Top 10 Hikes on Oahu
Based on Student Experiences
Looking for the best hikes on Oahu?
The Students Top 10 Favorite Hikes
Published: 23/03/25 / Smilla Bakteman Hedlund
There are around 197 hiking trails on Oahu, and therefore it could be hard to determine which ones are worth spending your time on. To make it easier for you, we have created a list of the top 10 hikes that current visiting students have determined to be their favorites and must-visits.
Important Note
When hiking on the island it is essential to remember to follow all the guidelines and regulations. Doing plenty of research before attempting a hike is essential, due to the changing regulations and terrain that is affected by weather conditions that can alter the difficulty of the trail.
ILLEGAL HIKES: It is important to remember to do your own research because attempting an illegal hike may affect your visa status. A common mistake among tourists is to find a hike on Google Maps and then assume that it is legal. However, this might not be the case, and for many hikes you might need a permit due to you crossing private land. Attempting an illegal hike can have serious consequences, and this can be prevented by doing research, staying on trail, and not attempting illegal hikes.
Mahalo for respecting the land.
About the Ehukai Pillbox Trail
The ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail is a pillbox hike located on the North Shore very close to ʻEhukai Beach Park also known as Pipeline. This trail is about 2.3 miles and has an elevation gain of 738 ft. It is generally not considered a challenging route, but has some steeper areas, that can be physically challenging.
However, this hike has a great combination of nature and look-outs facing the ocean but is considered the least favorite pillbox hike among visitors. However, with its stunning view, and trail surrounded by vegetation this is an excellent trail for beginners or individuals who are scared of heights since the trail does not expose the hikers to steep areas.
9. 📍 Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail
Location: Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail
Lenght: 2.5mi / Elevation : 475ft
About the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse trail
This popular trail is located on the east side of the island and is widely known for both hiking but also for whale watching. The hike is about 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 475ft. The trail is paved all the way to the top and is therefore suitable for all types of hikers. But remember that this hike does not have many places of shade, and therefore this could become a little bit challenging during a significantly warm day.
There is free parking in the area but since this spot is heavily visited by tourists it can be full during the most visited hours so make sure to arrive a little bit early to secure a spot. When reaching the top you have a great 360 view, seeing both the ocean, the lighthouse, and the mountains. A perfect hike for taking an inspirational photo, while experiencing one of the most visited places on Oahu.
A route that generally is fitting for all types of hikers, due to the easy terrain.
About the Hauʻula Loop Trail
This hidden gem is located on the east side of the island in the small town known as Hau’ula. It’s not widely known among tourists therefore this route is perfect if you want to spend some quality time surrounded by incredible nature.
The hike itself is beginner-friendly, and great for a walk or running since it is about a 2.6-mile walk in the woods, with an elevation gain of 853ft. Therefore it is a a good hike for families, beginners, and people who are scared of heights. Even if the trail is located in the woods, there are several spots where you can look out for the amazing views of incredible nature or even the ocean.
About the Lulumahu Falls
This popular route is well-known and highly visited, but many people may not know that you need to hike along and even cross private land. Therefore, it is important to look up the changing regulations before attempting this hike, due to the fact that you might need a permit for this trail.
When it comes to the trail, it is a perfect walk in the forest, without having to cross too many challenges. However, there are some areas where you need to cross small streams of water. Areas that you can only pass by jumping on some rocks. Therefore, this trail does include some exciting elements without any steepness and is therefore perfect for individuals who are a little bit scared of heights.
The waterfall is very pretty, but the surrounding area can be a little bit slippery so make sure to watch out for that.
About the Mānoa Falls
This popular route is perfect for the hiker, who wants to experience incredible nature. The trail is about 1.8 miles with an elevation gain of 577m, to reach the waterfall. This incredible hike is not filled with many views, but the incredible nature is a must-see when visiting Oahu.
Overall, this is the perfect hike, for a swing by if you have rented a car and want to quickly get into nature. This hike is also located, close to Manoa, and therefore you can also get there by bus.
About the Lanikai Pillbox Trail
This popular trail is highly popular among tourists and locals. It is considered one of Oahu’s most popular trails due to the hike being very short, while the hiker is rewarded with one of Oahu most prettiest views of Lanikai Beach. Even if this hike is considered very easy, it still includes some steep areas and therefore this route is not accessible for every hiker. Many individuals also perceive it harder than they thought it was going to be when reading about it on the internet, so don’t trust all the reviews you see.
Since this hike is very popular it can be quite hard to find parking, and therefore this is a hike that often needs good planning. It is easiest to access parking in the morning, and after the hike, you can spend the rest of the day at either Kailua or Lanikai Beach, two of the most stunning, and popular beaches on the island.
4. 📍Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
Location: Location: Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
Lenght: 1.6mi / Elevation : 912ft
About the Koko Crater Railway Trailhead
The famous 1,048 steps are more like a cardio routine rather than an easy walk in nature. However, the steps make this hike very entertaining since it’s a hike of its own kind. However, this is not a hike for people who are afraid of heights and should only be completed by individuals who know their body’s limits, due to the steepness being very challenging for many hikers.
It is also important to be very careful and know where you put your feet while taking each step closer to the top. The top itself has a 360 view, where you can see a big part of the island, which is one of the major reasons for its popularity. This is definitely a must-do hike; however, it is also important to know your limits, because many people hike halfway which is not a shame!!
About the Mt Olomana Trail
The three-peak hike is considered to be one of the most challenging hikes on the island. However, the charm of this one is that it consists of three peaks whereas the second and third only should be attempted by regular and experienced hikers.
However, the first peak that also could be seen as a little bit physically challenging is a beautiful trail surrounded by lovely and changing vegetation. Making one feel that you for a moment have left Earth. Even if this hike has some steep areas, it is considered moderately challenging until the last part, where you need to climb up a wall to reach the top. Followed by some steep areas, which could be very challenging and dangerous for new hikers, or people that are afraid of heights.
However, the most important part of this hike would be to check the weather conditions the days before attempting this hike, since the trail can be a bit muddy, and slippery. It is also important to know your limits because the trail gets more difficult as you get closer to the top, and therefore it is not a failure to turn around and go back any time of the hike. The beautiful view at the top is worth it, and many hikers just do the first peak due to the other peaks being challenging.
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