Top 5 Stunning Hikes in Oahu With a View
If you think you’ll need a break from sipping Mai Tais or lounging on pristine beaches, you’ve come to the right place. You can’t go wrong with any of the…
If you think you’ll need a break from sipping Mai Tais or lounging on pristine beaches, you’ve come to the right place. You can’t go wrong with any of the hikes on Oahu! But before you start lacing up your hiking shoes, have a look at my top 5 recommendations for the most stunning hikes in Oahu ranked from easiest to most difficult.
Description: This relatively short hike is great for hikers of all ages. The first part of this trail takes you through a beautiful rainforest that feels as though you’re in Jurassic Park. Follow the trail as it weaves along a stream before heading up to the base of the 150-foot waterfall. Prepare to get a little muddy especially if there has been recent rainfall.
Distance: This is a 1.6 mile out-and-back trail. Allow for approximately 2 hours total.
Difficulty: Easy
Location & Parking: Park at the Manoa Falls Parking Lot at the end of Manoa Road. Parking costs $7. The Manoa Falls trailhead starts at the entrance to the Lyon Arboretum.
Description: This hike features panoramic views of Lanikai Beach, Kailua Beach, and the Mokulua Islands from the top of military bunkers that were used in WWII. Take in the scenic ocean views while walking along dragonfruit-lined paths. There are several steep sections that require rock scrambling or climbing. Keep in mind the trail can be quite muddy after rainfall.
Distance: This is a 1.7 mile out-and-back trail. Allow for approximately 1.5 hours total.
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate.
Location & Parking: Parking is available at the end of Kaelepulu Drive on weekdays. Be sure to pay attention to parking signs in the neighborhood. Otherwise, you can park at the Kailua Beach boat ramp, which is a 15 minute walk away. The trailhead starts across from the Mid-Pacific Country Club at 265 Kaelepulu Drive.
Description: A definite bucket list experience, this hike takes you along the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail before heading down a steep cliffside trail to the Makapu’u Tidepools. Enjoy swimming in the clear, turquoise waters as waves crash all around you. Due to the rock scrambling and unpredictable waves, this hike may not be suitable for inexperienced hikers or young ones.
Distance: This is a 2 mile out-and-back trail. Allow for approximately 2-3 hours total.
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate.
Location & Parking: Park at the lot off Makapu’u Lighthouse Road off Kalaniana’ole Highway. The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail begins at the end of the parking lot.
Read here for more information & exclusive tips about hiking to the Makapu’u Tidepools!
Distance: This is a 1.5 mile out-and-back trail. Allow for approximately 1.5-2 hours total.
Difficulty: Moderately difficult.
Location & Parking: Park at the Koko Crater Trail Parking Lot. The trailhead starts further up Koko Head Park Road.
Distance: This is a 4.7 mile out-and-back trail. Allow for approximately 3-4 hours total.
Difficulty: Moderately difficult.
Location & Parking: There is plenty of street parking available at the end of Kalaau Place. The Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trailhead starts at the end of the street.
Read here for an in-depth guide to hiking the Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail from fellow travel blogger Journey Era.
If you think you’ll need a break from sipping Mai Tais or lounging on pristine beaches, you’ve come to the right place. You can’t go wrong with any of the…
A secluded spot off the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, this easy-to-moderate 2 mile round trip hike was easily one of the highlights on my Hawaiian honeymoon trip. Marveling at jaw-dropping views…