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Ready to trade beach towels for hiking boots? These breathtaking hiking trails on O?ahu offer lush rainforests, coastal cliffs, and panoramic views you’ll never forget.

If you are in a hurry, I recommend:

  • Climb to the iconic summit of Diamond Head Crater for sweeping views of Waikiki and the Pacific.
  • Wander through bamboo forests and end at a waterfall on the Manoa Falls Trail.
  • Challenge yourself on the Koko Crater Railway Trail with steep stairs and a rewarding view.
  • Stroll the Makapu?u Point Lighthouse Trail for dramatic sea cliffs and whale-spotting in winter.
  • Hike the lush and quiet ?Aiea Loop Trail for forested ridgelines and glimpses of Pearl Harbor.

Unique Hiking Trails on Oahu:

1. Diamond Head State Monument Trail

Diamond Head State Monument Trail

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Location:

Honolulu, HI

Highlights:

Want the best view on O?ahu without needing full hiking boots? Diamond Head is Honolulu’s iconic volcanic crater where a short, rugged trail rewards you with stunning panoramas of the island and Pacific Ocean.

Recommended For:

First-time visitors, hikers of all levels, photographers, and anyone looking for a rewarding outdoor adventure right near Waikiki.

What I Love: ♥

The short but challenging 560-foot climb, panoramic coastal views, and the surreal experience of standing inside a 300,000-year-old crater just minutes from the city.
  • Climb 560 feet on a trail full of switchbacks, loose gravel, and 99 steps to reach the summit—you’ll earn those epic views.
  • Marvel at a volcanic cone that’s been watching over Honolulu for centuries and is now protected as a State Monument.
  • Enter through a short tunnel on the eastern side that leads directly into the heart of the crater.
  • Hike with kids or casual walkers—it’s challenging but very doable, and the payoff is absolutely worth it.
  • Capture unforgettable shots of Waikiki, the ocean, and the island from the summit lookout.

Address:

Diamond Head State Monument Trail, 18th Ave., Waikiki, Honolulu, O?ahu, HI 96815

2. Aiea Loop Trail

Aiea Loop Trail

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Location:

?Aiea, O?ahu, HI

Highlights:

Looking for a forested hike with valley views and a dose of Hawaiian nature? ?Aiea Loop Trail is a peaceful, moderately challenging 4.8-mile trail with sweeping views over Halawa Valley and the southern coast of O?ahu.

Recommended For:

Moderate hikers, nature photographers, trail runners, and anyone who loves forest hikes with scenic payoffs.

What I Love: ♥

The eucalyptus-scented air, panoramic views from Pearl Harbor to Diamond Head, and the mix of native forest and ridge-line trail make this a favorite local escape.
  • Hike 4.8 miles along a ridge trail with a 900-foot elevation gain, surrounded by ohi?a, koa, and eucalyptus trees.
  • Enjoy views of O?ahu’s southern coastline—from the Wai?anae Range and Pearl Harbor all the way to Diamond Head and downtown Honolulu.
  • Navigate switchbacks, tree roots, and a stream crossing for just enough of a challenge to keep things exciting.
  • Finish the loop in under three hours—great for a half-day adventure near the city.
  • Breathe in the fresh forest air and enjoy a quieter side of O?ahu that feels a world away from Waikiki.

Address:

?Aiea Loop Trail, 99-1849 ?Aiea Heights Dr, ?Aiea, HI 96701

3. Ka'ena Point Trail

Ka'ena Point Trail

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Location:

Waialua, O?ahu, HI

Highlights:

Craving an off-the-beaten-path hike with wild beauty and oceanfront views? Ka?ena Point Trail leads you to the westernmost tip of O?ahu along a rugged shoreline rich with native plants, seabirds, and seasonal whale sightings.

Recommended For:

Hikers looking for a remote, coastal adventure, nature lovers, photographers, and winter visitors hoping to spot whales.

What I Love: ♥

The untouched vibe of the Ka?ena Point Natural Area Reserve, oceanfront dirt paths with tidepools and blowholes, and that epic feeling of hiking to the edge of the island.
  • Hike 3.5 miles one way along a dirt road starting in the Keawa?ula Section of Ka?ena Point State Park.
  • Follow the shoreline past secret beaches, rocky outcrops, and steep cliffs with panoramic ocean views.
  • Spot native seabirds and winter whales in one of O?ahu’s most important coastal wildlife preserves.
  • Discover tidepools and two small blowholes about halfway to the point—perfect for a quick scenic pause.
  • Reach the end of the island at Ka?ena Point, where the raw, wild landscape will make you feel worlds away from Waikiki.

Address:

Ka?ena Point Trail, Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791

Romantic Hiking Trails on Oahu:

4. Kuliouou Ridge and Valley

Kuliouou Ridge and Valley

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Location:

Honolulu, O?ahu, HI

Highlights:

Ready for a sweaty climb with epic views? The Kuli?ou?ou Ridge Trail is a steep but rewarding hike up the Ko?olau Range, ending with jaw-dropping panoramas of O?ahu’s windward coast.

Recommended For:

Experienced hikers, fitness-focused travelers, and anyone chasing summit views and a full-body workout in paradise.

What I Love: ♥

The mix of shaded forest and exposed ridgeline, the trail’s natural switchbacks and challenging elevation gain, and that unbeatable summit moment when the ocean and island explode into view.
  • Start on the Kuli?ou?ou Valley Trail, then climb steadily up the ridge to reach the summit of the Ko?olau Range.
  • Rest at a small covered shelter with picnic tables about two-thirds up—perfect for a snack break in the shade.
  • Hike through forests of haole koa, Norfolk pine, ironwood, and guava—fragrant and diverse tropical greenery surrounds you.
  • Climb nearly 2,000 feet in elevation, especially steep in the final stretch where the ridge trail really kicks in.
  • Take in panoramic views of the windward side of O?ahu from the summit—you’ll forget all about the effort it took to get there.

Address:

Kala?au Place, Honolulu, O?ahu, HI

5. Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

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Location:

Waimanalo, O?ahu, HI

Highlights:

Looking for a scenic coastal hike with ocean breezes and panoramic views? The Makapu?u Point Lighthouse Trail is a paved climb up sea cliffs along the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, offering one of the best lookouts on the island.

Recommended For:

Casual hikers, whale watchers (especially in winter), photographers, and families up for a moderate challenge with huge payoffs.

What I Love: ♥

The smooth, wide trail; views of Koko Head and the southeastern coastline; and the chance to spot whales while standing above a historic 1909 lighthouse.
  • Start at the trailhead right off the parking lot—this 3.3-mile round-trip hike is fully paved and leads uphill to the lookout point.
  • Climb approximately 1,220 feet, making it a moderately challenging ascent with consistent sea breezes and shade-free exposure.
  • View dramatic cliffs and the rugged coastline, including sweeping vistas of Koko Head, Koko Crater, and beyond.
  • Spot humpback whales offshore in winter from multiple lookout areas along the trail.
  • See the famous red-roofed Makapu?u Lighthouse from above—though the lighthouse itself is off-limits, the views are unbeatable.

Address:

Makapu?u Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795

📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:

  • Why is Oahu a great destination for hikers?
    • Oahu is heaven for hikers with tall mountains, volcano cones, lush jungle, waterfalls, and streams.
  • Are there hikes suitable for all skill levels in Oahu?
    • From easy hikes perfect for families to really challenging trips to the mountain peaks and steep ridges, there is a hike for everyone.
  • What should hikers be aware of when exploring Oahu's trails?
    • It rains a lot in Oahu, so the trails get muddy and erode quickly even with the best maintenance, so planning is important as well as good hiking shoes.

Map:


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