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The Koko Head Incline rewards hikers with a gorgeous view.
Hiking Oahu
Denise Sloan
One of the things I love about living on Oahu is the ability to go from shopping in Honolulu to a serene hike in a rain forest within a half hour (depending upon traffic, of course). From trails perched along sea cliffs to towering volcanic craters, Oahu offers plenty of hiking adventures that even the kids can enjoy.
Manoa Falls Trail
The Manoa Falls trail provides a short hike with a stunning waterfall that cascades 150 feet down the Ko’olau Mountains. It’s also one of the most popular hikes on Oahu.
While the hike might be short, it makes up for that in steepness. It gains 577 feet in elevation on the 1.7 mile (round trip) trail. Because of that, I’d call Manoa Falls a moderate hike, but people in decent shape should be able to make it to the waterfall.
Park at the paid lot at the end of Manoa Road, but do not park along the street. It’s illegal. A short walk up the road takes you to the Manoa Falls sign where the trail starts. The hike is free.
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I took my Dad on the hike to Manoa Falls during his visit.
The trail takes you through a lush rain forest with enormous native trees called ‘Ekaha ferns. You’ll also spot a non-native bamboo forest and Banyon Tree roots that formed a neat arch.
This can be a muddy, slippery trail, so wear sturdy shoes and bring some bug spray. Those inconveniences are totally worth it at the end of the hike. Cascading water serenades hikers and then, suddenly the waterfall comes into view.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
Manoa Falls cascades 150 feet in the Ko’olau Mountains on Oahu.
Although tempting after your hike, don’t jump in the pool of water at the base. It’s illegal and you can be fined. In addition, there have been rock slides and many of the streams on Oahu have the waterborne bacteria called leptospirosis. These little buggers can cause fever, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. This is not the kind of souvenir you want to take home.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the waterfall, head back down the trail. Bonus: The Manoa Falls trail is next door to the University of Hawaii’s Lyon Arboretum. We loved wandering around the arboretum’s trails (there’s seven miles of them!), learning about the plants and soaking in the views of the Ko’olaus.
The trail is open sunrise to sunset. Simply follow Manoa Road until it ends.
Lyon Arboretum is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The address is 3860 Manoa Road, Honolulu.
Pu’u Pia Trail
The Pu'u Pia Trail in Manoa Valley provides a nice, relatively easy two mile hike through the rainforest with striking views of Ko'olau Mountains. When we hiked it many years ago, the end of the trail led to a great view of the valley and Honolulu.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The Pu’u Pia Trail used to have a great view of Manoa Valley and Honolulu.
I've heard that the brush is no longer cut back, so the view is obscured. Nonetheless, seeing the Ko'olaus, exploring the forest and sampling the strawberry guavas that grow along the trail make this hike worthwhile.
There is no "parking lot" per se, just park along the right side of Alani Drive outside Alani Lane and walk down Alani Lane. You'll see small brown signs that confirm you're heading for the Pu'u Pia Trail. The trail is open sunrise to sunset.
Diamond Head State Monument
Those hiking Diamond Head might just think it’s a nice stroll up an extinct volcano that provides stunning views of Waikiki and Honolulu. All true, but history buffs know the remains of Ft. Ruger add an intriguing connection to the past. The U.S. Army built Ft. Ruger in 1906 as part of a plan to fortify the island against coastal attacks.
Today visitors can take a 1.6 mile hike up the inside of the crater, through some of these old fortifications. I’d allow two hours for the hike and enjoying the views.
Christian Muller/ Adobe Stock
The rim of Diamond Head offers stunning views of Honolulu as well as the Ko’olau Mountains.
Hikers need to be able handle steep switchbacks and a set of 74 steps. All of that effort totally pays off with amazing views from the crater rim.
If you go, payment and reservations are required in advance. I’d highly recommend getting there early in the morning to avoid huge crowds and to enjoy the cooler temperatures.
The monument is open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. The address is 4204 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu.
Koko Head Incline
Not too far away from Diamond Head, Koko Head Incline offers glimpses of a military railroad built during World War II. But this hike requires some serious effort. Visitors scale the outside of an extinct volcanic crater using the “staircase” made from the railroad tracks.
It’s a 1.6 mile hike (round trip) which doesn’t sound too bad until you realize the trail gains 900 feet and requires climbing 1,048 “stairs”. Torture. On the other hand, it’s a great way to burn off a lot of malasadas quickly.
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A steep climb to the top of Koko Head Crater rewards hikers with amazing views.
So what was this railroad for during World War II? The Army built it in 1942 as a quick way to get men and supplies to the radar station on top of the crater. In addition to the railroad tracks that lead up to the rim, there are several bunkers and equipment at the summit.
Bonus: There’s a free botanical garden inside the crater that you can visit after your hike, assuming you can handle more walking after the “stairs of doom”. A two-mile, self-guided tour route showcases dryland plants.
The Koko Head Trail is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The address is 423 Kaumakani Street, Honolulu.
Koko Head Botanical Gardens are open sunrise to sunset daily. 7491 Kokonani Street, Honolulu
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Most people hike the Makapu’u Lighthouse trail for the stunning views and nifty lighthouse that was built in 1909. The lighthouse has since been automated by the Coast Guard, so you can’t tour it. The coastal views more than make up for that disappointment, though.
If you bring binoculars, you can spot whales off the coast during winter as they migrate to Hawaii. On a clear day you can even see Moloka’i and Lana’i. The Makapu’u Lighthouse trail is also the perfect place to watch the sunrise as it faces east.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The Makuapu’u Lighthouse warns sailors about the rocky shores below.
If you go, it’s a 2.5 mile (round trip) hike that gains 500 feet in elevation. It’s an easy, paved trail except for the elevation gain. The trail edges the cliffs that that meet the rocky shoreline below.
Go early in the morning to find parking, avoid crowds and the heat as there’s no shade along the trail. Leashed dogs are allowed.
The trail is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. There isn’t a specific address. Take the Kalaniana’ole Highway toward the windward side of the island and turn right at Makapu’u Lighthouse Road.
The Pillboxes
All around Oahu, pillboxes provided lookouts for soldiers defending the island during World War II. Today visitors can hike to many of these pillboxes for stunning views. Two of the most famous are on opposite sides of Oahu, the Lanikai Pillboxes and the Pink Pillbox.
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The Lanikai Pillbox offers stunning views of the windward side of Oahu.
The Lanikai Pillboxes are on the windward side of Oahu and rated a medium in difficulty. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb along a ridge. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the first pillbox and another 10-15 minutes to reach the second. You can return the way you came or continue on the Kaiwa Ridge Trail until it takes you down to a neighborhood below. Then you’ll need to hoof it a mile back to your car.
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All of the switchbacks pay off with a stellar view from the Pink Pillbox.
The Pink Pillbox is located on the leeward side of the island near Waianae. It’s a medium rated hike with some steep switchbacks, but the reward is stunning ocean views and multiple pillboxes to explore. While hiking keep an eye out for goats. Yes, goats.
Lanikai Pillbox trail is open sunrise-sunset. Lanikai is a pickle for parking. Consider parking outside the neighborhood at nearby beach parking lots or have someone drop you off as it’s nearly impossible to find legal parking. The trail is between two private residences on Ka’elepulu Drive.
The Pink Pillbox Trail is best hiked between sunrise and sunset. It’s found on Kaukama Road, Waianae.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens
While Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens doesn’t qualify as a true hike, it is a beautiful stroll thanks to the walking trails that provide views of the majestic Ko’olau Mountains.
The US Army Corps of Engineers built the park in 1982 as flood control for the nearby city of Kaneohe. Today you can see tropical plants from around the world on 400 acres within the park. The park also contains a visitor center, a 32 acre man-made lake with catch-and-release fishing allowed, picnic pavilions and even a camping area (although camping does cost some money).
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
The Ko’olau Mountains make a beautiful back drop for the Loki Waimaluhia Reservoir.
Definitely walk out to Loko Waimaluhia or “Lake of Tranquil Waters” when you visit. The view of the Ko’olaus from the pond is stunning, particularly after it rains. If the rain is heavy enough, you’ll see pop up waterfalls cascading down the mountains.
The gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The address is 45-680 Luluku Road, Kaneohe.
Waimea Falls
Most people come to Waimea Valley on the North Shore for the waterfall. It’s an easy, mostly flat, 1.5 mile “hike” on a paved road to Waimea Falls. Unlike many of the trails on Oahu, getting to Waimea Falls does require an admission fee. But the good news is that the waterfall isn’t the only thing to see on this path.
Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures
At the end of the trail visitors can take a refreshing dip at Waimea Falls.
All along the path are amazing plants and flowers that are worth stopping to enjoy. Plus there are several Hawaiian cultural sites that allow you to experience daily life of the ancient Hawaiians.
Eventually you’ll reach the 45 foot tall Waimea Falls. Swimming is allowed here as long as there is a lifeguard and you have one of the free life vests. I’d call before visiting to make sure the falls are open. During the summer the waterfall can slow to a trickle.
If You Go:
- Make sure everyone in your group can handle each hike. Be honest in assessing their capabilities. Many trails include very steep climbs.
- The rainy season (winter) can make some of these trails very muddy and slippery. Dress appropriately for all trails in hiking boots or tennis shoes.
- Take a hat, suntan lotion, plenty of water, snacks and a rain poncho. Hawaii has hot and humid weather year round with unexpected pop up storms.
- Always let someone know where you’re hiking and when to expect you back. Because so much of Oahu is developed, hiking might not seem too dangerous. But you can get into plenty of trouble on the mountains and the trails of Oahu. We saw many rescues during our time on the island.
- Hike at your own risk. While most of these trails are easy or moderate, many trails on Oahu are along steep cliffs and near streams that can flash flood.
- Do not leave valuables in your car. Many of the trail parking lots are high-theft areas.