From Lēʻahi to Koko Crater to North Shore waterfalls — Oʻahu's best hikes compared.
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.
SBOʻahu has a trail for every level, often within 30 minutes of Waikīkī. Here's where to go for each kind of hike.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A couple more trails worth knowing — one classic ridge loop, one quiet forest escape.
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.
OʻahuFree cancellationThis is #1 family friendly Ecotour on Oahu. Visit our farm to learn about bees, plants and how different honey flavors are made. Unforgettable experience for all ages! Enjoy the beautiful buzzz of North Shore.
OʻahuSells out fastPlan Your Personalized Private Tours around any activity or event that you want. You can even combine this option with other activities you find on TripAdvisor! Plan your day around the things that are important to you. Your guide will take care of the details. Explore world-famous attractions like Diamond Head, the North Shore of Oahu, Circle the island, and more. Have another activity like Kualoa Ranch, a Shark Cage Dive, or something else fun planned? Combine transportation with a great day exploring the island and make the most out of your time.
OʻahuFree cancellationJoin us on semi private tour to one of the most beautiful trails on Oahu that leads to magical waterfalls. Small group experience limited to 8 people max. We will pick you up from your location and our journey will begin with ~20 min drive to the trailhead. This hike is 1.6mil long and takes on average 2 hours to complete. The trail starts at the wonderful bamboo forest and moves into a jungle with some awesome views, expect to be in the shade most of the time. Once we arrive at the Falls we will take time to enjoy natural beauty, we highly recommend putting on a swimsuit and getting wet. Standing under this powerful stream of nature is a magnificent feeling worth experiencing! This is NOT Mānoa falls, this waterfall always have powerful stream
OʻahuFree cancellationThe Little Hiking Adventure takes place on thousands of acres of private conservation land 7-miles above the North Shore town of Haleʻiwa. Guests will enjoy a 4-hour guided hike into the lush tropical mountains of Oʻahu - traverse scenic ridge lines, trek through freshwater streams, see rare endemic flora, pick fresh tropical fruit, and cool off with a mountain pool swim! This tour takes place on 100% private trails, which means a unique secluded experience! Combined with our expert Hawaiian guides, thereʻs simply no other hiking tour like this on the island!
OʻahuFree cancellationWant a tour with lots to see but no crowds? This is your tour. We have a maximum of 10 people so you get a personalized tour. We love to take families and traveling groups. We can also customize tours for private groups - including Stand-up Paddle Board, Mermaid Cave, North Shore, Pillbox hikes and Kayak tours - just about anything you can think of!! Our guides have been in hospitality for years and focus on the details that make a tour memorable.
OʻahuFree cancellationExperience the adrenaline of cascading waterfalls and gorgeous cliff-sides with views that very few get to witness. We will start with a hike through the jungles and forests of Hawaii learning about the history and natural uniqueness of the island and stopping along the way to snap great photos. Once we arrive to our destination we will safely gear up and go over how to properly rappel the waterfall. We will embark on a canyoning experience that will challenge you in a controlled and safe manner while also experiencing excitement and adrenaline. *Adventure through lush jungles and forests of Oahu *Descend cascading waterfalls safely and securely *Experience nature's cliff walls and panoramic views *Create everlasting memories and challenge yourself in new ways
OʻahuSells out fastSee all O`ahu has to offer and enjoy a ride around the Ko`olau Mountain Range. Visit the South or North Shore on a Mini Circle Island Tour, or see them both in one. Guests can enjoy the water, beautiful hidden beaches, great shopping, outstanding restaurants, and much more. This island offers incredible variety and beautiful scenery, and you have to see it all! Any guests wanting to see both the North and South Shores must book at least a Full-Day Tour. While guests can enjoy a North Shore Express Mini-Circle Island on a Half-Day Tour, we typically recommend at least a Full Day. On the other hand, the South Shore Mini-Circle Island Tour is perfect for those wanting to get out of the city for a Half-Day Tour.
OʻahuSells out fastCombine any route or tour into one incredible, unforgettable day. Visit Pearl Harbor, then head up to the North Shore, or even cruise around the Ko`olau Mountain Range on a Circle Island Tour after seeing the memorial. Your Private Tours ensures you have the best experience possible and that you see as much as you can on your vacation. Come see why the combination, or "Mix-Plate," is everybodyʻs favorite! Reservations for the Arizona Memorial need are reserved through recreation.gov in advance. Early tickets are always best, but we can make adjustments for afternoon program times as well. Guests wanting to visit the North Shore and Pearl Harbor must reserve at least a Full-Day Tour.
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
Insider Tips
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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