Hikes on Oahu will take you away from the hustle and bustle from the more populated parts of the island. In addition, you'll get to see the gorgeous wild beauty of this spectacular Hawaii Island.
Diamond Head Hike
Diamond Head offers the best hike in Oahu and is definitely a local favorite. Once you reach the top of this gorgeous viewing platform you'll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views you've ever seen. It should take about 45 minutes to hike up to the top of Diamond Head. While the hike is relatively short, it can be fairly steep at some points.
Makapuu Lighthouse Hike
If you're looking for an easy one-mile hike, the Makapuu Lighthouse trail is a good one to try. While there is some difficulty as you are climbing to 500 feet, it's a reasonable hike for most people and the views are amazing.
Koko Crater Trail
If you're looking for a challenging hike, try the Koko Crater Trail. With 1050 steps to get to the top, many people find this trail challenging. What's cool about this trail is that the steps are old military railroad ties. The train ran supplies to the top ridge. Once you make it to the top of the Koko Crater Trail you'll find amazing views.
The 'Ualaka'a Loop Trail
The 'Ualaka'a Loop Trail is fairly easy and great for a large variety of people. It provides a gorgeous, panoramic view of the south part of Oahu and Pearl Harbor. This trail is also really close to downtown Honolulu which makes it easy to access.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike
The Ehukai Pillbox is located over on the North Shore and it remains a fairly unpopulated hike. The climb is fairly quick and takes about thirty to forty minutes to reach the second pillbox which will reward you with amazing views of the North Shore.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike - Kaiwa Ridge Trail
The Lanikai Pillbox, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is one of the more popular hikes on Oahu. This hike provides gorgeous views throughout the entire thirty-minute jaunt.
Haiku Stairs - Stairway to Heaven
Regardless of how much you've looked into hiking in Hawaii, you've probably heard of the "Stairway to Heaven". Unfortunately, the Haiku Stairs (4,000 steps) are closed right now. While it was originally closed way back in 1987 for the restoration of the stairway, it still remains closed due to land access issues.
Wa'ahila Ridge Trail
This is one of the longer trails we've included at 4.5 miles long. This trail is of moderately difficult but only takes about 45 minutes each way. You'll be rewarded at the end of the trail with a gorgeous view.
Kanealole Trail
The Kanealole Trail is moderately difficult at one and a half miles. While the trail only climbs five hundred feet, you'll be hiking switchbacks through a rainforest. When the forest gives way, you'll find breathtaking views of Honolulu.
Kaniakapu Ruins
If you've always wanted to visit ruins, you'll enjoy this trail which tracks through the Nu'uamu Valley to the remains of King Kamehameha III's summer home. While the site is considered "ruins", it's actually one of the oldest standing structures in Oahu.
Kaena Point Trail
Kaena Point is perhaps best thought of as being an untouched trail. Beyond the railroad tracks and cars that have long been left abandoned, this is a trail that is isolated from regular civilization. This is a place where you'll be able to experience Oahu as it might have been long before it was so populated. This is Oahu in its pure and wild state so enjoy the beauty, the flora and fauna, and the animal life as you journey through the sand dunes.
Hikes with Waterfalls
Waimea Falls Park
This is a perfect hike for families. The walk itself is primarily a flat road making it easy. You'll walk about thirty minutes down this flat road before reaching the fifty-foot tall waterfall. You'll have to pay a small entrance fee to get in here, but it is well worth it.
Maunawili Falls Trail
Another easy trail, Maunawili Falls has great views and at the end of the trail, you can even jump into the waterfall. The hike will take an hour and a half. Be careful hiking this trail as it sometimes is wet and can be slippery.
Manoa Falls Trail
This trail is on the mountainside of Manoa Valley and while it's an easy trail, it's still a great hike through a rainforest. The end of the trail will reward you with a one hundred and fifty-foot waterfall.
