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Hiking on Oʻahu

Hiking on Oʻahu

From Lēʻahi to Koko Crater to North Shore waterfalls — Oʻahu's best hikes compared.

Sarah Burchard
By Sarah BurchardLast verified: July 2026Expert verified

I remember how surprised I was the first time I hiked Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) — so many stairs. But once I reached the top, with dozens of hikers ahead of and behind me, I understood why it's the most popular hike on Oʻahu: you can see all of Waikīkī, and far beyond it, from the Waiʻanae Range in one direction to the East Side cliffs in the other, and straight down into the crater itself. Oʻahu isn't just beaches and city lights — it's home to some of Hawaiʻi's most rewarding hikes, from easy strolls through scenic valleys to steep climbs up volcanic craters. If you're staying in Waikīkī, you'll love that many trailheads are only about 30 minutes away: you can hike to a waterfall, a lighthouse, up a crater or to a WWII bunker in a couple of hours. Been there, done that? Grab a rental car for the North Shore and West Side and get a completely different perspective of the island.

SB
Sarah Burchard
Editor
Best ForSouth Shore & North ShoreLeeward Side & Windward SideMore Oʻahu HikesSafety & Trail ClosuresKnow Before You GoFAQ

Best For

Oʻahu has a trail for every level, often within 30 minutes of Waikīkī. Here's where to go for each kind of hike.

Best for families with kids

Best for families with kids

Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail or Waimea Valley. Makapuʻu is fully paved, stroller-accessible and just two miles round trip, with coastal views that open up fast — and from November through May you'll often see humpback whales below the cliffs. Waimea Valley is shaded and paved, ending at a 45-foot waterfall where swimming is permitted, with lifeguards and life jackets provided. Choose Waimea if the kids want to swim; Makapuʻu for the easier drive and better ocean views.

Best for beginners

Best for beginners

Mānoa Falls Trail or ʻUalakaʻa Trail. Mānoa Falls, tucked behind the University of Hawaiʻi, leads to a 150-foot waterfall through lush rainforest in just 1.7 miles round trip — muddy after rain, and no swimming at the base, but worth it. ʻUalakaʻa, up on Tantalus, is far less crowded and feels like a genuine escape. Mānoa has the more dramatic scenery; ʻUalakaʻa has the solitude.

Best for intermediate hikers

Best for intermediate hikers

The ʻAiea Loop Trail — a 4.8-mile ridge trail in Keaʻīwa Heiau State Recreation Area with views from Pearl Harbor to Lēʻahi. It has gradual climbs, a steep switchback, a stream crossing and some mud — real hiking, but manageable for anyone in reasonable shape. It also passes the wreckage of a B-24 bomber that went down in 1944.

Best for advanced hikers

Best for advanced hikers

The Koko Crater Stairs — 1,048 railroad ties straight up the side of the crater, remnants of a WWII tramway. Only 1.6 miles round trip, but roughly 1,200 feet of elevation on a near-vertical grade with no shade or switchbacks. Locals treat it as a workout and hike it daily. The reward: views of Hanauma Bay, Lēʻahi, Hawaiʻi Kai and the Honolulu skyline.

Best view from the top

Best view from the top

Lēʻahi (the Diamond Head Crater Trail). The paved, railed trail climbs to the crater rim for a view over Waikīkī and all of Honolulu — 1.8 miles round trip, 560 feet of gain, with a tunnel and a spiral staircase near the summit. It's busy, so go early (the park opens at 6 a.m.) and book your reservation ahead; walk-up access is limited.

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South Shore & North Shore

South Shore

The south shore is where most visitors start. Lēʻahi (the Diamond Head Crater Trail) is the island's most iconic hike and easy to reach from Waikīkī. This side is mostly dry and volcanic, with little to no shade, but you get wide-open ocean views and well-maintained trails. It's the most accessible side of the island for anyone staying in Honolulu.

North Shore

The North Shore ranges from lush valleys to dramatic ridgelines. Waimea Valley's gentle botanical-garden trail ends at a 45-foot waterfall with swimming and lifeguards — one of the few hikes on the island where you can get in the water at the finish. Above the valley floor, ridge trails open to sweeping coastal views. Trailheads on this side take time to reach, so plan for possible traffic.

Diamond Head Crater

Diamond Head Crater

Rising prominently above Honolulu’s skyline, Lēʻahi, also known as Diamond Head Crater, is one of Oʻahu’s most iconic landmarks.

Hiking Koko Crater StairsHigh Demand

Hiking Koko Crater Stairs

What you should know before hiking Koko Crater on Oʻahu.

Hiking Mānoa Falls TrailHidden Gem

Hiking Mānoa Falls Trail

Discover the Mānoa Falls Trail on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi – an easy 1.6-mile rainforest hike to a stunning 150-foot waterfall near Honolulu. Wondering if this hike is for you? Our guide will help you decide when to go, what to bring and how to avoid flooded paths.

Leeward Side & Windward Side

Leeward Side

The Leeward Side is drier, sunnier and less crowded. Mount Kaʻala, Oʻahu's highest peak at 4,025 feet, sits in the Waiʻanae Range and is a serious commitment that ends with views across the entire island. The pillbox hike above Māʻili is a shorter, more accessible option. Expect heat and minimal shade.

Windward Side

The Windward Side gets regular trade winds and rainfall, which means lush Koʻolau ridgelines, muddy trails and cloudy conditions depending on where you go. Some of the island's most dangerous hikes are here, so understand what you're getting into before you go.

More Oʻahu Hikes

A couple more trails worth knowing — one classic ridge loop, one quiet forest escape.

Hiking ʻAiea Loop TrailHidden Gem

Hiking ʻAiea Loop Trail

A shaded 4.8-mile loop, with preserved cultural sites and city views in Central Oʻahu.

Take a Trip Up TantalusHidden Gem

Take a Trip Up Tantalus

Puʻuohiʻa, better known as Tantalus mountain, is both and more: hikers' heaven, botanical paradise, cyclists' and runners' proving ground, a bird-watcher's delight.

Safety & Trail Closures

Know your limits. If you're new to hiking, stick with beginner or intermediate trails, and if you're unsure, go with a guide. Be mindful of sun exposure — many trails are fully exposed with little to no shade. Starting early helps (the trails are cooler), but plan to hike in full sun regardless, with reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Bring plenty of water. Share your plans: tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. And check the weather — rain makes trails lush and waterfalls active, but also muddy and slippery, so avoid ridge hikes if heavy rain is forecast. Check the Hawaiʻi State Parks site (dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks) for park updates and closures, which happen at Mānoa Falls after heavy rain.

Book Hiking

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Lanikai Pillbox Hike and Beach AdventureOʻahuFree cancellation

Lanikai Pillbox Hike and Beach Adventure

Enjoy a guided adventure to the historic Lanikai Pillboxes, offering stunning views of the Mokulua Islands and the vibrant coastline. This hike combines a scenic ride through the Ko'olau Mountain Range with a trek up to two World War II-era pillboxes. After soaking in the panoramic vistas, relax at Lanikai Beach, recognized as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. The tour guarantees a personal experience with a knowledgeable guide and transportation from your hotel to maximize your enjoyment of Hawaii's natural beauty. - Guided hike to historic Lanikai Pillboxes with breathtaking views - Scenic ride through the picturesque Ko'olau Mountain Range - Relax at Lanikai Beach, known for its turquoise waters - Ideal for adventurers aged 18 and up, with a maximum group size of 8

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Sarah Burchard

Editor's Pick

If you're an avid hiker, you've probably been lured by Instagram shots from the tops of ridgeline peaks. Trails like Haʻikū Stairs — Stairway to Heaven, now closed — and the Olomana Trail (Twin Peaks) are extremely dangerous, with vertical drops and narrow ridge passes that turn treacherous when wet. Many visitors have had to be rescued from these trails; some were seriously injured, and some never made it home. It's great to push yourself, but don't put yourself in danger — if you don't know a trail, talk to an expert about what to expect first.

— Sarah Burchard

Hiking on Oʻahu
Sarah Burchard

Tips from Sarah Burchard, Editor

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

  1. 1Some Trails Are Not Worth the HypeIf you’re an avid hiker, chances are you’ve been lured by Instagram posts depicting epic views from the tops of ridgeline peaks. Trails like Ha‘ikū Stairs, also known as Stairway to Heaven (now closed) and Olomana Trail, also known as Twin Peaks, are extremely dangerous. Their vertical drops and narrow ridge passes are especially treacherous during wet conditions.Many visitors have had to be rescued from these trails, some seriously injured, some never made it home. It’s great to push yourself, but don’t put yourself in danger. If you don’t know the trail, talk to an expert about what to expect.
  2. 2Lanikai Pillbox Trail is overcrowdedThe Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail — the Lanikai Pillbox hike — is overhyped. Overexposure has made its hikers a nuisance to a neighborhood with no parking lot to absorb the steady stream of people who show up all day. The trail isn't the safest either: the first stretch is steep and slippery (it's easy to start sliding back down), and there are no guardrails at the top, which makes it dangerous to stand and take in the view, especially with young children. With so many good hikes on Oʻahu, you can skip this one and not feel like you missed anything.
  3. 3Reservations or paid parking may be requiredSome trails, like Mānoa Falls, charge for parking — and never leave valuables in your car. Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) requires advance reservations for all non-residents at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks; entry is $5 per person and parking is $10 per vehicle. You can skip the parking fee by taking a rideshare or TheBus to the trailhead.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sarah Burchard
Sarah Burchard

Editor · Oʻahu

Sarah Burchard has called Oʻahu home since 2017. com, Hana Hou, FLUX Hawaiʻi, Forbes, Hawaiʻi Magazine and Honolulu Magazine.

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