The Best Hikes on Oahu

Unreal Hawaii is a website for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts on Oahu. On this page, you’ll find stories and photos describing some of the best hikes on Oahu. If you’re new to hiking on Oahu, check out the Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Oahu.

For Kauai Hikes, Maui Hikes and Big Island Hikes:
See the Hawaii Neighbor Island Hikes page.

DISCLAIMER: If you attempt these hikes you are doing so at your own risk. Trail conditions and accessibility can change daily. Also, hiking can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities, and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity (full disclaimer).

Other Oahu Hiking Resources

Na Ala Hele - Oahu Trail Systems
Official hiking trail system for Oahu.

Oahu's State Parks Hiking
Official website for Hawaii State Parks.

Hawaii Trail & Mountain Club
A popular Oahu hiking club.

Hiking Safety in Hawaii [PDF]
The Hawaii DLNR brochure on hiking safety.

Easy Hikes on Oahu

Koko Crater Arch

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 1-2 mi
  • Time: 0-1 hr

A short hike that takes you to a natural arch on the side of Koko Crater. The arch makes for great photos. The hike is relatively easy but parts are very steep. Hiking shoes are required. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Kuliouou Ridge Trail

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 4-5 mi
  • Time: 3-4 hrs

A beautiful hike located just 20 minutes east of Town. There’s a lot of variety on this trail from forest to open ridgeline. Great for families and dogs. Oahu, Hawaii

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Oahu

Lanikai Pillboxes Hike

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 2-3 mi
  • Time: 1-2 hrs

An extremely popular hike in Kailua. This short, kid-friendly, hike takes you up the hill that overlooks Lanikai Beach and the Mokes. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Waimano Falls and Pools

  • Type: Waterfall
  • Length: 1-2 mi
  • Time: 1-2 hrs

This waterfall hike on Oahu is best attempted after some rain. It’s a relatively easy hike to a waterfall and pool deep enough for jumping. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Kaena Point

  • Type: Coastal
  • Length: 4-5 mi
  • Time: Variable

A hike to the most western point on Oahu. You start along the north shore and hike on a flat trail to the point. The views are incredible along the coastlines and if lucky, you’ll see some seals.

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Oahu
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Intermediate Hikes on Oahu

The Koolau Summit Above Waimanalo

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: Variable
  • Time: Variable

Views of the Pacific from a southeast section of the Koolau summit. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Pu'u Hapapa

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 4-5 mi
  • Time: 4-5 hrs

Like many of the best hikes in Hawaii, access to this trail is not easy, but those that get to hike it are rewarded with stunning views from west Oahu. This trail offers some thrilling ridge hiking as well. Oahu, Hawaii. *NOTE: Access to this trail is very limited.*

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Oahu

Kealia Trail & Access Road

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 4-5 mi
  • Time: 4-5 hrs

A great hike on the North Shore of Oahu. This trail is a series of switch backs that lead up to a network of dirt access roads that can lead all over the place. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Ka'au Crater Hike

  • Type: Waterfall
  • Length: 4-5 mi
  • Time: 5-6 hrs

One of the best hikes in Honolulu. This hike takes you to three waterfalls and then up to the top of this hidden crater. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Lanipo Trail

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 7-8 mi
  • Time: 5-6 hrs

This is a nice long hike so do it when you’re in the mood for something challenging. Hike on a clear day so to get the reward of seeing the incredible view at the end. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Mount Olympus

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 3-4 mi
  • Time: 3-4 hrs

Check the weather before attempting this one. On a clear day, the view at the summit is incredible. This is a fun trail starts at the stop of St. Louis Heights. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Koko Crater Tramway

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 1-2 mi
  • Time: Variable

A hike in Hawaii Kai up a series of wooden planks that form 1048 “steps.” The trail makes for a great workout. Many people hike it once a week or more. The views at the top are gorgeous. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Advanced Hikes on Oahu

Windward Ridge Loop Hike

Windward Ridge Loop Hike

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 4-5 mi
  • Time: 4-5 hrs

A rock scramble up a steep windward ridge on the Koolaus. The trail then follows the crest of the Koolaus and back down the windward side to form a loop. Impeccable views are everywhere. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Waiau Ridge to Waimalu Middle Ridge

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 10-11 mi
  • Time: 11-12 hrs

An incredible 12 mile hike that connects two ridges on the Koolaus. Stunning views. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Waiakeakua Falls

  • Type: Waterfall
  • Length: 3-4 mi
  • Time: 3-4 hrs

Above Cory climbs the falls. Last weekend we hiked into the Manoa Valley rainforest and climbed up a 50 foot waterfall. Although I live only 10 minutes away, I haven’t been into Manoa in a couple of years. It’s easy to forget how lush the forest is back there. It feels like a different world. […]

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Oahu

Kahekili-Manamana Loop

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 5-6 mi
  • Time: 5-6 hrs

It’s Thursday and I’m still stoked on last weekend’s hike. The hike had exposed knife-edge ridges, rock climbing, expansive views, a mini-waterfall and … I ripped my shorts half way through the trail. (Tip: One section of the trail is heavily overgrown so wear sturdy pants. And sexy underwear, just in case.) The hike we […]

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Oahu

Pu’u Ohulehule

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 7-8 mi
  • Time: 6-7 hrs

A very difficult hike up the pyramid shaped mountain in Kahana Valley. On clear day, views are superb from the top. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Pu’u Manamana

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 3-4 mi
  • Time: 4-5 hrs

This is another notoriously dangerous hike. For those willing to take the risk, this trail offers some of the best ridge hiking on the island. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Haiku Stairs

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: Variable
  • Time: Variable

One of the best hikes in Hawaii with incredible views of Windward Oahu. This story shows you what you can expect to see on this amazing hike. Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu
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Extreme Hikes on Oahu

Pu’u Piei Mauka

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: Variable
  • Time: 10-11 hrs

Extreme hike. Totally overgrown and steep. So worth it though. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Pali Notches to Konahuanui to Manoa Middle

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: Variable
  • Time: Variable

A hike to the tallest peak along the Koolau summit. There are many ways to access the tallest peak. This is just one approach. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Moanalua Saddle to Haiku Stairs

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 10-11 mi
  • Time: 7-8 hrs

One of the best hikes that leads to the famous Haiku Stairs. This trail can be treacherous and tiring. Glorious views can be had at the top. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Pali Notches

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: 2-3 mi
  • Time: 2-3 hrs

A steep hike up to the two man-made notches cut out of the mountain above the Pali Lookout. Best to go on a day when winds are calm. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Pu’u Kawiwi, No Name, Tiki Ridge

  • Type: Ridge
  • Length: Variable
  • Time: 7-8 hrs

This hike connects three peaks along the Waianae Range. It’s a dangerous hike will sheer drop offs. The hiking is rugged and involves some climbing and rock scrambling. Oahu, Hawaii.

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Oahu

Hawaii Hiking Info