Diamond Head
South Honolulu Metro
(Waikiki/Kaimuki) |
3 |
Panoramic view of entire south Oahu, short climb, historic site |
Most crowded trail on Oahu, no wilderness, stairs, constant sun exposure. |
Manoa Falls
East Honolulu Metro
(Hawaii Kai) |
2 |
Easy hike, pretty waterfall, proximity to downtown Honolulu |
Very popular trail, high-theft parking lot, slippery/muddy |
Kahana Valley
Northeast (Windward) Oahu
(Kahana) |
5 |
Cold streams, clear pools, lush vegetation, fruit |
Popular trail, long road walk to trail, sometimes tricky navigation. |
Makapuu
Lighthouse Road
Southeast Oahu
(Makapuu Point) |
1 |
Nice "pulse-raising" road-walk with blue ocean views and whale-watching at end. |
No overhead cover (foilage, trees, etc.). |
Koko Crater
(Railroad Approach)
Southeast Oahu
(Hawaii Kai) |
3 |
ANYBODY who can climb stairs can do this hike. Quick way (no matter what condition you're in) to a great 360 panoramic view
from a tip of Oahu - deep blue ocean all around! My best time to the top? 35 minutes (good shape). My worst time (to the top)? 2 hours, 30 minutes (terrible, flubby shape). |
Lacks significant overhead cover (foilage, trees, etc.) and can be hot without winds. |
Mariner's Ridge
Southeast Oahu
(Hawaii Kai) |
4 |
Quick way to the Koolau summit - view of Waimanalo to Kaneohe |
Parking is in a residential area may be limited on holidays and weekends. |
Sacred Falls Trail
Northeastern Oahu
(Kaaawa) |
5 |
Wonderful waterfall - a favorite and one of the best, most gorgeous swim-spots on the entire island! |
CLOSED TRAIL - the State closed this trail permanently after
11 people were killed in a rockslide in May 1999. |
Waahila Ridge
Honolulu Metro
(St. Louis Heights) |
6 |
Nice introduction to the typical trail conditions in Hawaii, including "jungle" and "rollercoaster" characterstics common to Oahu's ridge trails. Not too
hard for anyone who's had some up-and-down hiking experience. This trail is the ungraded ridge continuation to the State's Waahila-Kolowalu Trail |
Higher potential of getting muddy, requires steep climbing in a few of the later sections. |
Laie Ridge Trail
Northeastern Oahu
(Laie) |
7 |
Lovely trail in northern windward Oahu. End your hike halfway up the ridge at the large swimming pool about 10 minutes off to the right. (You can hear the waterfall!) Popular with the Brigham Young University Hawaii students, but unknown to most visitors and residents. |
Distance from Honolulu. The trail (and you) can get sloppy-muddy. |
Makapuu Tom-Tom
Southeast Oahu
(Makapuu/Hawaii Kai) |
7 |
Awesome vistas all the way - some of the best, most colorful coastal views in the world! Do this trail and you'll find out I'm not exaggerating! Only one car? No problem -just make this a roundtrip hike. |
Not for those scared of heights! Acrophobic hikers may have serious problems with certain trail sections. |
Lanipo
(Mauumae Ridge)
Honolulu Metro
(Maunalani Heights) |
10 |
For those who want more of a workout in paradise, a longer trail, and a constant view of one of the hidden oddities in Oahu's geography: Kaau Crater. Splendid coastal views of windward Oahu await at the summit. |
Best for those in decent to good shape, such as avid hikers, active walkers or runners. |
Kuaokala Ridge Loop or Roundtrip
2 - 4 Days Northwest Oahu
(Makua/Mokuleia) |
Madium |
Awesome well-graded and maintained trail that remains dry most
of the year, not too difficult with a pack on your back. |
Limited water sources in winter, sometimes none in summer. Requires
a boring dirt road walk, unfortunately, that takes you from trail's end to Peacock Flats - the camping area. Official permit process. |
Koolau Summit Trail One-Way
3 - 6 Days Northeast to Central Oahu
(Laie/Pupukea to Wahiawa/Waikane) |
Very Hard / Serious Hike |
Some of the best and most spectacular views in the state, year-round
availability of water, isolation and limited human presence, variety of botany and leeward and windward views |
Unmaintained footpaths and overgrowth, extremely muddy (up to thigh-high),
hazardous drop-offs in southern stretches, limited suitable camping spots, sometimes confusing navigation especially in
limited visibility conditions, no quick or simple entry or exit (feeder trails). Recommended only for very experienced Oahu hikers. |
