climb over. The trail ends at a fork, where the right continues up to the Awaawaloa Summit (aka Mount Olympus) and the left leads down the Kolowalu Trail into Mānoa Valley.
Olomana Ridge Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 3 hours
Length (roundtrip): 3 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: Street (You must walk in towards the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, past the guard station, until you see the white trail sign)
Restrooms: No
Access street: Luana Hills Road
This is a steep uphill trail with extremely narrow sections. It is comprised of three peaks, however, making it up to the first peak is rewarding on its own. But first, you must scale an intimidating vertical rock wall with the aid of an existing rope. Once you reach the top, you can relax and take in the 360-degree views of the massive Ko‘olau mountain range alongside the windward coast. The climb to the second and third peaks requires extra skill to maneuver across especially steep and narrow drop-offs. Only highly experienced hikers should attempt to pass the first peak.
Aiea Loop Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 3 hours
Length (roundtrip): 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Parking: Lot
Restrooms: Yes
Access street: Aiea Heights Drive
Wander along the rich green foothills of the Ko‘olau mountain range. This is a fairly simple hike with no climbing involved, however, it is quite lengthy and can get muddy at times. To get to the trailhead, drive up to the very end of Aiea Heights Drive, keep right, and pass the Kea‘iwa Heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple) until you reach the first of three parking lots. As you navigate through the trail, you can catch glimpses of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Hālawa Valley, and the H-3 Freeway. The top of the trail is marked by a large Ohia tree with exposed roots. Within the vicinity of the trail lies the wreckage of a WWII plane crash from 1944. Unfortunately, the remains are practically impossible to see following a landslide that occurred several years back.
Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) Crater Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 1 hour
Length (roundtrip): 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Lot (Fees may apply, see below)
Restrooms: Yes
Access street: Diamond Head Road
Here is a classic, family-friendly hike with beautiful 360 views capturing the interior of Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) Crater, Waikīkī, and East O‘ahu. The trail is made up of both paved and rocky paths and switchbacks. There are two sections involving stairs leading into dark tunnels. The latter of which is known as the infamous “99 steps”, however, there is an easier way around them (take a left after the tunnel). You can make it as challenging as you want to. Be warned that this is a very popular hike amongst tourists and locals alike, so there’s a good chance of a crowd. Be sure to check the park’s official website as the hours of operation change depending on the season. There is an entry fee of $5 (walk-in) or $10 (drive-in) for non-Hawai‘i residents. Locals with proof of ID may enter for free.
Hawai‘i Loa Ridge Trail
Average time (roundtrip): 3 hours
Length (roundtrip): 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Parking: Lot in a gated community. Hawai‘i ID required for entry.
Restrooms: No
Access street: Pu‘uikena Drive
This ridge hike starts off with a moderate incline along a dry stretch of terrain. As you inch closer to the summit, the path narrows and grows significantly steeper and wetter. There are a few challenging sections with ropes and steep steps to assist you on your way up. Push through the last, and not to mention the most difficult, part of the hike and you won’t regret it. The views from the Ko‘olau summit are breathtaking. Facing northeast, observe the beauty of the windward coast stretching from Kualoa all the way to Waimānalo. If you look south, you can see everything from Koko Head Crater to Diamond Head.
If you want to see what else O‘ahu has to offer, then head over to this post: Essential Activities on the Island of O‘ahu
