Oahu Hiking Guide

Diamond Head Summit Trail

Easy to Moderate1.6 mi round-trip

The most iconic hike in Hawaii leads up the inside of a volcanic crater to a summit overlooking Waikiki and the south shore. The trail is well-maintained and features stairs, a narrow tunnel, and a spiral staircase to the final lookout. The views of Waikiki, Diamond Head crater, and the Pacific Ocean are among the most photographed in the world. Despite its moderate challenge, the trail is manageable for most fitness levels and the experience is worth every step.

Koko Head Crater Trail

Hard1.8 mi round-trip

This is one of the most demanding short hikes in Hawaii. A former military rail line consists of 1,048 uneven railroad tie stairs climbing straight up Koko Head crater with no shade and no switchbacks. The elevation gain reaches 642 feet and the ascent is relentless. The reward at the top is a panoramic view of Hanauma Bay, Maunalua Bay, and the entire Windward Coast. Locals use this trail regularly for fitness training, and it is not uncommon to see people doing multiple repeats.

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Easy to Moderate1.8 mi round-trip

This short ridge hike in the Kailua neighborhood leads to two World War II concrete military observation bunkers (pillboxes) with views that many consider the best on the island. Lanikai Beach, the Mokulua Islands, and the turquoise water of the Windward Coast spread out below. The trail starts with a steep scramble up the ridge before leveling off at the first pillbox. At sunrise, the scene is extraordinary and the trail is almost entirely empty.

Manoa Falls Trail

Easy1.5 mi round-trip

Manoa Falls is one of the only hikes on Oahu that genuinely feels like a rainforest. The trail winds through bamboo groves, tropical vegetation, and towering trees before arriving at a 150-foot waterfall at the back of the valley. The path is well-maintained but stays muddy because the valley receives heavy rainfall throughout the year. This trail is located just 15 minutes from Waikiki in the Manoa Valley above the University of Hawaii campus.

The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail is a paved, wheelchair-accessible path along the southeastern tip of Oahu that leads to a historic lighthouse overlook. The views from the top stretch across the Windward Coast, Rabbit Island, and the open Pacific. From January through March, humpback whales migrate through the channel offshore and sightings from this overlook are common. This is one of the best easy hikes on the island and is accessible for visitors of all fitness levels.

Maunawili Falls is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes on Oahu. The trail follows a stream through lush rainforest before reaching a large swimming hole and waterfall on the Windward side of the Ko'olau Mountains. The path crosses the stream multiple times and passes through dense jungle vegetation. Unlike Manoa Falls, swimming at the base of Maunawili Falls is popular and the pool is large enough for a refreshing dip after the hike.

Kuliouou Ridge is one of the most underrated hikes on Oahu. The trail climbs steadily through a Cook pine forest before emerging on a ridge with sweeping views of Maunalua Bay, Hanauma Bay, and the Windward Coast on a clear day. The upper section follows a narrow ridge with views on both sides. The trail starts in a quiet east Honolulu neighborhood and stays significantly less crowded than Diamond Head or Koko Head despite being equally rewarding.

Wa'ahila Ridge is a lesser-known trail located in the St. Louis Heights neighborhood above Honolulu. The path winds through a Cook pine forest on a narrow ridge with views of the Ko'olau Mountains, Manoa Valley, and the city below. The trail stays significantly less crowded than the major tourist hikes despite offering comparable scenery and a genuine sense of wilderness just 20 minutes from Waikiki.

Tantalus sits in the lush volcanic crater above Honolulu and connects to a network of trails in the Makiki Forest Reserve. The Pu'u 'Ōhi'a Trail is the most accessible route to the summit, passing through dense tropical forest with occasional views of the city below. The area stays cool and shaded even in summer, making it a good choice when the exposed coastal trails feel too hot. The summit view overlooks downtown Honolulu, the airport, Pearl Harbor, and the Ko'olau Range.

The Aiea Loop Trail runs through 'Aiea State Recreation Area in the hills above Pearl Harbor and offers a full loop through native forest with views of Pearl Harbor, downtown Honolulu, and the Ko'olau Mountains. The trail is well-maintained and follows a ridge the entire way, with views appearing gradually as you gain elevation. A rusted B-17 fuselage from World War II rests in the forest partway along the loop, adding a surprising piece of history to the hike.

The Ehukai Pillbox Trail on the North Shore is a short but steep climb to a military observation post above Sunset Beach. The views from the top look directly down onto one of the most famous surf breaks in the world. In winter, this is the best vantage point on the island for watching large North Shore surf from above. The trail itself is steep with loose footing near the top but is short enough to be manageable for most hikers.

Ka'au Crater is one of the most adventurous hikes on Oahu. A muddy, rope-assisted trail pushes through dense rainforest to a hidden volcanic crater with three waterfalls inside. The route requires scrambling over roots, crossing streams, and using fixed ropes on the steepest sections. The payoff is true wilderness solitude just 25 minutes from downtown Honolulu. This trail is only appropriate for experienced hikers who are comfortable with technical terrain.