Top 17 Hiking Trails in Oahu, Hawaii for 2025 Adventure

Top Hikes on Oahu

Oahu is home to some of the best hikes in all of Hawaii. The island boasts two large mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae, creating dramatic landscapes that provide excellent hiking opportunities. Hikes here vary in difficulty, from leisurely paved paths to challenging muddy treks in search of stunning waterfalls. No matter the trail, the scenery is breathtaking, and the summit rewards will make every step worthwhile.

1. Manoa Falls Trail

Located just fifteen minutes from downtown Honolulu, the Manoa Falls Trail offers a quick escape into a lush jungle paradise. Popular among both locals and visitors, this well-maintained trail leads you to a beautiful 150ft waterfall, complemented by benches for resting along the way. The hike is mostly easy, making it suitable for newcomers and families seeking outdoor adventures.

• Trailhead: Manoa Falls Trailhead
• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Difficulty: Easy hike
• Elevation Gain: 633ft

2. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Hike)

This stunning ridge hike ends at iconic pillboxes, providing breathtaking views of Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach, and the Mokulua Islands. Despite a somewhat steep ascent, this hike is relatively quick, covering roughly a mile in one direction. Sunrise hikes here are particularly beautiful.

• Trailhead: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI
• Distance: 1.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy Hike
• Elevation Gain: 656ft

3. Olomana Trail

For those seeking a challenge, the Olomana Trail offers a steep ascent to three peaks, providing stunning views of the Ko’olau Mountain Range and Oahu’s coast. This rocky and steep trail requires some scrambling, making it suitable for fit and experienced hikers.

• Trailhead: Loop Drive near Royal Hawaiian Golf Club
• Distance: 4.4 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 2761ft

4. Waimea Falls Trail

The Waimea Falls Trail, located near Oahu’s north shore, is a mostly paved and accessible hike through the beautiful Waimea Valley botanical garden. The path leads to a stunning waterfall and a cultural site worth exploring. This family-friendly trail is relatively easy.

• Trailhead: Waimea Valley Visitor Center
• Distance: 3.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 272ft

5. Diamond Head Trail

Diamond Head, an iconic volcanic rock formation, presents one of Oahu’s best hiking experiences. The trail features a steep ascent that rewards hikers with panoramic views of turquoise waters and the Honolulu skyline, including an exciting tunnel along the way. It is a highly popular hike, especially at sunrise.

• Trailhead: Diamond Head Crater Trailhead
• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 560ft

6. Koko Crater Hike

The Koko Crater trail, famous for its challenging staircase of over 1,000 steps built during WWII, offers an intense workout and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This steep climb is ideal for those looking for a physical challenge.

• Trailhead: Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 990ft

7. Seven Falls Hike

The Seven Falls trail features multiple waterfalls alongside a rocky stream, making it an adventurous hike that requires some boulder hopping and wading through streams. This trek is better suited for experienced hikers due to its technical challenges.

• Trailhead: Yellow Gate on Maakua Road
• Distance: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 1805ft

8. Ka’au Crater Hike

Embrace an exhilarating adventure with the Ka’au Crater hike, which features an ancient volcanic crater, numerous waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints throughout. Travelers will enjoy an enchanting jungle atmosphere and breathtaking panoramic vistas.

• Trailhead: Ka’au Crater Trailhead
• Distance: 5.1 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 1942ft

9. Crouching Lion Hike

This steep but short trail offers magnificent views of Kahana Bay and the notable Pu’u Manamana. Multiple viewpoints line the path, allowing for brief rests and recovery.

• Trailhead: 51-676 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaaawa, HI
• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 2000ft

10. Aiea Loop Trail

For a more relaxed hiking experience, the Aiea Loop Trail provides a moderate trek with beautiful forest views. This trail winds through eucalyptus groves and Norfolk pines while offering scenic overlooks of Pearl Harbor and the Ko’olau Mountains.

• Trailhead: Aiea Loop Trailhead
• Distance: 4.8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 900ft

11. Mt Olympus Hike

As a prominent peak above 2400ft, Mt Olympus attracts adventurous hikers seeking panoramic views from several vantage points along the trail. Hikers should prepare for muddy sections and dedicate 4 to 5 hours for this round-trip trek.

• Trailhead: Wa’ahila Ridge Trailhead
• Distance: 5.9 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 2618ft

12. Maunawili Falls Trail

This relatively straightforward 2.8-mile hike leads you to picturesque waterfalls nestled within lush jungle surroundings. It’s a moderate trek that climaxes at a lovely swimming pool beneath the falls.

• Trailhead: Maunawili Falls Trailhead
• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 1007ft

13. Kuliouou Ridge Trail

Thanks to its relatively dry terrain, the Kuliouou Ridge Trail is popular among runners. This moderate to difficult hike rewards hikers with stunning eastern coastline views from its peak.

• Trailhead: End of Kalalau Place
• Distance: 4.4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 1800ft

14. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is known for its spectacular ocean views and the historical lighthouse that graces the eastern tip of Oahu. It’s a short but lovely hike, making it ideal for family outings.

• Trailhead: Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trailhead
• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 500ft

15. Stairway to Heaven via Moanalua Valley Trail

While the infamous Haiku Stairs trail remains closed, adventurous hikers can still experience its beauty via the Moanalua Valley route. Expect a challenging hike that ultimately leads to stunning views at the summit.

• Trailhead: Moanalua Valley Trailhead
• Distance: 9.3 miles
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Elevation Gain: 5030ft

16. Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is a hidden gem with stunning views from the summit overlooking Oahu. The hike offers a moderate challenge with a steep final ascent. A parking permit is needed to access this trail.

• Trailhead: Waialae Iki Gated Community
• Distance: 4.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1617ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

17. Makiki Valley Loop Trail

If you’re looking for a shorter and more accessible hike near Waikiki, consider the Makiki Valley Loop Trail. This pleasant trek brings you through a lush forest, complete with a small waterfall, perfect for a family outing.

• Trailhead: Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki
• Distance: 3.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1000ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest hike in Oahu?

With over 200 hikes available in Oahu, a few stand out as easy and enjoyable excursions, including the Lanikai Pillbox hike, Waimea Falls, and Manoa Falls, offering beauty without extensive effort.

What are the hiking trails like in Oahu?

Oahu’s hiking trails offer a variety of experiences, ranging from tranquil forest treks to challenging climbs. The island’s volcanic history shapes its dramatic landscape, making many paths steep and thrilling.

Final Thoughts on Oahu Hikes

Hiking in Oahu caters to all skill levels, from easy trails perfect for families to challenging hikes for seasoned adventurers. Rich natural beauty awaits every explorer on this island paradise.

Once your time in Oahu is up, consider exploring the Big Island further. Discover the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Plan Your Next Trip to Hawaii With These Resources

• 38 Best Things to Do in Oahu
• 23 Best Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
• Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Maui
• Best Island to Visit in Hawaii: How To Choose
• Where to stay in Hawaii: Best Places For You By Island

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