Best Hikes on Oahu in 2022

Best Hikes on Oahu

The Hawaiian islands are unlike anywhere else- in minutes you can go from sparkling Pacific beaches to rugged, volcanic terrain. If you’re heading to Waikiki, Honolulu, or elsewhere on the island of Oahu, you’re in luck- Oahu has so many good hikes, and has something to suit all levels. Whether you’re looking for easy, family-friendly walks, a waterfall hike, or something a bit more strenuous, you can find it on the island.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best hikes on Oahu for 2022 and beyond, and have collaborated with some fellow travel bloggers to help you decide where to explore and to provide a more comprehensive overview of Oahu hikes. For each hike, I’ve also listed the distance and estimation of difficulty. 

Diamond Head

Sharon, Simpler and Smarter

On our recent visit to Hawaii, I took our three kids to the Diamond Head State Monument, just south of Waikiki. Diamond Head is an extinct volcano where you start inside the crater and can hike up to the rim and get some great views looking out to the Pacific Ocean. The trail to the top takes about an hour – it’s mostly paved but some areas are just rock (so wear decent walking shoes).

Generally, it is easy going but some areas are moderate going and it was hard to keep our kids going. The view from the top made the effort worthwhile, though. On a clear day, we could see a long way in every direction.

One of the great things about Diamond Head is how close it is to the main tourist area at Waikiki. By taxi, it took us only 15 minutes to get out there and 20 minutes return by bus. If you’re taking a bus it’s a 20-minute walk from the nearest stop to the start of the path. Some of the tourist buses and all taxis and cars can go right into the car park at the start of the trail and save time.

If I had to give advice it would be to go earlier to beat the heat and take water.

The Diamond Head State Monument is a great hike, topped off with some wonderful views and is easily reached to boot.

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Since Diamond Head is by far the most popular hike on the island, we’ve included two perspectives on the walk:

Kelly, Wanderlust by Kelleyy

Hiking the Diamond Head trail is a visual delight. From exquisite ocean to mountain views it is no wonder that the Diamond Head trail is so popular, and the climb to the summit is well worth it. Diamond Head is a state monument, a crater that was formed approximately 300,000 years ago and is now a significant and well known volcanic landmark. This hike is a wonderful opportunity to explore an iconic geological feature.

This popular hike provides magnificent 360-degree panoramic views of Waikiki to Waianae, the Ko’olau mountains, the Koko head crater, and the almighty Pacific ocean. This hike is suitable for most, the hardest section is two sets of steep steps (you climb 560 feet in elevation), so it is recommended that you pace yourself, taking advantage of the lookout points on the way up to the summit.  Roundtrip the trail is 1.6 miles and the suggested walking time is 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. I would recommend starting early to avoid the crowds and the heat. Enjoy!

Return distance: 1.6 miles

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Kapena Falls

There are many gorgeous waterfalls on Oahu, but Kapena Falls is special as a site of ancient Hawaiian rock art engravings and drawings- the Nu’uanu Petroglyphs.

The starting point of the hike is close to the Nuuanu Memorial Park- head downhill towards the water from the parking lot and the beginning of the trail is marked on the left. The walk to Kapena Falls is only ½ mile each way, and the petroglyphs can be seen along the walk, making it one of the great Oahu trails for easy hikes. 

Some of the art has been encased with iron bars, to protect it from damage, which makes it easier to find, and others are left exposed. You can see images of men and animals, with are thought to be related to Kaupe, a demigod of Hawaiian legend.

Return distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: easy

Ka’iwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillbox Hike)

Lindsey, Abroad Wife

On the windward side of Oahu high above Lanikai Beach is the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, known also as the Ka’iwa Ridge Trail. It is a memorable trek with sweeping ocean views. The two “pillboxes” along the trail were actually observation stations used during WWII. They have since been covered in graffiti and are used as viewing platforms along the trail. Hikers climb on top of and inside them to get a unique view over Kailua, Lanikai and the “Moks” (two islands just off the shore).

The trail is easy enough for beginners and even manageable for children.  The whole hike is 2.5 miles round trip and takes about 90 minutes. It begins with a steep climb up somewhat loose terrain but quickly evens out to a more steady, even walking path.

Even if you’re tired after arriving at the first pillbox, it is worth the additional 10 minutes of hiking to get to the second pillbox. The views of pristine turquoise water and inland mountain ridges are astounding. The combination of these incredible views, the unique perspective from the pillboxes, and easy accessibility to novice hikers and families make the Lanikai Pillbox hike an unmissable Oahu experience!

Return distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Waimea Valley

Set within the Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens, Waimea Falls is an easily accessible waterfall that’s a lot of fun for families. Stroll through the gardens until the end of the trail until you reach the falls. Lifejackets are provided and lifeguards are on duty when swimming available, so it’s a really popular and easy to reach walking and swimming spot on the island’s North Shore.

The gardens themselves are also spectacular, so take the time to enjoy them before cooling off with a swim. Note, there is an admission fee to the gardens. This is a great option if you’re looking for safe waterfalls to swim in or a family friendly hike in Oahu. 

Return distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: easy

Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike

Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular beaches for swimming and snorkeling on the island- it’s a protected reserve home to turtles, a huge range of tropical fish, eels, corals, and more. However, it is impressive not just from underwater, but also from above- the Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike is an amazing way to look down on the bay from above. It also provides unbelievable views of nearby towns and the mountains in the distance.

It’s an uphill walk but paved all the way. There’s no shade, so definitely start out in the early morning and be prepared for the heat. The walk begins next to the parking lot for Hanauma Bay.

Return distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: easy to moderate

Likeke Falls

Bryann, Fitspiration Adventures

Likeke Falls is one of those hidden in plain sight kind of Hawaii gems. It is more of an easy, shaded walk, masquerading as a short hike. The skill ability is low enough children, pups, mature aged and everyone in between can complete this hike. Sitting at just about .5 miles, the hardest part of this trail is the large amounts of mud you will encounter.

The mud does make a few sections a little slick, but nothing you can’t handle. The best part of this trail is the small waterfall at the end. This waterfall has a beautiful area to take truly “Hawaii” type photos. You can even do it without messing up your hair or makeup, just make sure you wear your mud shoes!

To get to the trail, you will park in the parking lot of the Ko’olau Golf Course on the east side of Oahu. The trailhead is easily visible. Once you are on the trail, take a left at the large tank covered in graffiti. From here, you will see an easily visible trail that will take you all the way to the falls. Don’t forget to bring your bug repellent, that creepy crawlers are out and about.

Return distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: easy

Kawela Bay

Mary Beth, MB Sees

The hike from Turtle Bay Resort to the banyan tree at Kawela Bay is low-key and beautiful. It’s a relatively short, 2.4-mile round trip, and very easy – it could probably be classified as more of a walk than a hike!

There are some fun stops along the way. After leaving the resort, the beachfront walk will take you past stables where you can stop for a minute and pet some of the horses. A little farther, and you’ll reach a stone marker that delineates the land boundary of Hanaka’oe (where you just came from) and Kawela (where you’re headed). And a little farther still, you’ll encounter an old WWII bunker at Protection Point.

When you reach Kawela Bay, take your time there and keep a sharp eye out… there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of some sea turtles! Once you get your fill, a quick walk in from the beach will take you to the massive banyan tree. It’s an impressive sight and worth the effort!

Return distance: 2.4 miles

Difficulty: easy

Ka’ena Point Trail

Christa, Expedition Wildlife

Ka’ena Point Trail is an ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This easy 2.5-mile trail on the northwestern tip of Oahu hugs the sandy and rocky shores, leading through a protected bird sanctuary and along beautiful beach scenes. The trail starts at Mokuleia

Rock Beach and ends near Yokohama Bay. The bird sanctuary section of the hike starts from the Yokohama side, traversing through a large fence protecting nesting birds from predators, including feral animals.

Stunning Laysan Albatross make the long journey back from the sea to mate and nest, nearly just off the trail, from November until July. Monk seals can be seen basking on the rocky shores, and spouts from passing whales may be seen offshore around January. Since the dunes and grasses along the trail are prime nesting locations, dogs are not allowed in the protected area. There is no shade cover or water sources, so be sure to cover up with long sleeves and a sun hat, and bring along plenty of water. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead for a different perspective of this scenic hike.

Return distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: easy

Manoa Falls

Amy, Family Globetrotters

If you’re looking for an easy and family-friendly hike to tackle whilst you’re in Oahu, we highly recommend the trek to see the 150 ft Manoa Falls. The trail can be found in Manoa Valley, only a short drive from Waikiki. It is about 1.6 miles which approximates to about a 1.5-hour journey in totality. The elevation is not taxing, except towards the ends but otherwise, it is relatively mild. Well, mild enough for the many young children we saw along the way.

The first 20 minutes into the trail is a stunning landscape of lush greenery. So gorgeous that it makes for a popular photo opportunity and certainly good enough as a filming location for Jumanji! The trail from then onwards narrows somewhat and can get very slippery, especially during the rainy season. The waterfall is the reward after 45 minutes.

The area is smaller than expected, was a bit crowded with a whole section completely roped off for safety due to falling boulders. Swimming in the pool below the waterfall is highly discouraged and prohibited because there is a threat of becoming infected with Leptospirosis. The water there is stagnant and prone to a collection of all sorts of bacterial diseases so please don’t swim in it.

The winter sees the heaviest rainfall in Oahu. This then lends itself to a cascading waterfall. We went in the driest of all months and the waterfalls were reduced to a trickle. Still beautiful and worth the hike. To ensure you have an awesome experience, here is everything you need to know about hiking to Manoa Falls.

Return distance: 1.6 miles

Difficulty: easy

Olomana Ridge Trail

This is regarded as one of the hardest and most extreme hikes on the island, and should only be undertaken by very experienced and well-prepared adventurers. I haven’t done it myself but wanted to include it as it is consistently mentioned as one of the toughest and best hikes in Oahu. Expect extreme elevation, rope climbs, and sharp drops off cliff faces- but you are rewarded with some of the best views on the island. It’s definitely not an easy Oahu hike, and shouldn’t be underestimated.  

Return distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Challenging

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

Cynthia, Two Day Travels

My favorite hike on Oahu is the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. The entire hike offers gorgeous views of the iconic deep blue waters Hawaii is known for, along with views of the Kaiwi Shoreline, Makapu’u Beach, and the Molokai and Lanai islets. In winter months (Dec-May) you may even be able to see humpback whales frolicking in those waters!

This paved trail is generally considered to be an easy-to-moderate hike at 2.5 miles (4.0 km) out and back with a gradual incline all the way to the summit. Along the trail are various markers sharing information on the flora and fauna that surround the path, the history of the area, and even one to help you identify the whales you may see in the distance.

Built in 1909, the red and white Makapu’u Lighthouse sits at the southeastern-most point of the island. Although you aren’t able to walk to the lighthouse itself, the observation decks at the top of the hike offer a fantastic view of it.

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail is located off Kalaniana‘ole Highway (Highway 72) between Makapu’u Beach and the Halona Blowhole Lookout. There is a small parking lot at the beginning of the trailhead.

Return distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: moderate

A few words on illegal hiking (such as the Stairway to Heaven)

Several parts of the island are off-limits to the public, either due to private ownership, safety risks, or other factors. The Haʻikū Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, has cult status among hikers- a former radio signal location, the steep climb sees hikes trek up 3.922 steps to the top of the ridge.

The hike is closed to the public, with climbers subject to fines of up to $1,000 and the area is regularly guarded by security and police. This is due to safety and liability. Many intrepid walkers have set off without realizing the level of difficulty and have found themselves in serious trouble. If you decide to try it, it’s completely at your own risk, but my advice would be not to go. The track is reported to not be well maintained, it’s sort of a jerk move to break the law in a place where you are a guest, and it’s not worth risking your life (or the lives of the first responders who would have to come to rescue you), just to take an epic photo and bragging rights.

Hiking tips

• The Hawaiian islands are rich, rainforest, volcanic lands that experience a lot of rain. Even if it’s sunny and pleasant at your beachfront accommodation, the interior of the island receives frequent rainfall. Expect slippery and muddy tracks and bring along quality hiking shoes. Your basic tennis or road running shoe isn’t likely to have the traction to stop you from slipping while hiking.
• Speaking of rain, humidity and high temps are to be expected- bring along mosquito spray!
• A basic for any hike, but try to avoid hiking alone, and always let someone else know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
• Unfortunately, car vandalism and break-ins do happen sometimes on the island, so best to valuables at your hotel, not in the car. If you do have to bring something along and leave it in the vehicle, make sure it’s out of sight.
• Bring along water and snacks, especially for longer walks. It goes without saying, but always make sure anything you take hiking comes back out with you, and hold on to litter if there are no facilities along the walk.
• The sun sets quickly in Hawaii, and the interior of the island can be pretty dark- keep an eye on the time and aim to be back before nightfall. Generally, early morning is the best time for hiking, as you can also beat some of the midday heat.
• Have fun! Hawaii is so stunning and unlike anywhere else- have an amazing time.

Can you swim in waterfalls in Hawaii?

Always check with locals or research your destination before jumping in to see if it’s safe. Although waterfalls in Hawaii can look seriously inviting, don’t take the plunge just yet- freshwater streams and bodies of water in Hawaii can often harbor the bacteria leptospirosis, which can make you really sick and definitely requires medical attention asap. It’s most commonly found in freshwater after recent rainfall.

Oahu hiking groups and clubs

Hiking is a popular activity with both locals and tourists, so consider joining along with one of the island’s hiking groups, which offer social outings and regular group hikes. Check out Meetup.com for a range of local groups, such as the Oahu Hikers and Adventurers or the Sierra Club.  The clubs are experts on Hawaii hiking trails, Hawaii waterfalls, and the best hikes on Oahu for all skill levels, so they are definitely an important wealth of knowledge. 

Kauai

If you’re traveling to some of the other Hawaiian islands, great hiking can be found everywhere, but especially on Kauai. Kauai is the most natural and undeveloped of the main islands. The landscapes there are out of this world, including the red cliffs of Waimea Canyon or the harsh cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Or, considering exploring the epic views of Kauai by helicopter.

There are also several multi-day hikes, so great for more experienced hikers looking for a challenge. I would really recommend passionate hikers add on a few days on one of the other Hawaiian islands.  If you’re heading to Kauai after Oahu, here’s our comprehensive guide to where to stay on Kauai. Or, here’s some great ideas on where to stay in Maui.

Have you been hiking in Hawaii? Would love to hear your stories and tips!