24 O‘ahu Hikes We Really Like

To celebrate National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17), we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best hikes on our Island.

November 17, 2018

HONOLULU Magazine Team,

Editor’s Note: We love hiking! Fortunately, O‘ahu is full of great hikes. But have you tried all of the trails listed below? Visit hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov for the full list of O‘ahu hikes, give them a try and then email us at web@honolulumagazine.com to let us know which hike we should write about next!

24. Ehukai Pillbox

A moderate hike with an Instagram-worthy World War II bunker and beautiful views of the North Shore.

Photo: Alyssa Amasol

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Ehukai Pillbox

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 1.6 miles roundtrip, 30 minutes to the top

FEE: None

WHERE: 59-178 Kamehameha Highway, Hale‘iwa

23. Mā‘ili Pillbox

This pillbox hike on the leeward side has stunning views of the west side of the Island and a bright pink bunker for breast cancer awareness.

Photo: SARAH ETINAS

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Māʻili Pillbox Hike (Pink Pillbox Hike or Pu‘u O Hulu Trail)

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 1 mile one way, about 1.5 hours total (2 miles round trip)

FEE: None

WHERE: Mā‘ili

22. Wiliwilinui Ridge

For a fun outing with the keiki or a challenging workout, this hike is great for everyone.

Photo: savannah l. Murray

Fast facts

TRAIL NAME: Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to challenging

LENGTH: 2.7 miles one way, about 4 hours total (5.4 miles round trip)

WHERE: ʻAina Haina

21. Keālia Trail

Watch breaching whales, see a steady stream of planes, gliders and parachutes and enjoy fantastic ocean views as you make your way up this easy trail.

PHOTO: TAYLOR ELLIS

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Keālia trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 1.5 miles one way, about an hour (3 miles round trip)

FEE: None

WHERE: Dillingham Airfield

20. Kalāwahine Trail

A stunning view doesn’t always require a killer climb.

Photo: SAVANNAH L. MURRAY

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Kalāwahine Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 2.5 miles roundtrip

19. Mānoa Falls Trail

This popular hiking destination is a favorite among dog owners and families.

Photo: Katie Kenny

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Mānoa Falls Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 1.6 miles round trip

FEE: $5 parking fee

WHERE: 3737 Mānoa Road

18. Pu‘u Pia

An easy hike in the back of Mānoa Valley.

Photo: TAYLOR ELLIS

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Pu‘u Pia

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 1.2 miles one way, about 40 minutes (2.4 miles round trip)

FEE: None

WHERE: Mānoa

17. Maunawili Trail

Get a killer cardio workout and great views on this long hike.

PHOTO: TIFFANY HILL

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Maunawili Trail

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate

LENGTH: 10 miles one way

FEE: None

WHERE: Pali Highway lookout to Waimānalo

16. Lanipō Trail

An up and down ridge hike with some sweet views.

PHOTO: TIFFANY HILL

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Lanipō Trail

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate/Difficult

LENGTH: 7.5 miles round trip

FEE: None

WHERE: Wilhelmina Rise to Maunalani Circle

15. Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail

A challenging hike with beautiful views of Kailua and Waimānalo.

Photo: Matt Tuohy

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate

LENGTH: 2.5 miles one way

FEE: None

WHERE: The end of cul-de-sac at Kalaʻau Place in Kuliʻouʻou

14. ‘Aiea Loop Trail

This easy trail is a hike through a verdant forest with native trees.

Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: ‘Aiea Loop Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 4.8-mile loop

FEE: None

WHERE: 99-1849 ‘Aiea Heights Drive, ‘Aiea

13. Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

This popular trail is great for beginners and dog owners alike.

Photo: CATHERINE TOTH FOX

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 3 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

LOCATION: On Kalaniana‘ole Highway past Sandy Beach and before Makapu‘u Beach Park

12. Olomana Trail

A challenging hike near Kailua with incomparable views of the windward side.

Photo: Lorin Eleni Gill

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Olomana Trail

DIFFICULTY: Challenging

LENGTH: 4.5 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

WHERE: 770 Auloa Road, Kailua

11. Kapaʻeleʻele Trail

This hidden gem boasts a walk through jungle greenery, a peaceful incline through pine trees and a stunning ocean view.

PHOTO: MARISA HARTZELL

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Kapaʻeleʻele Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate

LENGTH: 1.2 miles roundtrip, about an hour total

WHERE: Ahupuaʻa O Kahana State Park

10. Kaʻena Point Trail

Explore the beauty of O‘ahu’s Leeward Side from this coastal trail.

Photo: Matt Tuohy

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Ka‘ena Point Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 2.4 miles one way

FEE: None

WHERE: The end of Farrington Highway (Hawaiʻi Route 93)

9. Hawai‘i Loa Ridge Trail

This challenging trail includes varied terrain and ends with a steep climb to a rewarding view.

Photo: Lorin Eleni Gill

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Hawai‘i Loa Ridge Trail

DIFFICULTY: Intermediate/Advanced

LENGTH: 3.9 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

WHERE: Hawai‘i Loa Ridge Trail Head, Pu‘uikena Drive

8. Makiki Valley Loop Trail

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life without leaving Honolulu.

Photo: Courtesy of Lennie Omalza

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Makiki Valley Loop Trail

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 2.5 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

WHERE: Hawaiʻi Nature Center, 2131 Maikiki Heights Drive

7. Moanalua Valley Trail

Also known as Kamananui Valley Road, this relaxing trail is great for the whole family.

Photo: Lennie Omalza

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Moanalua Valley Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 8 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

WHERE: 1857 Ala Aolani St.

6. Waimano Falls and Pools

A hidden trail in Pearl City that leads to a pool.

Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Waimano Falls and Pools (Mānana Trail)

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 3 miles round trip

FEE: None

WHERE: Mānana Trail, at the top of Pacific Palisades.

5. Lanikai Pillbox Trail

A quick trek with a breathtaking view in Kailua

Photo: Enjy El-Kadi

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Lanikai Pillbox Trail

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 1 mile roundtrip

FEE: None

WHERE: Kaelepulu Drive, Kailua

4. Judd Trail

This short Nu‘uanu jaunt will take you to an enchanting 10-foot waterfall and swimming hole.

Photo: Lorin Eleni Gill

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Judd Trail to Jackass Ginger Pool

DIFFICULTY: Easy

LENGTH: 1 mile round trip

FEE: None

WHERE: 4022 Nu‘uanu Pali Drive

3. Koko Crater Trail

Brace yourself for the railway stairs that will take you about a mile straight up to a breathtaking 360-degree view of the East Side with a heavy cardio workout.

Photo: Marisa Hartzell

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Koko Crater Trail

DIFFICULTY: Medium

LENGTH: 1.4 miles round trip

FEE: Free

WHERE: Koko Head District Park in Hawaiʻi Kai

2. Wa‘ahila Ridge Trail

This moderate hike combines a good workout with spectacular views.

Photo: Katrina Valcourt

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Wa‘ahila Ridge Trail

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 4.5 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

LOCATION: Wa‘ahila Ridge State Recreation Area, at the top of St. Louis Heights

1. Likeke Falls

A relaxing trek on the windward side.

Photo: Celina Y.

Fast Facts

TRAIL NAME: Likeke Falls

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip

FEE: None

WHERE: 45-550 Kiona‘ole Road Road, Kāneʻohe

DISCLAIMER

Hiking can be dangerous, and not every trail is a good idea for every person. Keep your personal fitness and skill level in mind, and always take proper precautions when venturing off road. Heed “no trespassing” and other warning signs.