If you're looking for a way to experience the natural beauty of Oahu, there's no better way than hiking the trails.
The island boasts a stunning landscape, with lush tropical forests, towering mountain peaks, and sweeping ocean views.
Among the many hiking options available on Oahu, some trails stand out for their breathtaking scenery and unique features. From steep ridges to cascading waterfalls, hiking these top 7 trails will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful and diverse terrain the island has to offer.
Among the many hiking options available on Oahu, some trails stand out for their breathtaking scenery and unique features. From steep ridges to cascading waterfalls, hiking these top 7 trails will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful and diverse terrain the island has to offer.
Olomana Three Peaks Hike On O'ahu
LENGTH
4.5 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
1,600 feet
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
Scramble the mercilessly steep slopes of Olomana's three peaks for an astounding view of O'ahu's eastern side and the Ko'olau Range. One
of the most fun hikes on O'ahu, you'll climb up several rope sections and hoist yourself up rocky boulder faces to reach the first and highest summit.
The Olomana trail has multiple steep drop-offs and is not suitable for those afraid of heights. Be aware that this hike is incredibly muddy and dangerous after or during rainstorms, and should only be hiked on dry days. There are many rescue operations per year on Olomana, so please be careful and hike responsibly.
The Olomana trail has multiple steep drop-offs and is not suitable for those afraid of heights. Be aware that this hike is incredibly muddy and dangerous after or during rainstorms, and should only be hiked on dry days. There are many rescue operations per year on Olomana, so please be careful and hike responsibly.
Kalawahine Trail To K2 Summit
LENGTH
8.3 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
2,750 feet
DIFFICULTY
Hard
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
The K1/K2 Summit Hike, also known as Pu'u Konahuanui, climbs some of the highest and most significant peaks in the Ko'olau Range.
As you climb K1 and K2, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Ko'olau Range and a top-down look at the greenery of O'ahu's rain forests.
The K2 hike was one of the most adventurous hikes we attempted on O'ahu, and is highly recommended for confident hikers.
This trail is quite technical compared to the average hike, involving steep climbs with the use of in-place ropes. To add to the difficulty, the trail to K2 is coated in a thick layer of slippery mud. Once you finally reach the top, take a look back and marvel at the rugged hills you climbed.
This trail is quite technical compared to the average hike, involving steep climbs with the use of in-place ropes. To add to the difficulty, the trail to K2 is coated in a thick layer of slippery mud. Once you finally reach the top, take a look back and marvel at the rugged hills you climbed.
Moanalua Ridge Trail On O'ahu
LENGTH
10 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
2,900 feet
DIFFICULTY
Very hard
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
Looking for a challenging day hike on O'ahu that will reward you with incredible views? The Moanalua Ridge trail is known for its steep ridges and difficult climb, as well as its
views of the island's vibrant, lush rain forests.
The roughly ten mile out-and-back is deceptively difficult: scrambling up the ridge's muddy slopes is a grueling test of endurance. Despite the challenge, the Moanalua Ridge trail is a must-do for experienced hikers, guaranteed to leave you with an unforgettable adventure.
The roughly ten mile out-and-back is deceptively difficult: scrambling up the ridge's muddy slopes is a grueling test of endurance. Despite the challenge, the Moanalua Ridge trail is a must-do for experienced hikers, guaranteed to leave you with an unforgettable adventure.
Waimano Falls
LENGTH
3 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
900 feet
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
We loved this relatively short hike to a multi-tiered waterfall, with upper, middle, and lower pools for swimming. The deeper lower pool is set with a
rope swing for jumping in. This hike was also surprisingly quiet. We had the waterfall to ourselves for almost an hour, and only saw other people as we were leaving.
Although short, this definitely isn't an easy hike. It's extremely slippery hiking down to the falls, and you'll need to be prepared to get muddy. Once you're at the waterfall, there's a short, rocky scramble to get down to the pools.
There is plenty of parking in the neighborhood near the trailhead. We did not have trouble finding a spot mid-afternoon.
Although short, this definitely isn't an easy hike. It's extremely slippery hiking down to the falls, and you'll need to be prepared to get muddy. Once you're at the waterfall, there's a short, rocky scramble to get down to the pools.
There is plenty of parking in the neighborhood near the trailhead. We did not have trouble finding a spot mid-afternoon.
Wiliwilinui Ridge
LENGTH
4.7 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
1,700 feet
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
This is a fun exposed ridge hike not far from Honolulu that climbs to the crest of the Ko'olau Range. From the summit, you get a sweeping view of O'ahu's eastern side.
There's plenty of stairs, mud, and climbing on this hike, but overall we found it much easier than many others on this list!
The trailhead is located in a gated community, and has an official parking lot. When you arrive at the gated community, pull up to the guard house and let them know you're there to hike the Wiliwilinui Ridge trail. The guard on duty will give you a free parking pass for the trailhead.
The trailhead is located in a gated community, and has an official parking lot. When you arrive at the gated community, pull up to the guard house and let them know you're there to hike the Wiliwilinui Ridge trail. The guard on duty will give you a free parking pass for the trailhead.
Koko Head
LENGTH
1.6 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
1,000 feet
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
Koko Head is an extremely popular but gruelingly steep sunrise hike. While short, the hike is entirely uphill on an unused rail track that acts as a stairway.
When I say this is steep, I mean it! As you push yourself to the top, both your lungs and legs will be cursing you.
There is a large parking lot at the trailhead, but this large lot may fill in the morning. Arrive early if you aim to catch the sunrise. It generally takes 30-60 minutes to hike to the top, depending on your fitness level.
There is a large parking lot at the trailhead, but this large lot may fill in the morning. Arrive early if you aim to catch the sunrise. It generally takes 30-60 minutes to hike to the top, depending on your fitness level.
Kuliouou Ridge
LENGTH
5 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
1,700 feet
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
none
TRAILHEAD
Kuliouou Ridge is a great, moderately difficult ridge hike that doesn't have much exposure. The climb up feels steep, but its absolutely beautiful and worth the effort.
You'll have views down the valley as you hike up, and the summit overlooks the eastern side of O'ahu.
This is a well developed trail that's relatively easy to hike compared to other ridges on O'ahu. Kuliouou Ridge is typically less muddy than other areas due to its drier weather.
There is no parking directly at the trailhead, but you may park further back along Kalaau Road or the surrounding neighborhood.
This is a well developed trail that's relatively easy to hike compared to other ridges on O'ahu. Kuliouou Ridge is typically less muddy than other areas due to its drier weather.
There is no parking directly at the trailhead, but you may park further back along Kalaau Road or the surrounding neighborhood.
O'ahu Hiking Tips
Trails on O'ahu are often, muddy, steep, and exposed. Some hikes (even popular hikes!) may be extremely difficult or outside your comfort zone.
To avoid being surprised with a challenge you weren't expecting, do your best to learn about trail conditions before your hike.
- Be prepared to get muddy. Many hikes on O'ahu are thick with mud.
- Don't hike ridges if its windy or rainy. The risk of slipping is too high.
- If you're afraid of heights, keep away from the ridge trails and their sharp, vertical drops.
- Check on parking before you go. Many trails have no signage or defined parking area.
- Have fun an enjoy the beautiful trails O'ahu has to offer!
Still have questions? Send me a message over email to connect. Happy Trails!
