5 BEST HIKES IN OAHU, HAWAII

Hitting the trails is a must when exploring Oahu. From panoramic views to waterfalls, all of the hikes in Oahu offer stunning, natural scenery. Luckily, hikes in Oahu range from easy to more strenuous, giving visitors the freedom to pick and choose based on what they feel like tackling. Below are 5 of my most favorite hikes in Oahu that are not to be missed.

1) Koko Crater Trail

Difficulty: Hard

Total Miles: 1.8 miles round trip (starting from parking lot) 

Length: 40-60 minutes

Cost: Free entrance and parking

Do not be fooled by the short distance you see on the map, this hike is a steep, vertical climb up and then down. During the hike, you will be climbing up 1,048 “stairs” that used to be a railway constructed in World War II as a way to transport supplies and personnel to the bunkers at the top of Koko Head crater.

The first 2/3 of the trail is not as steep and can be scaled fast if you are in good shape. Halfway through the hike, you will come across a bridge with no ground beneath the railway. You can either find a dirt trail on the right side of the track to avoid this, or be cautious to avoid falling through the tracks if you decide to cross bridge. The last 1/3 of the hike is more difficult, as the incline gets significantly higher – at that point, I was on my knees and hands.

However, the strenuous effort up is worth the gorgeous panoramic views of Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay, and Sandy Beach at the peak.

Tips:

1. The climb is uneven and can be wet and slick, especially after rainfall.
2. There is little shade, so bring lots of water and sunscreen as it can get extremely hot as you ascend 1208 feet in elevation.
3. This trail is popular and therefore, is heavily trafficked, so allow others to pass you safely if they need to, and vice versa.

2) Manoa Falls Hike

Difficulty: Easy

Total Miles: 1.6 miles

Length: 60-90 minutes

Cost: Free entrance , $5 parking

This hike, although only 20 minutes from Waikiki, will take you deep into the Manoa Rainforest. Even if it is bone dry everywhere else on Oahu, this trail will be humid, muddy, and oftentimes rainy.

You’ll notice in the beginning how lush and green the trees and plants remain, therefore making Manoa Falls an attractive filming backdrop for Jurassic Park and Lost.

Half-way through the hike, there is a parallel path through a bamboo forest, that re-connects to the main trail.

The last stretch of the trail is a gentle incline up some rocky stairs that will lead to the beautiful waterfall at the end. This small stream of water accumulates at into a pool at the bottom. However, swimming is not allowed because of the risk of water-borne bacteria that remain in the stagnant water. In addition, there is risk of loose rocks falling from above.

Tips:

1. It is muddy! During my hike, the mud went beyond my ankles, and some areas were extremely slippery. A few other hikers journeyed barefoot or with flip flops in order to wash off easily at the end.
2. It rains often, so jackets are advised.

3) Diamond Head Hike

Difficulty: Easy

Total Miles: 1.6 miles

Length: 60-90 minutes

Cost: $1 entrance fee, $5 parking

Through a large crater and to the top of a dormant volcano, this hike is indeed a unique experience. Created by an eruption that occurred 300,000 years ago, this iconic landmark has since been used by the military as a coastline defense system, and is now a popular hiking destination.

The beginning of the hike starts off easy leading into the base of the trail. There are lush, green open fields, and fruit and food stands gracing the entrance. However, you’ll soon hit a series of switchbacks as you make the 560 foot ascension.

Slightly more than halfway up, you’ll come across a steep 74-step staircase that will lead into a dimly lit tunnel. But, you won’t be done quite yet, as you will be greeted immediately by a 99-step staircase next! Afterwards, you’ll hit another tunnel that will lead you up a spiral staircase to the top of Diamond Head.

At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the southern coast.

Tips:

1. There is relatively little shade, so bring sunscreen!
2. The trail is only open from 6am to 6pm, and 4:30pm is the last entrance time.
3. If you want to extend this hike, you can start at Waikiki and walk to the base, which will take an extra 40 minutes.

4) Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Difficulty: Medium

Total Miles: 1.8 miles

Length: 60-90 minutes

Cost: Free entrance, free street parking on Ka’elepulu Drive

A scenic trail with coastal views of the eastern Oahu shoreline throughout, this moderate hike that leads up to two pillboxes from World War II is nothing short of idyllic.

The hike starts with a steep ascent on loose and crumbly gravel at the entrance. Luckily, there are ropes tied to a line of trees for climbers to propel themselves upward. However, be warned, going back down this path was a lot harder as you will be slipping and sliding down to the exit.

After you survive that bit, the upward jaunt to the first pillbox will seem like a breeze, although some parts of the climb is next to a ridge and are still slippery. Once you reach the first bunker, you’ll be amazed by the colorful graffiti art.

From the first pillbox, it’s another 15 minutes to the second pillbox. Climb on top of the roof and take in views of the Na Mokulua Islands sitting in the turquoise water and of the Ko’olau Mountain Range from behind.

Tips:

1. This is an uncovered trail, so bring sunscreen.
2. The trailhead is tucked in a residential neighborhood, and may be hard to find. However, it is a popular hike, so you’ll most likely see others entering.
3. Most hikers turn around after the second pillbox, but you can continue the trail for another 50 minutes to reach Ka’elepulu street.

5) Mokopu’u Lighthouse Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Total Miles: 2.5 miles

Length: 60-90 minutes

Cost: Free

The entirety of this trail at the southeastern tip of Oahu is paved, making it an accessible, and family-friendly hike. Although the hike is uphill, with an elevation gain of 500 feet, there are many lookouts and places to rest.

At the very top, you will see a panoramic view of the Kaiwi coastline as well as the Manana Island (Rabbit Island). You will also see the iconic lighthouse from above, which is off-limits to visitors.

One popular destination off of the main trail is the Makapu’u Tide Pools next to a whale watching sign about 30 minutes in. In order to reach the pools, you have to hike down a steep mountainside with loose rocks and slippery slopes, so wear shoes that grip! Since the descent can seem like hiking down a dangerous cliff, look out for painted arrows on rocks that mark the safest way down.

Tips: 

1. Once you reach the pools, be aware of the blowhole and keep a watch on the waves, which are known to be unpredictable. When in doubt, it is better to skip the tide pools than to be sorry.