dessert
Top 10 Incredible (and Completely Legal) Hikes in Oahu You’ll Love
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii?? The majority of people might picture a million mai tais or the stunning turquoise waters of the Pacific. But me? Nope! I immediately picture some of the most breathtaking viewpoints and best hikes in Oahu I’ve ever done. Oh, and also the pounds of fresh ahi tuna poke that I eat every time I visit. But mainly the hikes 🥾
I still remember my first trip to Hawaii like it was yesterday. I was still a flight attendant at the time, that’s how long ago it was. But as soon as I hopped off the plane at HNL *cue miley cyrus voice* – I felt like I was home. You guys know I travel a lot, but Hawaii truly holds a special place in my heart (second only to London). Which I know is the total opposite vibe, but once you get a taste of the most jaw-dropping and best Oahu hikes…it becomes obvious AF why Hawaii is my happy place.
A quick search on AllTrails will show you that there are probably 100+ best Oahu hikes. Some are quick little strolls under a mile, some multi-day treks, and some aren’t even legal anymore (but still pop up on the app). I’ve spent over a decade hiking my way through Oahu, and after all that sweat and SPF – Here’s my list of the top 10 best hikes in Oahu! All completely legal and 💯 worth your time. So lace up your boots and let’s get to it 👇
Read more on Oahu 🌴
- Best Areas to Stay in Oahu: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors to Hawaii
- Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Review: A Hawaiian Escape to Remember
Looking for hikes in Maui instead?
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
10 Best Hikes in Oahu at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s your cheat sheet to the top 10 best hikes in Oahu.
- #1. Diamond Head
- #2. Ka’iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox)
- #3. ‘Ehukai Pillbox Trail
- #4. Pu’u O Hulu (Maili Pink Pillbox)
- #5. Hanauma Bay Rim Trail
- #6. Kuli’ou’ou Ridge
- #7. Crouching Lion
- #8. Koko Head
- #9. Pali Notches
- #10. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
Map of the Top 10 Best Hikes in Oahu
To help you get a lay of the land, I put together this custom map to show you the top 10 best hikes in Oahu and where each trail sits on the island! Whether it’s just outside Honolulu, tucked along the Windward Coast, or up on the North Shore 🤙
It’s the easiest way to group the best Oahu hikes by area, so you can knock out a couple in one go without wasting time (or gas) zig-zagging around da island of Oahu..
Top 10 Best Hikes in Oahu (Ranked from Easiest to Hardest)
Aaaand now the best part! I’ve ranked the top 10 best hikes in Oahu from easiest to hardest, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into. Whether you’re looking for a quick warm-up trail (aka Diamond Head) or a leg-burner with insane views (Crouching Lion), this list makes it easy to pick the right hike for your day.
Important to note: this ranking of the best Oahu hikes is based on my own experience and fitness level. I like to think I’m in decent shape, but cardio isn’t exactly my strong suit. Please make sure to gauge your own comfort level, take proper precautions, and double-check that each hike matches your fitness and safety needs before heading out.
Ps. Planning your Hawaii trip and not sure where to stay in Oahu? Check out my complete guide breaking down each neighborhood and the best hotels in every area.
#1. Best Hikes in Oahu: Diamond Head
Hike Name: Diamond Head (Le‘ahi Summit Trail)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Diamond Head Summit Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.5 miles (2.41 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Local Tips: Definitely one of the most crowded and well-known hikes in Oahu. They recently implemented a small entry fee of $5 USD/person or $25 USD/car. Free for locals though. If you’re staying in Waikiki, I highly recommend just ordering an uber to/from then you don’t have to deal with renting a car unless you were already going to anyway! (You might want to though in order to hit this entire list of top 10 best Oahu hikes)
Why It’s Worth It: If you don’t have a drone…you are going to want to do this hike. You won’t get these epic views of Honolulu city life, mixed with the turquoise waters, and lush jungle all in one frame unless you do this hike. Plus, it’s paved so it’s easy to follow the path up. Yes it’s totally “touristy” but there’s a reason that it’s one of the easiest and best hikes in Oahu!
#2. Best Hikes in Oahu: Ka’iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox)
Hike Name: Ka‘iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox Trail)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Lanikai Pillbox Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.6 miles (2.57 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Local Tips: Definitely best to go at sunrise. Hiking Lanikai and watching the sunrise is like a Hawaiian rite of passage. Ask any local. It’s like… THE thing to do. Also because parking can be tough in the neighborhood so you want to arrive early. Also, don’t be asshole and blast your iphone music while on the hike. Lanikai is located in a very residential area so let’s try to be respectful okay? Otherwise they’ll shut this hike down in the near future like they did all the other really great ones around the island (RIP Upper Makua Cave IYKYK)
Why It’s Worth It: Unforgettable sunrise views over the mokes + a bunch of WWII bunkers to explore make this one of the best Oahu hikes. I usually keep going all the way to the last pillbox to escape the crowds!
#3. Best Hikes in Oahu: ‘Ehukai Pillbox Trail
Hike Name: ‘Ehukai Pillbox (Sunset Pillbox) Trail
Main blog post cover photo is from this hike
AllTrails + GPS Link: Ehukai Pillbox Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~2.3 miles (3.7 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Local Tips: Unlike Lanikai, I recommend going a little bit later in the day for the best views. A lot of the trail is shaded on the way up, so the beating sun isn’t as big of a problem here as it is on Lanikai. The Trailhead starts in the Sunset Elementary parking lot which is nice.
Why It’s Worth It: This is one of my favorite hikes in Oahu because it gives me a reason to go to the North Shore. (I’m usually a Windward girlie). I know, don’t sue me. But that’s why I think ‘Ehukai Pillbox Trail is one of the best hikes in Oahu! And it’s right down the street from The Sunrise Shack. Which is the best reward after all the sweat from the descent!
Need help finding the perfect base in Oahu? Check out my full guide on where to stay in Oahu, complete with neighborhood breakdowns and hotel recommendations.
#4. Best Hikes in Oahu: Pu’u O Hulu (Maili Pink Pillbox)
Hike Name: Pu‘u O Hulu (Maili Pink Pillbox)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Pu‘u O Hulu Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.3 miles (2.09 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Local Tips: Located on the west side so afternoon hikes can get really hot. I recommend going early in the morning or about 90 minutes before sunset. Also, make sure not to leave anything visible in sight when parking. Car break-ins are a bit more common along H1 and Farrington Highway (Route 93).
Why It’s Worth It: One of the only hikes on the west side! If you’re staying in Ko Olina then you definitely need to go. But even if you’re not, Maili Pink Pillbox is a totally underrated hike in Oahu. Go hike it before it blows up! Also, there’s not many bright pink pillboxes around anymore!
#5. Best Hikes in Oahu: Hanauma Bay Rim Trail
Hike Name: Hanauma Bay Rim Trail
AllTrails + GPS Link: Hanauma Bay Rim Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~3.1 miles (6.3 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Local Tips: Zero shade at all. So bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. While the hike itself is technically moderate, this sometimes feels closer to hard because of the lack of cover.
Why It’s Worth It: But maaaaan are the views worth it. This was also one of the first hikes I did in Oahu over 10 years ago. I loved it so much because you could look straight down to the Bay and just see 800 different hues of blue. You also get panoramic views of Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and the southeast coastline. Truly incredible and easy to see why it’s one of the top 10 hikes in Oahu.
#6. Best Hikes in Oahu: Kuli’ou’ou Ridge
Hike Name: Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail
AllTrails + GPS Link: Kuliouou Ridge Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~4.1 miles (6.60 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~3–3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Local Tips: Bring layers! The summit can be windy and misty. Since this is one of the longer trails among the best Oahu hikes, it might not be for everyone.
Why It’s Worth It: Ridge hikes are one of a kind! You’re literally walking on the top of a mountain???? What an exhilarating feeling. Or at least that’s what I think!!! And once you make it through the mist, you’ll get to witness some seriously stunning east-side views.
#7. Best Hikes in Oahu: Crouching Lion
Hike Name: Crouching Lion Hike
AllTrails + GPS Link: Crouching Lion Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~0.4 miles (0.6 km) short route / ~4 miles (6.4 km) longer loop
Estimated Time: ~30 min – 2 hours depending on route
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Local Tips: Parking is verrrrrrrrrrry limited. Although The Crouching Lion restaurant recently opened! (It was definitely not there when I first discovered this hike haha). So you can always eat there and then head on the hike!
Why It’s Worth It: The 360 degree views are unbeatable. You’re standing on a dramatic ridge above Kahana Bay with some of the island’s most photogenic views. Even though it’ll be warm, I recommend coming mid-day to ensure you get the turquoise hues reflecting off the ocean.
Looking for a place to stay close to Crouching Lion? Check out my full guide on where to stay in Oahu, complete with neighborhood breakdowns and hotel recommendations.
#8. Best Hikes in Oahu: Koko Head
Hike Name: Koko Crater Railway Trail (Koko Head)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Koko Crater Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Hard (AF)
Local Tips: There’s no other way to do this. You MUST go early to avoid brutal heat. Like, sunrise or bust for me.
Why It’s Worth It: Well… when was the last time you hiked an abandoned WWII train track? Assuming probably never. Koko Head is a killer workout but rewarded with panoramic views of Hanauma Bay and the east shoreline. No wonder it’s counted among the best Oahu hikes, especially for my like-minded WWII history fanatics!
#9. Best Hikes in Oahu: Pali Notches
Hike Name: Pali Notches Trail
AllTrails + GPS Link: Pali Notches Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~0.7 miles (1.1 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard / Technical
Local Tips: Extremely steep with rope sections. Definitely not for beginners or if it’s rained recently.
Why It’s Worth It: My girlfriend and I literally thought we were gonna die on Pali Notches a few years back. It was wet. It was covid. We made all the mistakes we were supposed to. We made it past the 2nd notches and chickened out on the 3rd. And we’re so glad we did because hooooly shit, it’s scary here. So hike this one at your own risk. But if you’re into a heart-pounding ridge climb with crazy views over the Pali cliffs, this one’s for you.
#10. Best Hikes in Oahu: Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
Hike Name: Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Olomana Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~4.4 miles (7 km) round trip to the first peak
Estimated Time: ~3–4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Local Tips: Technical ropes, narrow ridges, and sheer drops make this one of the most intense options among the best Oahu hikes. Most hikers stop after the first peak. You should also know that climbers have also died on this hike so go only if experienced and willing to take the risk.
Why It’s Worth It: Epic ridgeline hike with thrilling scrambles and unforgettable views.
What to Pack for Hiking in Oahu
You really don’t need to go full REI-mode to enjoy the best hikes in Oahu. (You all know I’m the farthest thing from a nature girlie but I’ll blindly sign up for a scramble just to get some epic pics).
So for the best hikes in Oahu, I’d tell you to just bring the following three basic things:
- Shoes with some basic tread (trust me, those muddy switchbacks will test you). I usually just throw in my Asics Trail Scouts (~$65 USD) and use them time and time again. Make sure to pack a plastic bag in case you need to put your muddy shoes in them.
- A super lightweight water bladder pouch you can toss in any backpack with ice to help keep you hydrated and cool during your hikes. I use this $12 USD one from Amazon and love it.
- Bug spray and sunscreen spray. That’s it. Simple, packable, and saves you from getting chomped on by mosquitos and/or fried by the sun on the best Oahu hikes!
Confused about where to stay in Oahu? Don’t worry — my guide covers every neighborhood and the best hotels so you can pick the perfect spot for your trip.
Top 10 Best Hikes in Oahu: Final Thoughts
And there you have it! It’s clear that Oahu has a little bit of everything from coastal walks along Waikiki to jungle treks to quad-burning climbs that pay off with panoramic island views. And the best part is that you can reward yourself to 87,000 mai tais right after!!!
I hope this guide to the best hikes in Oahu gave you a fresh look at why the island is such a dream for nature and photography lovers. From quick trails to full-on adventures, the best Oahu hikes show you sides of the island you just can’t see from Honolulu alone. Whether you’re here for a short trip or a longer stay, make time to hit at least one trail! Just pack smart, pace yourself, and don’t forget the camera 📸
Did you get to hike any of these top 10 hikes in Oahu? Let me know in the comments below!
Visiting other parts of Oahu?
Check out my other travel guides on Oahu here!
Visiting other parts of Hawaii?
Check out my other travel guides on Hawaii here!
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii?? The majority of people might picture a million mai tais or the stunning turquoise waters of the Pacific. But me? Nope! I immediately picture some of the most breathtaking viewpoints and best hikes in Oahu I’ve ever done. Oh, and also the pounds of fresh ahi tuna poke that I eat every time I visit. But mainly the hikes 🥾
I still remember my first trip to Hawaii like it was yesterday. I was still a flight attendant at the time, that’s how long ago it was. But as soon as I hopped off the plane at HNL *cue miley cyrus voice* – I felt like I was home. You guys know I travel a lot, but Hawaii truly holds a special place in my heart (second only to London). Which I know is the total opposite vibe, but once you get a taste of the most jaw-dropping and best Oahu hikes…it becomes obvious AF why Hawaii is my happy place.
A quick search on AllTrails will show you that there are probably 100+ best Oahu hikes. Some are quick little strolls under a mile, some multi-day treks, and some aren’t even legal anymore (but still pop up on the app). I’ve spent over a decade hiking my way through Oahu, and after all that sweat and SPF – Here’s my list of the top 10 best hikes in Oahu! All completely legal and 💯 worth your time. So lace up your boots and let’s get to it 👇
Read more on Oahu 🌴
- Best Areas to Stay in Oahu: Top Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors to Hawaii
- Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina Review: A Hawaiian Escape to Remember
Looking for hikes in Maui instead?
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them (which will likely go towards overpriced airport wine or buying my dog more unnecessary toys). However, none of that impacts the integrity of my reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
10 Best Hikes in Oahu at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s your cheat sheet to the top 10 best hikes in Oahu.
- #1. Diamond Head
- #2. Ka’iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox)
- #3. ‘Ehukai Pillbox Trail
- #4. Pu’u O Hulu (Maili Pink Pillbox)
- #5. Hanauma Bay Rim Trail
- #6. Kuli’ou’ou Ridge
- #7. Crouching Lion
- #8. Koko Head
- #9. Pali Notches
- #10. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
Map of the Top 10 Best Hikes in Oahu
To help you get a lay of the land, I put together this custom map to show you the top 10 best hikes in Oahu and where each trail sits on the island! Whether it’s just outside Honolulu, tucked along the Windward Coast, or up on the North Shore 🤙
It’s the easiest way to group the best Oahu hikes by area, so you can knock out a couple in one go without wasting time (or gas) zig-zagging around da island of Oahu..
Top 10 Best Hikes in Oahu (Ranked from Easiest to Hardest)
Aaaand now the best part! I’ve ranked the top 10 best hikes in Oahu from easiest to hardest, so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into. Whether you’re looking for a quick warm-up trail (aka Diamond Head) or a leg-burner with insane views (Crouching Lion), this list makes it easy to pick the right hike for your day.
Important to note: this ranking of the best Oahu hikes is based on my own experience and fitness level. I like to think I’m in decent shape, but cardio isn’t exactly my strong suit. Please make sure to gauge your own comfort level, take proper precautions, and double-check that each hike matches your fitness and safety needs before heading out.
Ps. Planning your Hawaii trip and not sure where to stay in Oahu? Check out my complete guide breaking down each neighborhood and the best hotels in every area.
#1. Best Hikes in Oahu: Diamond Head
Hike Name: Diamond Head (Le‘ahi Summit Trail)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Diamond Head Summit Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.5 miles (2.41 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Local Tips: Definitely one of the most crowded and well-known hikes in Oahu. They recently implemented a small entry fee of $5 USD/person or $25 USD/car. Free for locals though. If you’re staying in Waikiki, I highly recommend just ordering an uber to/from then you don’t have to deal with renting a car unless you were already going to anyway! (You might want to though in order to hit this entire list of top 10 best Oahu hikes)
Why It’s Worth It: If you don’t have a drone…you are going to want to do this hike. You won’t get these epic views of Honolulu city life, mixed with the turquoise waters, and lush jungle all in one frame unless you do this hike. Plus, it’s paved so it’s easy to follow the path up. Yes it’s totally “touristy” but there’s a reason that it’s one of the easiest and best hikes in Oahu!
#2. Best Hikes in Oahu: Ka’iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox)
Hike Name: Ka‘iwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox Trail)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Lanikai Pillbox Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.6 miles (2.57 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Local Tips: Definitely best to go at sunrise. Hiking Lanikai and watching the sunrise is like a Hawaiian rite of passage. Ask any local. It’s like… THE thing to do. Also because parking can be tough in the neighborhood so you want to arrive early. Also, don’t be asshole and blast your iphone music while on the hike. Lanikai is located in a very residential area so let’s try to be respectful okay? Otherwise they’ll shut this hike down in the near future like they did all the other really great ones around the island (RIP Upper Makua Cave IYKYK)
Why It’s Worth It: Unforgettable sunrise views over the mokes + a bunch of WWII bunkers to explore make this one of the best Oahu hikes. I usually keep going all the way to the last pillbox to escape the crowds!
#3. Best Hikes in Oahu: ‘Ehukai Pillbox Trail
Hike Name: ‘Ehukai Pillbox (Sunset Pillbox) Trail
Main blog post cover photo is from this hike
AllTrails + GPS Link: Ehukai Pillbox Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~2.3 miles (3.7 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Local Tips: Unlike Lanikai, I recommend going a little bit later in the day for the best views. A lot of the trail is shaded on the way up, so the beating sun isn’t as big of a problem here as it is on Lanikai. The Trailhead starts in the Sunset Elementary parking lot which is nice.
Why It’s Worth It: This is one of my favorite hikes in Oahu because it gives me a reason to go to the North Shore. (I’m usually a Windward girlie). I know, don’t sue me. But that’s why I think ‘Ehukai Pillbox Trail is one of the best hikes in Oahu! And it’s right down the street from The Sunrise Shack. Which is the best reward after all the sweat from the descent!
Need help finding the perfect base in Oahu? Check out my full guide on where to stay in Oahu, complete with neighborhood breakdowns and hotel recommendations.
#4. Best Hikes in Oahu: Pu’u O Hulu (Maili Pink Pillbox)
Hike Name: Pu‘u O Hulu (Maili Pink Pillbox)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Pu‘u O Hulu Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.3 miles (2.09 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Local Tips: Located on the west side so afternoon hikes can get really hot. I recommend going early in the morning or about 90 minutes before sunset. Also, make sure not to leave anything visible in sight when parking. Car break-ins are a bit more common along H1 and Farrington Highway (Route 93).
Why It’s Worth It: One of the only hikes on the west side! If you’re staying in Ko Olina then you definitely need to go. But even if you’re not, Maili Pink Pillbox is a totally underrated hike in Oahu. Go hike it before it blows up! Also, there’s not many bright pink pillboxes around anymore!
#5. Best Hikes in Oahu: Hanauma Bay Rim Trail
Hike Name: Hanauma Bay Rim Trail
AllTrails + GPS Link: Hanauma Bay Rim Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~3.1 miles (6.3 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Local Tips: Zero shade at all. So bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. While the hike itself is technically moderate, this sometimes feels closer to hard because of the lack of cover.
Why It’s Worth It: But maaaaan are the views worth it. This was also one of the first hikes I did in Oahu over 10 years ago. I loved it so much because you could look straight down to the Bay and just see 800 different hues of blue. You also get panoramic views of Hanauma Bay, Koko Head, and the southeast coastline. Truly incredible and easy to see why it’s one of the top 10 hikes in Oahu.
#6. Best Hikes in Oahu: Kuli’ou’ou Ridge
Hike Name: Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail
AllTrails + GPS Link: Kuliouou Ridge Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~4.1 miles (6.60 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~3–3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Local Tips: Bring layers! The summit can be windy and misty. Since this is one of the longer trails among the best Oahu hikes, it might not be for everyone.
Why It’s Worth It: Ridge hikes are one of a kind! You’re literally walking on the top of a mountain???? What an exhilarating feeling. Or at least that’s what I think!!! And once you make it through the mist, you’ll get to witness some seriously stunning east-side views.
#7. Best Hikes in Oahu: Crouching Lion
Hike Name: Crouching Lion Hike
AllTrails + GPS Link: Crouching Lion Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~0.4 miles (0.6 km) short route / ~4 miles (6.4 km) longer loop
Estimated Time: ~30 min – 2 hours depending on route
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Local Tips: Parking is verrrrrrrrrrry limited. Although The Crouching Lion restaurant recently opened! (It was definitely not there when I first discovered this hike haha). So you can always eat there and then head on the hike!
Why It’s Worth It: The 360 degree views are unbeatable. You’re standing on a dramatic ridge above Kahana Bay with some of the island’s most photogenic views. Even though it’ll be warm, I recommend coming mid-day to ensure you get the turquoise hues reflecting off the ocean.
Looking for a place to stay close to Crouching Lion? Check out my full guide on where to stay in Oahu, complete with neighborhood breakdowns and hotel recommendations.
#8. Best Hikes in Oahu: Koko Head
Hike Name: Koko Crater Railway Trail (Koko Head)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Koko Crater Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Difficulty: Hard (AF)
Local Tips: There’s no other way to do this. You MUST go early to avoid brutal heat. Like, sunrise or bust for me.
Why It’s Worth It: Well… when was the last time you hiked an abandoned WWII train track? Assuming probably never. Koko Head is a killer workout but rewarded with panoramic views of Hanauma Bay and the east shoreline. No wonder it’s counted among the best Oahu hikes, especially for my like-minded WWII history fanatics!
#9. Best Hikes in Oahu: Pali Notches
Hike Name: Pali Notches Trail
AllTrails + GPS Link: Pali Notches Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~0.7 miles (1.1 km) round trip
Estimated Time: ~1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Hard / Technical
Local Tips: Extremely steep with rope sections. Definitely not for beginners or if it’s rained recently.
Why It’s Worth It: My girlfriend and I literally thought we were gonna die on Pali Notches a few years back. It was wet. It was covid. We made all the mistakes we were supposed to. We made it past the 2nd notches and chickened out on the 3rd. And we’re so glad we did because hooooly shit, it’s scary here. So hike this one at your own risk. But if you’re into a heart-pounding ridge climb with crazy views over the Pali cliffs, this one’s for you.
#10. Best Hikes in Oahu: Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
Hike Name: Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
AllTrails + GPS Link: Olomana Trail on AllTrails
Distance: ~4.4 miles (7 km) round trip to the first peak
Estimated Time: ~3–4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Local Tips: Technical ropes, narrow ridges, and sheer drops make this one of the most intense options among the best Oahu hikes. Most hikers stop after the first peak. You should also know that climbers have also died on this hike so go only if experienced and willing to take the risk.
Why It’s Worth It: Epic ridgeline hike with thrilling scrambles and unforgettable views.
What to Pack for Hiking in Oahu
You really don’t need to go full REI-mode to enjoy the best hikes in Oahu. (You all know I’m the farthest thing from a nature girlie but I’ll blindly sign up for a scramble just to get some epic pics).
So for the best hikes in Oahu, I’d tell you to just bring the following three basic things:
- Shoes with some basic tread (trust me, those muddy switchbacks will test you). I usually just throw in my Asics Trail Scouts (~$65 USD) and use them time and time again. Make sure to pack a plastic bag in case you need to put your muddy shoes in them.
- A super lightweight water bladder pouch you can toss in any backpack with ice to help keep you hydrated and cool during your hikes. I use this $12 USD one from Amazon and love it.
- Bug spray and sunscreen spray. That’s it. Simple, packable, and saves you from getting chomped on by mosquitos and/or fried by the sun on the best Oahu hikes!
Confused about where to stay in Oahu? Don’t worry — my guide covers every neighborhood and the best hotels so you can pick the perfect spot for your trip.
Top 10 Best Hikes in Oahu: Final Thoughts
And there you have it! It’s clear that Oahu has a little bit of everything from coastal walks along Waikiki to jungle treks to quad-burning climbs that pay off with panoramic island views. And the best part is that you can reward yourself to 87,000 mai tais right after!!!
I hope this guide to the best hikes in Oahu gave you a fresh look at why the island is such a dream for nature and photography lovers. From quick trails to full-on adventures, the best Oahu hikes show you sides of the island you just can’t see from Honolulu alone. Whether you’re here for a short trip or a longer stay, make time to hit at least one trail! Just pack smart, pace yourself, and don’t forget the camera 📸
Did you get to hike any of these top 10 hikes in Oahu? Let me know in the comments below!
Visiting other parts of Oahu?
Check out my other travel guides on Oahu here!
Visiting other parts of Hawaii?
Check out my other travel guides on Hawaii here!
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