Best Hikes on Oahu: My Top Recommendations
It has been a long time since my last blog post…but I’m coming back! I’m always getting asked for Oahu recs, so I decided it was finally time to write it all down.
Oahu is a paradise for hikers, offering trails for every skill level and an incredible mix of views, waterfalls, and experiences. As you all know, I love to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of my home as often as I can. Here are my personal favorite hikes, complete with descriptions to help you plan your next adventure:
Manoa Falls – Easy, Waterfall
Manoa Falls is perfect for families and beginners. This well-maintained trail features a rocky path leading to a stunning waterfall. It’s one of the most popular and tourist-friendly hikes on Oahu. While it’s not paved, the manageable terrain and gorgeous scenery make it an ideal introduction to Oahu’s natural beauty.
Diamond Head – Easy, Scenic
Diamond Head is the quintessential Oahu hike, beloved by visitors and locals alike. Though it’s often crowded, it offers incredible panoramic views. The trail is mostly paved and relatively quick, making it an easy option for a morning or afternoon adventure. Be prepared for warm, sunny conditions as there’s little shade along the way.
Maunawili Falls – Moderate, Waterfall
For those looking for a bit more adventure, Maunawili Falls offers a fun and rewarding challenge. The trail can get very muddy, especially after rain, and it’s not ideal for young children. However, the opportunity to jump off the waterfall makes it all worthwhile. If you are hoping to swim under a waterfall- this is the one, it has a huge pool at the bottom.
Lulumahu Falls – Easy to Moderate, Waterfall
This one is an in between of Manoa & Maunawili Falls! I personally think Lulumahu Falls is a must-visit. This less-trafficked trail is often drier than Maunawili but has a much smaller pool. It’s a serene, slightly off-the-beaten-path waterfall hike with lots of beautiful greenery.
Lanikai Pillboxes – Easy, Beautiful View
For breathtaking views and an iconic Insta-worthy moment, head to the Lanikai Pillboxes. This short but steep hike takes about 20 minutes to reach the top and rewards you with a stunning view of the Mokulua Islands. With loose gravel in parts and no shade, it’s best to tackle this hike early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the heat. Many go here to enjoy the sunrise as well!
Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail – Easy, Scenic
The Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail is a perfect option for hikers of all levels. The steep hill at the beginning provides a great workout, but the path eases up as you make your way to the lookout point. The entire trail is paved, making it accessible and straightforward. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of Oahu’s south side, sweeping around to the east side. During whale season in Hawaii (November to May, with the peak from January to March), you can often spot whales from the lookout, adding a magical touch to this hike.
Kuliouou Ridge – Moderate, Scenic
Kuliouou Ridge is a scenic trail that provides one of the most stunning vistas of Oahu’s windward side. The hike takes around three hours round-trip and includes steep sections with stairs, making it a great, intense workout. On a clear day, the views are absolutely worth the effort.
All of these hikes show the beauty and variety that Oahu has to offer, I hope you love them as much as I do! & of course don’t forget to go prepared- bring water, sunscreen, bug spray (especially for the waterfall hikes) and proper footwear.
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Kelly