10 Best Hiking Trails in Oahu

Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge trail is, without a doubt, one of the best hiking trails on Oahu. As you follow the twists and turns of the Koolau Mountain Range’s ridges, you’ll find yourself stopping to look at native plant life and taking in epic views of the island.

That said, Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge trail isn’t the easiest hike around. At 4.7 miles long and with 1,650 ft of elevation gain, it’s definitely a workout. So make sure you’re prepared with water, snacks, sun cream, and proper footwear before you start your hiking adventure.

Diamond Head is arguably Hawaii’s most popular landmark, and, as such, it’s home to one of the most well-trodden trails on Oahu. Located just outside of Waikiki, it’s one of the most easily accessible hikes on the island as well.

While this 0.8-mile trail isn’t all that long, it is quite steep, given its 560 ft of elevation. That said, at the end of the hike, you’ll feel like a champ. Instead of a gold medal, you’ll get to take in the jaw-dropping views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Manoa Falls is the best-known waterfall on Oahu–and for good reason. With its proximity to Waikiki and Honolulu, as well as the relatively short 1.6-mile return trail, it’s no wonder that the Manoa Falls trail is one of the best hiking trails on Oahu.

After you’ve hiked through greenery-framed trails for about 0.8 miles, you’ll finally reach the striking 150-ft cascade. And while you can’t swim at the pool at the base, you can definitely bask in the Manoa Falls mist.

While Koko Head is one of the most famous hiking trails on Oahu, it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll have to tackle 1,000 steep steps on a rickety, wooden railway track as you climb up the side of Koko Crater. It’s safe to say that your thighs will be burning by the end of it.

Once you reach the top though, all of your effort will be worth it. You’ll be able to take in sweeping views of the island – from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay. Be sure to snap loads of pictures before (cautiously) making your way back down.

The Lanikai Pillbox trail may be the most picturesque of all of the hiking trails on Oahu – and that’s saying something because the island in general is known for its natural beauty. But with the Lanikai Pillbox trail’s stunning ocean views and the pair of Mokulua Islands in the distance, it really doesn’t get more picture-perfect than this.

To make matters even better, it’s a relatively short hike at 1.6 miles return, so you won’t have to work that hard to see the epic views. Just be mentally prepared for a short steep section at the beginning – once you pass that, the hard part is over.

If you’re looking for some of the best views and one of the easiest hikes on Oahu, look no further than the Makapuu Point & Lighthouse trail. Located on the southwest tip of the island, this incredible hike is just 2 miles return, and it’s paved the entire way.

When you reach the end, you’ll get a glimpse of the little Makapuu Lighthouse that the trail is named after. But the real highlight is the view beyond that – including the bright blue Pacific Ocean, the dotted islands, and the winter whale spouts.

The Ehukai Pillbox trail is one of the few hikes on Oahu’s North Shore. Despite that fact, this greenery-laden trail is still relatively unknown, so you definitely don’t have to worry about the crowds.

As you hike your way up this 2.1-mile return trail, you’ll feel like you’re in a tropical rainforest–and a world away from the famed beaches right across the street. Soon enough, you’ll find your way to the Ehukai Pillbox – or cement bunker – where you can take in the stunning views of Banzai Pipeline beach from above.

The 150-ft Waimano Falls looks like it’s straight out of a dream. With a beautiful cascade, bright green plants, swimmable pools, and even a rope swing, you can have fun for hours at this lovely natural landmark. All you have to do is hike the 2.9-mile return to get there.

Waimano Pool trail is a hike where it’s easy to get lost. There are a couple of unclear turns, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for trail markers and signs. Even better, download a map of the trail in advance, since there’s often no cell service on this Oahu hike.

The Ka‘ena Point trail is a beautiful hike on the northwestern tip of Oahu. There are actually 2 routes to tackle this trail, 1 from Waialua on the North Shore and 1 from Waianae on the West Side, so you can simply pick whichever starting point is closer to you.

Regardless of which trail you take, you’ll eventually end up at Ka‘ena Point State Park. There, you’ll find all sorts of native species, including plants, seabirds, and even the occasional endangered monk seal. Just be sure to give these animals their space, if you’re lucky enough to see them.

If you’re hoping to take a hike that feels completely removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life, check out the Aiea Loop trail. Situated about 20 minutes outside of Honolulu and in the heart of the Ewa Forest Reserve, this Oahu hike is the perfect place to admire the thriving flora and breathe in some fresh air.

At 4.8 miles long, the Aiea Loop trail is one of the longer hikes on this list. Although it's shaded most of the way, you’ll still want to be well-equipped with water and snacks as you tackle this incredible trail.