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Best Trails in Oahu
Ready to check out the best trails in Oahu for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? AllTrails has 253 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in Oahu to suit your needs. Explore one of 107 family-friendly hikes for a sunny weekend. Check out 26 wheelchair-friendly trails with helpful accessibility guidance. Plan your next outdoor adventure to one of 230 routes with waterfalls or scenic views.
Description
Koko Crater Tramway to Kokohead Lookout
Hard•4.7(9418)
#1 – Koko Crater Tramway to Kokohead Lookout
Length: 1.6 mi•Est. 1h 24m
Steep, no-shade, climb to the top of Koko Head Crater that includes spectacular panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, and parts of Moloka’i. The 1,000+ step walking track consists of abandoned railroad ties that run along the crater’s west side to the top of Koko Crater. The military used them previously during World War 2 as part of an incline tram to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit. Halfway up, there is a “bridge” portion without ground beneath ~50 rai…
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Diamond Head (Le’ahi) Summit Trail
Easy•4.4(8599)
#2 – Diamond Head (Le’ahi) Summit Trail
Length: 1.8 mi•Est. 1h 1m
The Diamond Head Summit trail hike is likely the most popular hike in Oahu, and for good reason. While fairly steep, this easy hike starts from the middle of the Diamond Head volcanic crater and climbs about 500 feet up the side to the top of the rim where panoramic views await. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater. The Diamond Head crater is more than 3,500 feet in diameter and is part of the Hawaiian volcano chain from m…
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A short hike to the base of Manoa Falls in the Manoa Valley in Honolulu, Oahu, the Manoa Falls Trail winds through a lush Hawaiian tropical rainforest filled with movie scene locations from Jurassic Park and LOST. The trail can be quite muddy, so proper closed toe footwear is recommended. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the pool at the base of the waterfall but the views alone justify this easy hike. This area receives significant rainfall so check the weather before going to avoid fla…
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This trail rises almost 1,800 feet before peaking on the spine of the awe inspiring Kuli’ou’ou Ridge. At the top of the ridge you are rewarded with sweeping views of the dramatic landscape around you. The trail is steep and can be wet and slippery so best to be prepared for muddy conditions, as is common with many hikes on the island.
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Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Great short uphill paved trail along sea cliffs to observation deck and lighthouse with fantastic views. Whole thing is paved, there’s no shade so bring lots of water and go as soon as they open to beat the heat. Lots of lookouts for whales, you can climb down a path and get right next to the lighthouse. A parking area offers access to the trailhead. Follow the trail as it climbs up the western side of the ridge. Upon reaching the top of the ridge (about the halfway point), the trail switches …
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Moderate•4.6(5645)
#6 – Aiea Loop Trail
Length: 4.9 mi•Est. 2h 47m
A short drive from Honolulu, this loop is great for the whole family. The trail offers incredible views of Halawa Valley and the southern coastline of Oahu. The hike takes up to 3 hours depending on your fitness level. Upon arriving to the trailhead, you’ll find a parking area, picnicking area, and restrooms. This loop can be done in either direction. Visitors interested in military history may find the B-24J Crash Site interesting.
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Located in Kailua, on the windward side of Oahu, Olomana Trail (“three peaks”) is a strenuous hike with amazing views if you can make it to the top. It is not for those who are afraid of heights. Some of the sections of this hike require technical 4th – 5th class scrambling and the use of rope hand lines. A few of these sections have a high fall consequence. The trail can be accessed from the intersection of Maunawili Road and Auloa Road off of Pali Highway. There is no parking area at the tra…
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Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail
This hike along Ka’iwa Ridge offers great views of Lanikai and Kailua. There are some very steep sections that require scrambling, and there are no guardrails along the steep cliff sections. The trailhead is on Kaelepulu and is opposite of the Mid Pacific Country Club & Golf Course just before you reach an exclusive, gated community. The first part of the trail is very steep, slippery, and can be confusing. Near Waimanalo Beach, there are wonderful white sands and calm water on Lanikai and Kai…
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The trailhead is in a gated community, Waialae Iki. There is a guard house where the guard will write down your license plate number and give you a parking pass. There are a limited number of passes. This trail starts out on a paved road which eventually turns into a dirt track. There is a very steep climb towards the end until you reach the top (great views). Sturdy shoes, ideally hiking boots, are recommended as the trails are often very muddy.
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It’s a steep, enjoyably challenging track down and the bottom is such a treat! There’s a gorgeous waterfall that trickles down to another small waterfall that’s about a hot tub sized natural pool area and that trickles down to another falls.
