The Hawaiian island of Oahu is truly a hiker's paradise. The terrain on this small island in the Pacific Ocean varies greatly. Plus with changing weather patterns and wildlife, you could hike the same trail but it still feels like a new adventure! This is my list of the 10 best hikes on Oahu. Let's take a hike!
The 10 Best Hikes on Oahu
- 'Aiea Loop Trail
- Ehukai Pillbox Hike
- Makiki Valley Loop Trail
- Kouliouou Ridge Trail
- Koko Head Railway
- Spitting Cave
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Pink Pillbox Hike (Pu'u O Hulu Trail)
- Ka'ena Point Trail
- Likeke Falls Trail
1. 'Aiea Loop Trail
This 4.8 mile hike is great because it makes a giant loop, so you don't have to backtrack. The 'Aiea loop trail is mostly hard-packed dirt and it's a relatively easy hike, apart from a few switchbacks. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, because we had a close encounter with a wild pig on the trail! The loop also takes you past the remains from a B-24 plane that crashed in 1944.
- Total Distance: 4.8 miles
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trail Type: Loop, well-maintained dirt trail
2. Ehukai Pillbox Hike
The island of Oahu is studded with old World War II bunkers called "pillboxes". There are numerous hikes that traverse the terrain to get to these pillboxes, and the Ehukai Pillbox Hike is no different. This is an easy to moderate hike that's a 1.5 mile out-and-back dirt trail. The trailhead begins at the Pupakea Elementary parking lot and steadily climbs up to the first pillbox. You can continue down the path to the second less-visited pillbox for stunning views of the North Shore.
- Total Distance: 1.5 miles
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, dirt trail with some tree root obstructions
3. Makiki Valley Loop Trail
The Makiki Valley Loop Trail is a great hike if you're staying in Waikiki and don't want to travel too far out of the city to get lost in nature. The trail begins at the Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki, which is only about 15 minutes from downtown Waikiki. The trailhead includes a map of the Makiki Valley Loop Trail along with a few off-shooting trails. This hike is relatively easy on wide dirt paths, but it can get rocky and muddy in some areas. The whole loop is about 3 miles.
- Total Distance: about 3 miles
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trail Type: Loop, dirt trail that can get pretty muddy
4. Kouliouou Ridge Trail
Alright, the Kouliouou Ridge Trail is not for the faint of heart. This moderately difficult 4.7-mile out-and-back hike traverses tight dirt trails and steep stairs. The views from the entire trail are incredible, especially when you get to the last quarter of the trail with the steep stairways. Note that sometimes the view from the top of the hike is obstructed by clouds and fog. But the reward is in the journey on this one! Plus, you'll feel even more ready to chow down on some of Oahu's best food.
- Total Distance: 4.7 miles
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, tight dirt trail with many stairs in the last quarter
5. Koko Head Railway
Ready to have sewing machine legs? That's what happens when your legs involuntarily feel like they're pulsing up and down after climbing hundreds of stairs! The Koko Head Railway trail is a 1.4 mile out-and-back hike. After the first half mile, it's straight up an old railway which forms wide steps up Koko Crater. It's a beast of a hike, but there's a group that works to maintain the trail and keep it safe for visitors.
In fact, I met a lady who was part of the group dedicated to restoring and maintaining the trail. She's at least in her seventies and she hikes up and down the Koko Head Railway trail half a dozen times every day! #fitnessgoals
- Total Distance: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, first trail that leads to stairs formed by railway ties
6. Spitting Cave
Nestled between lava rock formations is a cave fondly known as Spitting Cave. When water fills the cave down at sea level, the ocean spray spits out of the cave. And to get to this picturesque lookout, it's just a short 2-minute climb down a steep hill off Lumahai Street in a residential area.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, because we saw three turtles swimming in the water from the lookout. And be careful because the wind can get pretty strong and the rock can get pretty smooth and slippery in some spots.
- Total Distance: a couple hundred feet
- Difficulty Level: East
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, dirt trail that leads onto the lava rock
7. Lanikai Pillbox Hike
The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is a great one to hike early in the morning to watch the sunrise. There are two pillboxes, and both provide stunning views of Lanikai Beach and the mokes. Also known as Kaiwa Ridge Trail, it's a 1.7 mile out-and-back trail. Loose gravel and muddy terrain begin the trail, and some ropes have been attached to trees to help you hoist yourself up. The rest of the hike follows a ridgeline to the two pillboxes.
- Total Distance: 1.7 miles
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, steep dirt and gravel trail that leads to a ridgeline trail
8. Pink Pillbox Hike (Pu'u O Hulu Trail)
This 1.6 mile out-and-back hike is super popular and passes by four pillboxes. The most famous pillbox found in these 10 best hikes on Oahu is fondly known as the pink pillbox. But be forewarned of people doing crazy dangerous poses on the edge of the cliffs and pillboxes for their Instagram photos.
A ridgeline trail leads you to the first three pillboxes and the trail is wide enough that it feels relatively safe. However, the trail to the fourth pillbox is along a really narrow and precarious ridge, so use caution!
- Total Distance: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, ridgeline trail
9. Ka'ena Point Trail (from the South)
If you're looking for a hike without elevation gain, the Ka'ena Point Trail is ideal. The gravel trail is flat with a breathtaking view of waves crashing against the west side of the island. You can hike to Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve either from the North or the South; we hiked from the South. The nature reserve is home to albatross, who build their nests on the ground. You can also spot some monk seals bathing in the sun.
- Total Distance: about 5 miles
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, gravel and dirt trail to a rocky and sandy beaches
10. Likeke Falls Trail
This is one of my favorite trails of all 10 best hikes on Oahu, because it's a quick and easy hike with a big reward. This 0.8 mile out-and-back trail through the thick forest leads you right up to a waterfall! I suggest to wear water shoes or sturdy sandals so you can wade into the pool at the bottom of the waterfall to cool off after your forest trek.
- Total Distance: 0.8 miles
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back, dirt trail in the forest with tree roots
There you have it! The 10 best hikes on Oahu! Are you planning a trip to Oahu? Have you already done some of these hikes? Which was your favorite? Let me know! Happy trails!
Rachel Duerden
Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.
Humbly Homemade
You bet! Thanks for reading! 😊
Markus + Micah
Yep, that's going to the must-do list.
Humbly Homemade
Haha yay!! Have you been to the Hawaiian islands before?
Yum-number1
*jaw dropping*
Humbly Homemade
Aww haha thank you!!