How to Find the Best Hiking Trails on Oahu?

If you’re planning on exploring Oahu, one of the best ways to get an up-close experience with the island’s natural beauty is by hiking. From the Ko`olau mountain range to stunning beaches, the island has an abundance of trails that cater to all levels of difficulty. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which trails are right for your skillset and interests. To make the process easier, we’ve put together this guide to the best hiking trails on Oahu.

Ko`olau Mountains

When people think of Hawaii, they often envision lush green mountains with soaring cliff faces. The Ko`olau Mountains fit that description perfectly, and the range is home to some of the best-known hikes on Oahu. Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is the perfect introduction for anyone looking to explore this region, as it only extends for a half-mile and is considered a moderate hike. The trail offers breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby mountains and leads to a lighthouse at the summit.

For those seeking more of a challenge, the Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail offers plenty of opportunities for a strenuous ascent, but with great reward awaiting at the top; you’ll be able to take in gorgeous panoramas of Oahu’s eastern coast. Though it’s 8.9 miles long, much of the route is rated easy-to-moderate, so you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this scenic trek.

Waianae Mountain Range

The Waianae Mountain Range stretches across the western section of Oahu, and comprises some of the island’s most stunning trails. Ka’ena Point Trail is a 3.2 mile one-way trek that takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including wild coastal landscape, sandy beaches, and a volcanic desert experience. Though there are several parts of the route that can prove challenging, most of it is classed as easy, making this an ideal introduction or opportunity for casual hikers.

Those looking for something more strenuous will enjoy the 7.4-mile one-way trail that leads up Mount Ka’ala — the highest point on Oahu. Along the hike, you’ll get to take in stunning views of Waimea Valley, Waianae Valley, and Makua Valley before reaching the summit itself. While this route can technically be completed in a single day, many visitors opt for a multi-day trip in order to more fully explore each section and camp out along the way.

Manoa Falls

With lengthy stretches through tropical rainforest, breathtaking waterfall views, and base elevation starting at just over 500 feet, Manoa Falls is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu. The track follows Manoa Stream upward until it reaches a 60-foot waterfall, with branches off the main path that extend towards its edges. The scenery is reminiscent of an enchanted jungle, and its length (1.6 miles) makes it manageable for novices without completely trivializing it for more experienced hikers.

Despite Manoa Falls’s popularity, there are several hidden gems along its paths worth exploring. It’s known for its wild fruit trees and sheer cliff faces – perfect for rock climbing – as well as hosting plenty of other rare species. Plus, due to its location near Honolulu, there are plenty of opportunities for tourists once they finished the hike — including places to eat, shop, and picnicking spots alongside beautiful beaches.

Diamond Head Summit

Diamond Head is one of Oahu’s most iconic features, and few hikes can provide you with vistas quite like it. Though only marginally longer than Manoa Falls (1.6 miles), Diamond Head Summit is legitimately strenuous — with several parts of interactive climb work included — making it best suited for experienced hikers only.

Throughout its course, you’ll pass historic WWII structures and gain access to several stunning lookout points offering 360-degree views of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu cityscape. At its peak there’s also a natural window cut in the crater rock from which you can take in mesmerizing panoramic view — perfect for taking your next profile picture for Instagram!

Conclusion

Oahu offers a wide variety of hiking trails for hikers with all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an introductory experience or more of an adventure-level challenge, you’re sure to find something that fits your skillset on this beautiful island. For those looking to explore nature while also getting a taste of human history and culture on your hike, there are a few trails in particular that are sure to impress — Manoa Falls, Ka’ena Point Trail, and Diamond Head Summit all offer amazing three-in-one experiences that characterize Hawaii and its appreciation for both nature and culture in equal measure.