Hawaii is so much more than a beach. Although there are beautiful white sand beaches (that you should most definitely check out), the hiking scene is like no other! With rainforest waterfalls, historic pillboxes, and epic overlooks, the hikes on Oahu are breathtaking! SO pack your hiking shoes and check out this list of the very best hikes on Oahu, Hawaii! How many can you squeeze into your Oahu itinerary?!
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Table of Contents
Best Easy Hikes on Oahu
Diamond Head
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 452 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Reservation/Permit: Yes, can be made here!
- Cost: $5 per person + $10 to park
Although you’ll be sharing this trail with hundreds of other fellow vacationers (it’s a popular one), it still deserves a spot on this best hikes on Oahu list. If you are staying near Waikiki beach, it’s just a short 10-minute drive away!
You do need to make an advanced reservation though which can be done here up to 30 days in advance. If you want a specific time slot, be sure to do so as soon as possible as many sell out!
The hike itself is an easy 1.8 miles (out and back) that is a mixture of pavement and gravel/dirt. Throughout the hike, you’ll gain about 450 feet of elevation (it’s a steady climb) and be met with epic views of the city at the top. You can even climb in an old bunker on your way down (There’s a spiral staircase inside that will take you back to the trail).
Manoa Falls (The BEST easy waterfall hike on Oahu)
- Distance: 1.7 miles
- Elevation: 633 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Reservation/Permit: No
- Cost: $7 for parking
If you are looking for an easy, but magical waterfall hike, Manoa Falls is one of the best. You do have to pay for parking and it’s still a bit touristy, but as soon as you start the hike you’ll realize the $7 is 100 percent worth it.
The hike is 1.7 miles on a well-maintained dirt trail. It is pretty steady uphill, but nothing too hard. As you hike, you’ll get to admire the vibrant green rainforest with it ending at an epic 100+ ft waterfall. There is a sign posted to not go past the waterfall so proceed at your own risk.
When we visited, there were several people swimming, but it’s not recommended due to possible rock fall and potential bacteria in the water. Anywhoooo, it’s a beautiful waterfall to admire from out of the water!
Keep Reading::: How to have one EPIC weekend on Oahu!
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation: 505 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Reservation/Permit: No
- Cost: Free
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail may just be one of the best hikes on Oahu for beginners. Not only is it paved the entire way, but it also leads to some of the most epic ocean views.
After you snag a parking spot, head up on the clearly marked trail to the overlook. Once again, expect this trail to be busy. But, it was wide enough for us to pass and walk at our own pace.
Once at the top, you can watch for nearby hang gliders, check out the lighthouse, and even watch for the migrating humpback whales (if visiting in the winter).
Side note: There is absolutely no shade along this trail so make sure to pack your sunscreen and a lot of water.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation: 534 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Reservation/Permit: No
- Cost: Free!
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a great choice for nature enthusiasts looking for an easy and peaceful hiking experience. To get there, take H1 out of Waikiki to the Pali Highway, turn left onto Kamehameha Highway, and then turn left onto Luluku Road in Kaneohe. Follow the signs to the entrance of Hoomaluhia Park and you’ll find ample free parking.
The 2-mile hike begins at the Hoomaluhia Visitor Center, where you’ll find a variety of educational displays and native plants. After exploring the visitor center, take a stroll through the diverse and lush rainforest trails that meander past streams, a lake, and picturesque bridges.
The main trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for all levels of hikers. As you explore, a wide variety of birds and butterflies may come into view. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Botanical Garden also offers camping and fishing activities!
There are several picnic areas near the main trail where you can rest or enjoy a snack. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also explore some of the off-trail paths, which feature more dense vegetation and small streams. After your hike, visit the nearby Kualoa Ranch for some spectacular scenery you may recognize from one of your favorite Hollywood movies. Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a must-see if you’re looking for a peaceful hike on Oahu.
As experienced by Melodie from Travel Must Do’s
Waimea Valley Trail
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: none
- Difficulty: Super easy
- Reservation/Permit: No
- Cost: $20 per person
Waimea Valley Trail is a 3.5-mile-long, flat paved pathway inside the Waimea Botanical Garden. It is perhaps the easiest hiking route on Oahu. But this popular trail is a must in your Oahu itinerary for many reasons.
First, the trail takes you on a pleasant walk through the botanical garden features a variety of Hawaiian blooms and plants. You will also see some exhibits of traditional local housing and village.
Second, anyone is welcome to join a pleasant stroll. No skill is required as it is not physically challenging at all. And it is accessible by wheelchairs as well.
Finally, the main draw is Waimea Fall at the end of the trail. The waterfall creates a natural pool where visitors can swim. A lifeguard and life vest rental are available on-site.
It is located inside the Waimea Botanical Garden and has an entry fee of $20. If swimming is not allowed on the day of your visit, the ticket office will inform you before purchasing the ticket. You can also park in the decent-sized parking lot.
As experienced by Chloe of Chloe’s Travelogue
Side Note: Are you looking for the perfect Oahu itinerary?! Grab this complete 3-day guide for just $5. I promise it’s worth it 🙂
Best Moderate Hikes on Oahu
Lanikai Pillbox (Best overlook hike on Oahu!)
- Distance: .9 miles
- Elevation: 406 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Reservation/Permit: No
- Cost: Free
Lanikai Pillbox was my favorite hike during our 3-days on Oahu. I mean look at those VIEWS! First of all, there’s no parking lot, so you do need to find parking along the residential streets. Just be sure to pay attention to signs and not block any driveways.
After snatching a parking spot, head to the trailhead (google maps will lead you there if you are lost) and start the climb. After less than a half mile, you’ll first see the first Pillbox, but if you keep going a bit further you’ll reach the second. It’s a great place to relax, have a snack, and enjoy the view.
After your hike, I recommend spending some time at Lanikai beach (since you already have a parking spot). And that beautiful blue water is tempting after looking at it from above!
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,617 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Reservation/Permit: Yes (limited and passed out by security guards at the Waialae Iki 5 gates)
- Cost:
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is the best of both worlds, offering the jaw-dropping views of a ridge hike without the sketchy and crumbling pathway that’s usually associated with such trails.
The trailhead is tucked away in the Waialae Iki 5 community, an upscale, gated neighborhood in the hills overlooking Honolulu. In order to park near the trailhead, you’ll need to snag one of the limited permits passed out by its security guards.
Once you snag your permit, you’ll park at the trailhead and start making your way up through a lush forest. As you climb higher and higher, the forest will eventually clear and you’ll be left hiking along the narrow spine of one of the Koʻolau Mountains. The path is decently wide and maintained, but be careful—it frequently rains along the trail, causing the dirt path and stairs to turn into a slippery and muddy mess.
As you climb higher and higher, the endlessly green Koʻolau Mountains will unfold at your feet and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over Honolulu and beyond, the sparkling turquoise waters of the Pacific.
As experienced by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
Ehukai Pillbox (Epic North Shore Oahu Hike!)
- Length: 2.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 800 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
For one of the best hikes on the North Shore of Oahu, don’t miss Ehukai Pillbox hike, which packs in a lush forest, historic bunkers, and epic views over the coastline in one short trail.
To get there, you can park in the parking lot for the Ehukai Beach Park, home to the world-famous Bonzai Pipeline. Be careful, though—this area is known for car break-ins so you may want to consider finding a parking spot in one of the surrounding residential streets.
Once you’re parked, head across the street to the Sunset Beach Elementary School, where you’ll see a large sign for the trailhead.
The path will steeply start climbing through a lush forest, as you scramble up tree roots and rocky soil. While the initial ascent is steep, it evens off before too long and you’ll reach the first pillbox, an abandoned concrete bunker from World War II. Sit atop it for a moment to enjoy the spectacular views of Ehukai Beach below.
Continue along the path to find the second (and more iconic) Peace Pillbox, so-named for the large, colorful peace sign painted on top of it. This is one of the best spots on the island to head in the late afternoon, to watch as the sun sinks into the Pacific Ocean for the night.
As experienced by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
Best Hard Hikes on Oahu
Koko Crater Tramway
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation: 885 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Reservation/Permit: No
- Cost: Free
This trail may be short, but it is a killllllaaa. You can even see the top of the trail from the bottom of the tramway, buuuuut looks can be deceiving.
Anyway, to get to this trailhead to Koko Head District Park on Anapalau St where you will find two large parking lots with restrooms available. From the parking lot, there’s a short paved trail heading to the base of the stairs. I do recommend planning this hike for early mornings or a cooler day as there is no shade and you will get HOT.
From here, there’s nowhere to go but up. It is important to note that the stairs are NOT maintained and many are cracked and broken so do watch your step. There is a middle section that is much sketchier than the rest (with the railway acting as a bridge). If you are not feeling this (like me), there is a side trail to go around this section.
The stairs continue to get steeper and steeper until you have finally reached the top. BUT…unfortunately, you’re still not at the overlook yet. But don’t worry, just a bit further and you’ll be met with AMAZING VIEWS. You can see the entire Hanauma Crater–an epic spot for snorkeling on the island!
The way down is definitely less tiring but still challenging. I chose to take it nice and slow while others were zooming past me. It’s definitely not a race and you should most definitely go at a pace you are comfortable with!
You may also like: How to spend ONE weekend on the Big Island (Hint::: grab a cheap inter-island flight to check out the epic adventures on Hawaii’s BIG ISLAND)
Crouching Lion
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Elevation: 492 Feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Reservation/Permit: No
- Cost: Free
Okay…this hike is technically closed, so proceed with caution. BUT, it’s an epic climb to some great views of Kahana Bay.
After parking at the small street parking lot, head across the street to the trailhead. There are two trailheads leading to different places. We took the wrong one initially and it was quite the sketchy climb. The trailhead to Crouching Lion is the second one you will pass (if walking from the parking lot).
The right trail is still pretty steep and would be much more difficult after a lot of rain.
Once at the top, you can continue further to the namesake “crouching lion”, but I’m a scaredy-cat and choose to wait and eat my snack at the first overlook.
After this hike, be sure to explore the rest of the beautiful Oahu North Shore!
Best Hikes on Oahu Map
Hint! Save this map for your next Oahu trip or add to it as you find more Oahu Bucket List hikes!
My Oahu Hikes Packing List
Here’s what I brought along on these Oahu hikes! Let me know if you have any questions! (Instagram is a great place to connect!)
- Hiking Shoes- I brought both my favorite Keen sandals and boots on this trip.
- Rain Jacket- Just be prepared for a bit of rain!
- Microspikes- If planning on doing any difficult hikes or steep hikes after it rains.
- WoolX socks! My husband thinks I am crazy for hiking in wool socks, but they keep my feet SO cool. And this is coming from someone who absolutely hates wearing socks.
- Hiking Backpack- This is the one I’ve been using for years- It’s cheap, has a water bladder, and enough room for layers and snacks. Here’s a list of the best hiking day packs under $100!
Happy hiking!
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