Oahu, the most populous island in Hawaii, is a hiker’s paradise with a diverse range of trails offering breathtaking views, lush rainforests, and challenging climbs․ From the iconic Stairway to Heaven to the scenic Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail, there’s a trail for every level of hiker, from beginners to experienced adventurers․
Stairway to Heaven
The Stairway to Heaven, also known as the Haiku Stairs, is one of the most iconic hikes on Oahu․ This challenging trail features 3,922 steps that lead to a breathtaking panoramic view of the island from the Koolau Mountains․ The hike is strenuous and requires a good level of fitness, but the reward is well worth the effort․
Distance⁚ 4․8 miles round trip
Elevation gain⁚ 2,800 feet
Difficulty⁚ Strenuous
Important note⁚ The Stairway to Heaven is illegal to hike due to safety concerns․ However, many hikers still attempt the trail illegally․ If you choose to hike the Stairway to Heaven, be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions․
Tips⁚
- Start the hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds․
- Bring plenty of water and snacks․
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes․
- Be prepared for slippery and muddy conditions․
- Allow plenty of time for the hike, as it can take several hours to complete․
Manoa Falls Trail
The Manoa Falls Trail is a popular and accessible hike located just a few miles from Waikiki․ This lush trail leads to a beautiful 150-foot waterfall, perfect for swimming and cooling off on a hot day․ The trail is relatively easy, making it a good option for families with young children․
Distance⁚ 1․6 miles round trip
Elevation gain⁚ 600 feet
Difficulty⁚ Easy
Tips⁚
- The trail can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes․
- Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim in the waterfall․
- Be aware of mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season․
- Allow about 1-2 hours to complete the hike․
Additional information⁚
The Manoa Falls Trail is a popular trail, so it can be crowded, especially on weekends․ If you want to avoid the crowds, try to hike during the week or early in the morning․
There is a $5 parking fee at the trailhead․ You can also take TheBus to the trailhead (bus #5)․
Diamond Head Trail
The Diamond Head Trail is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu, and for good reason․ This iconic trail leads to the summit of Diamond Head crater, offering stunning 360-degree views of Waikiki, the Pacific Ocean, and the Koolau Mountains․
Distance⁚ 1․6 miles round trip
Elevation gain⁚ 560 feet
Difficulty⁚ Moderate
Tips⁚
- The trail is mostly paved, but there are some steep sections, so wear sturdy shoes․
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail․
- Be aware of the sun, as there is little shade on the trail․
- Allow about 1-2 hours to complete the hike․
Additional information⁚
The Diamond Head Trail is open daily from 6am to 6pm․ There is a $5 entrance fee per person․
You can also drive to the summit of Diamond Head, but the hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the crater and get some exercise․
Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is a scenic coastal hike that leads to the Makapuu Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1909 and is still in operation today․ The trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Koolau Mountains, and the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai․
Distance⁚ 2․5 miles round trip
Elevation gain⁚ 500 feet
Difficulty⁚ Moderate
Tips⁚
- The trail is mostly paved, but there are some steep sections, so wear sturdy shoes․
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail․
- Be aware of the sun, as there is little shade on the trail․
- Allow about 1-2 hours to complete the hike․
Additional information⁚
The Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail is open daily from 6am to 6pm․ There is a $5 entrance fee per person․
You can also drive to the Makapuu Point Lighthouse, but the hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the coastline and get some exercise․
Highlights⁚
- Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Koolau Mountains, and the nearby islands of Molokai and Lanai․
- Opportunity to see whales during the winter months․
- Historic Makapuu Point Lighthouse․
Koko Crater Trail
The Koko Crater Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that leads to the summit of Koko Crater, an extinct volcano with stunning views of Honolulu and the surrounding area․ The trail is steep and rugged in some sections, but the views from the top are worth the effort․
Distance⁚ 1․8 miles round trip
Elevation gain⁚ 1,048 feet
Difficulty⁚ Difficult
Tips⁚
- The trail is very steep and exposed to the sun, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and wear sunscreen․
- Allow about 1-2 hours to complete the hike․
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for falling rocks․
Additional information⁚
The Koko Crater Trail is open daily from 6am to 6pm․ There is a $5 entrance fee per person․
You can also drive to the top of Koko Crater, but the hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the crater and get some exercise․
Highlights⁚
- Stunning views of Honolulu and the surrounding area․
- Opportunity to see native Hawaiian plants and animals․
- Historic Koko Crater․
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is a scenic hike that follows the ridgeline of the Koolau Mountains, offering panoramic views of the windward coast of Oahu․ The trail is relatively easy to follow, but there are some steep sections that can be challenging․
Distance⁚ 4․8 miles round trip
Elevation gain⁚ 1,500 feet
Difficulty⁚ Moderate
Tips⁚
- The trail is exposed to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water․
- Allow about 2-3 hours to complete the hike․
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for slippery rocks․
Additional information⁚
The Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is open daily from 7am to 5pm․ There is a $5 entrance fee per person․
You can also drive to the top of the trailhead, but the hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Koolau Mountains and get some exercise․
Highlights⁚
- Panoramic views of the windward coast of Oahu․
- Opportunity to see native Hawaiian plants and animals․
- Historic Wiliwilinui Ridge․
dreamtravel