The 5 Best Hikes on Oahu for Stunning Views
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Oahu is a true paradise, with hiking trails that cater to all types of adventurers. Whether you’re after an easy, scenic stroll or a more challenging hike with jaw-dropping views, Oahu’s trails have you covered. I’ve rounded up the 5 best hikes on Oahu, each offering something special—from stunning waterfalls to breathtaking ocean views.
These hikes offer a mixture of upward hikes for high-up views, views of beautiful waterfalls, and, of course, views of the ocean. As always, be sure to bring plenty of water or a water backpack like this one. For some of these hikes, you may want some sturdy hiking shoes or hiking boots. Always check weather conditions before you go on your hike.
1. Diamond Head
Why Hike It?
Diamond Head is iconic for a reason. The hike is fairly easy and the payoff at the top is stunning with amazing views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. This is a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset and a must-do on your trip to Oahu.
It was such a magical start to our trip to Oahu to see the sunrise as we walked up Diamond Head so I love recommending it for the first day of your trip. It wasn’t super challenging and the payoff was well worth it. This one is my personal favorite of the best hikes on Oahu.
Trail Details
This hike is 1.6 miles round trip and is considered to be moderate in difficulty, mostly due to the steep, uphill climb. There are some stairs involved, so keep that in mind if that is challenging for you.
You will also need reservations to do this hike. Visit the official website here for details on reservations and to make your reservation.
Best Time to Go
It’s best to hike this trail early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get to the top before it gets too hot. I tend to recommend doing this hike before or during sunrise on your first day on the island. If you’re coming from the continental United States, you’ll be able to use your jet lag to your advantage for the early morning.
2. Lanikai Pillbox Trail
Why Hike It?
This hike makes the list of the best hikes on Oahu for its beautiful views of Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands and is a great place to watch the sunrise. It is close to Kailua if you’re staying in that area, but it’s not too bad of a drive from Honolulu either.
Trail Details
This trail is about 1.6 miles round trip and is considered to be a moderate hike. However, I would consider it to be more challenging than Diamond Head. There are parts of the trail that can be pretty challenging. It is a steep hike and can be slippery. It can also be especially challenging for those who are scared of heights.
Best Time to Go
There is not a lot of shade on this hike, so it is best to go early in the morning before it gets too hot. It would be a great sunrise hike.
3. Koko Crater Trail
Why Hike It?
This hike offers some of the best views on the island due to its elevation. You get amazing views of Hanauma Bay and the ocean beyond. It is a challenging hike because you’re literally just walking up a very tall set of stairs but the payoff is worth it if you’re up for the challenge. The views from the top are what make this hike one of the best hikes on Oahu.
Trail Details
The hike is 1.6 miles round trip is the most challenging hike on this list. It is a set of old railroad tracks that are now used as the steps to the top of an ancient volcanic crater. It is 1048 steps to the top and there is not really any shade. You’ll want to bring lots of water and be prepared to take breaks as needed. You will also want to wear good shoes.
Best Time to Go
With the lack of shade, you probably don’t want to be hiking this in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. I would go early in the morning if possible to beat the heat.
4. Waimea Falls
Why Hike It?
This easy, paved hike takes you through a beautiful botanical garden before you arrive at a gorgeous waterfall where you can also go swimming. It is family-friendly and probably the easiest hike on this list and has stunning waterfall views. This is definitely one of the best Oahu hikes with waterfalls and is perfect if you’re looking for easy hikes on Oahu. It makes the list for being the easiest of the best hikes on Oahu while still being incredibly beautiful.
Some of the tours around the island include stops at Waimea Falls for swimming like this one.
Trail Details
The hike is about 1.9 miles round trip and is fully paved. This is a nice, easy, family-friendly hike.
Best Time to Go
You don’t need to be up as early for this one. You could go mid-morning or early afternoon so that you can swim in the waterfall area.
5. Manoa Falls
Why Hike It?
This short hike brings you to the base of Manoa Falls for more waterfall views and is one of the best hikes on Oahu with waterfalls. This hike is in the Manoa Valley area, famous for its jungles. Manoa Valley is a popular filming location for movies such as Jurassic Park.
It is important to note that, unlike Waimea Falls, it is not recommended to swim in the pool at the base of Manoa Falls. This guided hike includes transfers if you need transportation from the Waikiki area.
Trail Details
This moderately challenging trail is about 1.8 miles round trip. It can have issues with flash flooding at times so always check conditions before you go on your hike. It can be a little bit slippery with rainfall and rocky at times.
Best Time to Go
This hike is best early morning as rainfall is more likely in the afternoon. Going in the morning will also help you to avoid some of the crowds as this is a popular hiking spot.
FAQs About the Best Hikes on Oahu
1. Do I need a permit for any of these hikes?
Most of these hikes don’t require a permit, but Waimea Falls does have an entrance fee since it’s part of Waimea Valley and you also need reservations for Diamond Head. Always check ahead in case rules change!
2. What’s the best time of year to hike on Oahu?
Oahu is great for hiking year-round, but the trails can get muddy during the rainy season (November–March). If you want drier conditions and better views, aim for summer or early fall!
3. Are these hikes beginner-friendly?
It depends! Waimea Falls is super easy and great for all ages. Diamond Head and Lanikai Pillbox Trail are moderate but doable for most. Manoa Falls can get slippery, and Koko Crater is challenging due to the number of steps in the set of stairs up.
4. What should I bring on these hikes?
Water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes are a must! Some trails get muddy, so you might want to wear something you’re okay with getting dirty! And if you’re doing sunrise or sunset hikes, bring a headlamp or flashlight.
5. Can I do all these hikes in one trip?
Absolutely! If you’re visiting for a few days, you can space them out. Most of the best hikes on Oahu are pretty close to the main tourist areas on Oahu so it should be pretty easy to squeeze these hikes into your days on the island!
6. Are there any safety concerns I should know about?
Yes! Always check the weather before heading out—some trails can be dangerous when wet. Stick to marked paths, be mindful of steep drop-offs, and don’t underestimate the heat. And, of course, pack out whatever you bring in to help keep these beautiful trails clean.
7. Any tips for avoiding crowds?
Go early! Sunrise hikes are amazing and much less crowded. Diamond Head and Lanikai Pillbox, in particular, get packed, so try to go on a weekday morning if possible. Both of these hikes are also beautiful at sunrise so it works out!
For the best panoramic views, you should hike Diamond Head, the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, or the Koko Crater Trail. For waterfalls, you should hike Waimea Falls if you would like to go swimming and want something easy or Manoa Falls for the jungle views. The best hikes on Oahu have a variety of views and levels of difficulty so there is a hike that works for everyone!
Always remember to check weather conditions before your hike and bring lots of water and the appropriate shoes.
Looking to hit the beach after your hike? See my post about the best beaches on Oahu for some inspiration.
There are plenty of options for hikes on Oahu at different difficulty levels and for a wide variety of views. Choose your hike based on what you feel most comfortable with in terms of difficulty.
For more ideas for things to do on Oahu, check out my post here or check out my full itinerary here.
Which of these Oahu hikes are you most excited to try? Let me know your favorites in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips and hiking guides!
