Oahu is home to some of the best hikes in all of Hawaii. The island is home to two vast mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae. Running alongside each other they help to create dramatic and memorable landscapes and most of the best hikes on Oahu soar up their ridgelines.
Hikes on Oahu range in difficulty from casual paved strolls through botanic gardens to epic muddy treks deep into the jungle in search of waterfalls. Whatever takes your fancy, unique scenery will surround you in every direction and the summit views will be worth every leg-burning mile.
Top Hikes On Oahu
Deciding what hiking trails you should add to your Oahu itinerary can be tricky, so read on and learn all about the 15 best hikes on Oahu. After completing one of these outstanding treks, read our article on the best things to do in Oahu to keep the fun times rolling.
1. Manoa Falls Trail
Only fifteen minutes from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, the Manoa Falls Trail presents the perfect urban escape and is one of the most popular Oahu hikes for locals and travelers alike.
From the instant you hit the trail, your world will transform into a jungle paradise and you will see why this is our favorite Oahu hike. Flanked by the lush Manoa Valley on either side, you will rise past the valley towards a beautiful 150ft waterfall. You will hear the tumble of the water long before you arrive, and when you do, color prisms and rainbows will float through the air. The trail is well-maintained and there are several benches along the way where you can rest.
The highlight of the hike is definitely the waterfall at the end of the trail. The waterfall is about 150 feet tall and it’s a great place to cool off on a hot day. The Manoa Falls hiking trail is a relatively simple hike that is a great starter trek for newcomers to Oahu and also for families looking for an outdoor adventure.
- Trailhead: Manoa Falls Trailhead
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 633ft
2. Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Hike)
In one of the most picturesque corners of Oahu, a short ridge hike ends in iconic and colorful pillboxes. Also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, this trek is one of the most rewarding yet straightforward hiking trails on Oahu.
The steady, steep grade will get the legs moving but luckily the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is only roughly a mile one-way. Views are amazing all along the trail, giving you a glimpse into what is to come. Once you are at the top, you’ll not only see the…
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