Ahhh…the island life! When Hawaii comes to mind, most people imagine themselves laying out on a warm, sunny beach along crystal clear waters. Going on vacation may mean slowing down to take a breather from our hectic daily lives. However, for avid adventurers like myself, I immediately think of escaping to nature! I yearn for trails that take you high above the coastlines & away from the hustle & bustle of the city! If you are in need of a break from all the touristy action in Honolulu, continue reading to find my top recommended Oahu hikes!

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Koko Head Crater Trail: Oahu’s Natural Stairmaster Hike

📈 AllTrails rating: Hard

🥾 Length: 1.6 miles RT

🏔️ Elevation gain: 912 feet

✅ No special pass required

Koko Head Crater Trail, also known as Koko Head Stairs, is a popular Oahu hike known for its full leg workout & breathtaking views. Although the total distance of the trail is only 0.7 miles one-way, its 1,048 steps will definitely get your cardio going. The hike takes you up a little over 990 feet in the short distance making for a crazy incline! Because of the challenge & easy accessibility, a lot of locals hike this trail weekly as part of their fitness regimen.

The Koko Head railway was initially built during World War II to transport supplies & personnel up to the military pillbox bunkers at the top of the volcanic crater. Over the years, the site has been used by the Hawaii Air National Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, & the Air Force as an observation station. In 1966, it was turned over to the City of Honolulu & has since been a part of the Koko Head Regional Park. The railway is now an abandoned “trail” & considered the best legal alternative Oahu hike to the notorious Haiku Stairs.

The trailhead is located 25 minutes east of Honolulu at the Koko Head District Park which is open 24 hours. What’s more, you can park for free at the large parking lot right behind the baseball fields. Immediately to the right is a gravel path with the official trail starting about 10 minutes away.

Remember to stretch your muscles!

The first 500 or so steps are the easiest, meaning of equal length about a comfortable foot & a half tall. For short hikers like me, some of the steeper areas will require wider lunges or two-stepping. You can keep track of your steps by counting the 100-stair markers on the side of the railroad ties. 

About halfway up the trail, you will come across some sketchy bridges with significant gaps in between its planks. This portion of the railway free floats 15-20 feet above ground & over a ravine, so it will test your balance. Slow down & take your time as you definitely don’t want to trip or twist an ankle here. For those with a fear of heights, you can take the side detour along the bushes.

The final half of Koko Head Stairs becomes steeper as the 45 degree incline changes dramatically into a near 90 degree vertical climb. But don’t give up because once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with refreshing views of Hanauma Bay! You’ll know you are near the end of the trail once you spot the groups of exhausted hikers sprawled all over the ground!

Almost there!

Continue walking up towards the metal grate platforms where you can scan across the entire Hawaii Kai neighborhood. If you look towards the west, you can see as far as Diamond Head Crater & Waikiki Beach! As you explore your surroundings, you will eventually come across the Prayer Box, where hikers can write down their prayers or well wishes on a piece of paper.

After taking in all the gorgeous sights, it is time to hike back down the same path. The railway ties can be slippery stepping downwards, so again go slow. The last thing you want to do is trip & go tumbling down the long flight of stairs! Side-stepping works well for navigating your way down safely. Fortunately, a non-profit group called the Kokonut Koalition, has been busily restoring & preserving the trail so it can remain enjoyable to all.

Lanikai Pillbox Hike: An Instagram-Worthy Trail

📈 AllTrails rating: Hard

🥾 Length: 1.6 miles RT

🏔️ Elevation gain: 613 feet

✅ No special pass required

Lanikai Pillbox, also known as the Ka’iwa Ridge Trail, is a very popular Oahu hike for tourists & locals alike! Rounding at about 1.6 miles round-trip, it is a fairly moderate hike perfect for all ages. Early birds can catch epic sunrises over Lanikai Beach, Kaneohe Bay, The Chinaman’s Hat, & Kailua Beach. The trail is just 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu in Kailua with the trailhead located right across from the Mid-Pacific Country Club gates on a residential street. Just look for permitted parking spaces & remember to be respectful of the residents.

The trail starts off pretty steep but there are several ropes to help keep your balance when the path gets slippery. It only takes about 20 minutes to reach the first pillbox which is where most people end their hike. Like the old military bunkers on Koko Head Crater, the Lanikai Pillboxes are the perfect spot to take a breather. Many people recognize this as an instagram-worthy location where you can enjoy views of the famous twin Mokulua Islands, or the Mokes.

There are three pillboxes & can take 90 minutes to reach all of them. However, we decided to forgo continuing along the ridge as the views were basically the same.

Diamond Head Crater Trail: An Iconic Oahu Hike for All Ages

📈 AllTrails rating: Moderate

🥾 Length: 1.9 miles RT

🏔️ Elevation gain: 515 feet

✅ Diamond Head State Monument charges a fee of $5 for non-Hawaii residents

Known as one of Honolulu’s most popular landmarks, the Diamond Head Crater is a must do for all Oahu visitors. Approximately 3,000 people hike the dormant volcano every day! In Hawaiian, it is known as Lē‘ahi or “brow of the tuna”. The crater was formed over 300,000 years ago & what remains today is 450 acres of volcanic rock that can be spotted from anywhere around the island! Its name derives from the sparkling calcite crystals that was once found near the summit & which British sailors mistook for diamonds.

Expect a crowd at the ever popular Diamond Head Crater.

As of January 2024, the Diamond Head Crater Trail is open everyday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm with final entry at 4:00 pm. Reservations are now required & there is an entry fee of $5.00 per person for non-Hawaii residents. Children under 3 years of age are free. Up until recently, the park only took cash as a form of payment. But times have changed & they now only take credit cards. Nevertheless, I highly recommend checking Hawaii’s Department of Land & Natural Resources for the latest information on park hours & fees.

The hike makes up about 1.4 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 560 feet. It is classified as easy to moderate & takes the average hiker about 1.5 – 2 hours to complete. Majority of the path is cement or dirt. However, with the steep incline, you’ll still want to wear decent shoes (& not flip flops). After conquering a number of switchbacks, you will arrive at an eerie 225-foot tunnel that you must pass through. On hot days, it can get quite claustrophobic, especially with the number of sweaty people packed inside its tight corridors. As soon as you exit the tunnel, you will then climb up a rusty 99-step staircase, also known as the “Stairs of Doom”. While it may sound like never ending torture, trust me…your efforts will be well worth it in the end!

Reward yourself with breathtaking coastal views & delicious Dole Whip!

Once you near the summit, you will face another set of stairs to your right. Fortunately, it is a much shorter spiral staircase (52 steps) that takes you up to the Fire Control Station. From here, you can then clamber through an old military bunker to the very top where you will enjoy epic panoramic views of Waikiki & the eastern side of Oahu.

If instead you had turned left out of the tunnel, you will eventually come to a newer 82-step metal staircase to another summit. To go along with the flow of traffic, I suggest heading back down this way after you have finished taking in all the sights from the bunker.

After your hike, don’t forget to stop by the Dole Plantation stand that sells their famous pineapple Dole Whip, shaved ice, & other tropical inspired treats! There is really no better way to cool off after a sweltering hike!

Makapu’u Lighthouse: A Light Coastal Walk

📈 AllTrails rating: Moderate

🥾 Length: 2.5 miles RT

🏔️ Elevation gain: 649 feet

✅ No special pass required

Located on the southeast corner of Oahu is the lovely, red-roofed Makapu’u Lighthouse. The one-mile path to the historic landmark is more of a coastal stroll than an actual hike. With dramatic coastline views, this trail also makes a great spot for whale watching enthusiasts between the months of November through May.

The trail begins at Makapu’u Head & follows along the western ridge. There is a free parking lot at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. Don’t forget to use the restroom beforehand, as there are no public toilets nearby.

On a clear day, expect to see Rabbit Island & its neighboring Lana’i & Moloka’i Islands. A few minutes south of the trailhead, you can check out the Makapu’u Tidepools & blowholes formed in the black lava rock. If you choose to venture down this detour, be sure to watch your step as the path becomes slightly steep & unstable rocks can come loose.

Manoa Falls: One of Oahu’s Best Waterfall Hikes

📈 AllTrails rating: Moderate

🥾 Length: 1.7 miles RT

🏔️ Elevation gain: 616 feet

✅ Paradise Park fee of $7 per vehicle

The Manoa Valley is a quiet, lush residential area just outside of Honolulu & approximately 15 minutes from Waikiki. Hidden in the back of the valley is a light trail that takes you through a thick bamboo forest. The trail is more of a nature walk as it takes only 20 – 30 minutes to reach the main attraction. There is plenty of parking near the Paradise Park building at the top of Manoa Road & it costs $7.00 per vehicle.

After the short trek under the shade of twisting trees, you will find yourself at the lovely Manoa Falls that stands at a decent 150 feet. During drier seasons, the waterfall can dwindle to a small trickle, if any. Nevertheless, it is still a beautiful hike & one worth visiting while in Oahu. As a note of caution, swimming is not permitted here as the stagnant pool is often contaminated with bacteria called leptospirosis that comes from the urine of infected animals.

What to Pack for Your Oahu Hike

• Phone/camera
• Bug repellant
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sunscreen lip balm
• Aloe vera for post-skincare
• Towel to wipe off sweat & mud
• Refillable water bottle
• Light daypack or hydration pack
• Hat & sunglasses for extra sun protection
• Lightweight layers
• Packable rain jacket
• Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes that you don’t care to get dirty!

Angella’s Travel Tips

• Plan to start your Oahu hike early to avoid the crowds & find better parking on the limited lots. Oahu gets hot & humid pretty quickly too. Therefore, the earlier you hike in the morning, the cooler the temperature will be.
• Most Oahu trails have restrooms near the trailhead so make sure to use them!
• Check up on the weather forecast frequently & any updates on current trail conditions. A couple reliable websites include The Department of Land and Resources & Hawaii State Parks.
• In an effort to preserve the wild in our ‘wild’erness, it is important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on public lands, the animals, & even other nature enthusiasts. The 7 Leave No Trace principles provide a framework for enjoying the outdoors while leaving the smallest footprint possible. Learn more about how you can apply the Leave No Trace principles on your next adventure to help protect the beautiful places we all love so much.