I’ve spent years getting to know Oahu and its trails, which are really special. This island, has welcomed 5,814,176 visitors in 2024 and offers so much more than just lovely beaches. It’s a paradise for hikers, with everything from easy walks to tough ridge climbs. I’ve created this guide to my favorite hikes in Oahu with views that will really going to impress you. We’ll cover famous treks and some quieter outdoor adventures in Oahu. Get ready to see the island from a new angle, where every step gives you great scenery. Let’s find your next favorite hike!
Best Month to Visit
The best months for great hikes in Oahu offer good weather and fewer people.
| Best Month to Visit | Reason |
| April | Pleasant Weather |
| May | Fewer Crowds |
| September | More Affordable Deals |
| October | Ideal Hiking Conditions |
| Travel Insurance- I think travel insurance is a smart move. It will offer protection against unexpected cancellations or medical situations, and will allow you to relax and enjoy your Hawaiian vacation with peace of mind. |
List Of 13 Top hikes to do in Oahu
1. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
This is one of the most popular hikes in Oahu for a reason. The paved path makes it easy for almost everyone to use. You get great coastal views from the start. On a clear day, you could see the islands of Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.Also a good place for whale watching during the winter months.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation: 650 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1.5 hours
2. Mānoa Falls Trail
A classic waterfall hike in Oahu. The Manoa Falls trail will take you through a tropical rainforest. It includes beautiful stood up bamboo groves and banyan trees. The trail can get really muddy, so wear the right shoes! At the end of the hike is a 150 foot waterfall that is a nice, rewarding sight to see at the end of the walk.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation: 800 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1–2 hours
3. Koko Crater Arch Trail
A short, but steep hike to a natural stone arch. The trail can be rocky and slippery, so be careful where you step. This is one of the more quiet outdoor activities in Oahu as well. You can the coastline and Sandy Beach, and the arch is a beautiful place to take pictures.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 1.25 miles
- Elevation: 240 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 40–60 minutes
4. Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
To hike this trail, you will need a free permit from the security guard. The trail starts in a gated community, which keeps the crowds down and traffic limited. The views from the summit are stunning, with a 360° view of Oahu. You can see both the windward and leeward sides of the island. The final part has many stairs, giving you a good workout.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation: 1,617 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 2–3 hours
5. Kuliouou Ridge Trail
A well maintained trail that has great views at the top. The trail includes a series of switchbacks through a forest. Near the summit, you’ll climb a lot of stairs to the ridge. The panoramic scenery of the East Coast is totally worth it. This is one of the best island hikes in Hawaii for adventure seekers.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Elevation: 1,800 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 2.5–4 hours
6. Diamond Head State Monument
This is the most famous Diamond Head hike on Oahu, with views of Waikiki. An inconvenience is the crowding. To fix this, go as early as possible. The trail includes stairs and a tunnel from its military past. Reservations are needed for non-Hawaiian visitors who want to go on the hikes in Oahu.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Elevation: 560 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1.5–2 hours
7. Lanikai Pillbox Trail
This trail is-favorite for its sunrise views of the Mokulua Islands. This short and steep hike, takes you to two old World War II pillboxes. A real inconvenience here is parking, which is very difficult in the neighborhood. I’d suggest parking at Kailua Beach Park and walking over will be the best option. The view makes it one of the top Oahu hiking trails with views.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Elevation: 626 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1–1.5 hours
8. Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail
This trail offers excellent overhead views of Hanauma Bay. The paved part is easy and great for a quick walk. For a more challenging experience, you can take the longer dirt loop. You can see Koko Head Crater right across the highway. It’s a nice way to see the bay without the entry fee.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly (Paved) / Moderate (Loop)
- Distance: 2.0 miles (Paved) / 4.2 miles (Loop)
- Elevation: 500 ft (Paved) / 1,500 ft (Loop)
- Type of Route: Out & Back or Loop
- Length: 1–1.5 hours (Paved) / 2–3.5 hours (Loop)
9. Likeke Falls
This is one the easy jungle hikes in Oahu that leads to a two-tiered waterfall. It can get pretty muddy so be prepared to get your shoes dirty. You can find easy access to this park through Ko’oalu Golf Club. It is a good option to get a quick trip into the green interior of the island.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Elevation: 200 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 30–60 minutes
10. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
This is a very challenging and unsafe hike, and is meant for experts only. There are several steep drop-offs and technical rope sections. The views from the first peak are completely worth the effort. Only experienced climbers should try the second and third peaks. Safety is critical; do not hike if it is wet.
- Best for: Extreme
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Elevation: 1,856 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 3–5 hours
11. Ehukai Pillbox Hike
This is the best pillbox hike on the famous North Shore. You get some nice views of the Banzai Pipeline surf break. The trail is short, but has a steep hill to start the hike. It is a great place to catch a classic North Shore sunset. This is one of the less trafficked hiking trails in Oahu (compared to Lanikai).
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Elevation: 800 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1–2 hours
12. Crouching Lion Trail
A brief but steep and unofficial trail with good views of the incredible panoramic views of Kahana Bay. This trail is not maintained and has a chance to be quite slippery. Parking is limited, and car break-ins are a concern here. It’s a challenging but very rewarding quick trip.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Elevation: 300 ft
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 1–2 hours
13. Aiea Loop Trail
A longer but relatively simple loop through a wooded area. It has amazing views of the H-3 Freeway and Pearl Harbor. The trail is shaded by fragrant lemon eucalyptus trees. Also, you can see the wreckage of a WWII bomber plane off the trail. A nice option for trail running or an easy walk.
- Best for: Beginner-friendly
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Elevation: 900 ft
- Type of Route: Loop
- Length: 2–3 hours
Travel Basics & Tips
- Book your Diamond Head hike reservation in advance online.
- To avoid getting too hot, start as early as possible on all hikes in Oahu.
- Bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks – per person – for your hike.
- Wear good shoes that grip. This is especially important for mud-filled trails.
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle at the trailhead.
- Stay on marked trails to protect yourself and the area around you.
- Download GPS apps like All Trails for navigation.
- Some of the trails are on government property and hikes are technically illegal; hike responsibly.
- If you can, hike with a partner, and tell someone your plans.
Conclusion
I’m sure you can tell that Oahu is a hiker’s paradise with so many different experiences to be had. These well-known and popular hikes in Oahu show that it is more than just a busy thoroughfare. From misty rainforests to steep coastal cliffs, you can get a unique view of the natural beauty observed on the island. I hope this guide helped point you to great hikes in Oahu, seeing the island on foot is the best way to feel the Aloha spirit. I always feel more connected to the place after a nice walk.
