Easy Oahu Hikes
Oahu has some of the most stunning landscapes around the island with fantastic trails to explore. Many of these trails offer beautiful vista points, gorgeous waterfalls and lush tropical landscape to enjoy on these fun and easy Oahu Hikes.
These hikes are perfect for multi-generational families, they are kid friendly and also those with mobility issues but still want to be outdoors and see some gorgeous scenery.
These easy hikes are for all different age groups and are also shorter in length and may be on paved roads or solid gravel or dirt that may have some incline and can be under 3 miles roundtrip as an activity.
They are the perfect half day activity to do in the morning or later in the afternoon and the rest of your time can also do some other fun sightseeing around the island.
11 Easy Oahu Hikes with diverse landscape and features (fun, coastline, gardens, forests even waterfall hikes)
Easy hikes FAQ
How many outdoor hikes are there in Oahu
There approximately over 200 hiking trails that you can do around Oahu
What is the easiest and fun hiking trail on Oahu?
Probably the most rewarding trail to do with a nice waterfall at the end is Waimea Valley and Falls which is an easy beginner trail to do.
Be sure to be prepared for your hiking adventure with weather that maybe changing or different in the area that you are headed to
Bring your bug spray, sunscreen, hats and plenty of water and snacks for breaks that you may need to do along the way.
Lower elevation hikes tend to be closer to the shoreline and those at the peaks are a little more
challenging but often have the best views.
Do not attempt to drink water from any water sources which untreated can lead to severe reactions, so always bring ample water for your hikes.
Top 11 easy hiking trails to do in Oahu
1. Waimea Valley and Waterfall
Located on the North Shore of the island and right opposite of Waimea Bay, the Waimea Valley Botanical Garden and Waterfall is spectacular. A family friendly venue with a fabulous hike to Waimea Falls at the end. This beginner hike is pave most of the way to the waterfalls.
The roundtrip hike to the falls and back is about xx miles and is on a slight uphill grade that is easy for most ages. There is also a tram that can take you direct to the waterfall if you prefer to ride up all the way to the falls.
2. Manoa Falls
Located close to Honolulu at the University of Manoa, Manoa falls is about 1.6 miles roundtrip on a slight grade and goes through dirt trails. Skirting through lush forests and a stream bed, you’ll eventually reach the waterfall base. The falls enter a shallow pond with big rocks surrounding it and no swimming is allowed at the base of the falls.
3. Makapu’u Lighthouse trail
The second most popular hike in Oahu after Diamond Head, the Makapu’u lighthouse trail is located on the southeast side of the island and just a short 20-minute drive from Honolulu area. Called the Kaiwi Scenic Shoreline, there is a parking lot and the trail is paved all the way to the observation area. With just a slight incline the roundtrip distance to the observation point and back is less than xxxx miles.
You’ll enjoy spectacular views all around the eastern coastline of the island and from the observation point and different view points see Lanai and Molokai Island from a distance and Makapu’u beach, Koko Head and the entire eastern coastal areas and beyond to the North Shore.
4. Kamananui Valley trail
A gorgeous valley that dates back to 1500s with a significant history behind it, Kamananui Valley is a hike that runs about 8 miles roundtrip. With lush verdant jungle settings and viewpoints, the hike is pretty straightforward and relatively easy but a longer hike to do with children.
Mostly dirt, gravel and muddy terrain as you hear soft water sounds and views along the way with these beautiful tree tunnels and indigenous plants and flora gives it a serene and peaceful vibe.
5. Lanikai Pillboxes
A little bit more challenging heading up the hillsides on the eastern windward side towards Lanikai, the Lanikai Pillbox hike is gorgeous.
Known as the Kaiwa Ridge hiking trail, the entire hike is about 2 miles long and takes about an hour to hike to both pill boxes or military defense boxes that were used to defend the island during WWII.
The pillboxes are decorated with graffiti and make resting points and also great lookout spots to Lanikai below and the gorgeous Moke islands off in the distance.
The beginning part of the trail is a little steep and slippery but gradually becomes easier on the trail. You can visit both pillboxes but the second one does involve a little bit more climbing to get to so if you are with younger kids then just doing one pillbox would be sufficient.
6. Ala Moana Beach Park
This scenic hike is also an easy beginner trail through the Ala Moana Beach area and all the way to Magic Island and the Ala Moana Harbor area.
The waterfront trail is all paved and skirts the beach areas of Ala Moana and through the man made lagoon area of Magic Island and then winds through to the boat harbor area.
You can continue in a loop fashion on the perimeter of the park area or go back along the shoreline trail to the starting point where you parked.
7. Ehukai pillbox hike
Another fun and scenic pillbox hike, this one located on the north shore area above Ehukai beach. The round trip distance for this hike is only 4km with a hike up to the summit and back taking about an hour round trip.
Hiking through lush grassy and tree forested areas on dirt trails, the accent is relatively easy with a small grade until you reach the top and to the pill box. From here you’ll get fantastic views below of Ehukai beach, the Banzai Pipeline (if your there during the winter time) and a gorgeous sunset view if you plan on getting there late afternoon to early evening for sunset time.
It is just magical being here at Ehukai pillbox area
8. Makiki Valley Trail
One of the easy get to hikes just a short drive from Honolulu, the Makiki Valley Trail is a lush verdant valley with a quiet trail filled with ferns, indigenous pants and natural tree arches that span through the trail.
Located in the quiet neighborhood of Makiki, the entire trail is about 5 km and a sight incline to hike through mostly dirt and muddy trail areas.
9. Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail
This scenic hike takes you through the Hanauma Bay ride area on a trail that is 3.5 miles or approx 5 km and takes about 1 1/2 hours up and back.
From the Koko Head parking lot the trail head passes through the most scenic spots on the east side with gorgeous views of Hanauma Bay from above, Koko Head Crater and the gorgeous east coastline to admire and take some photographs to capture your time spent on this trail
10. Koko Head Botanical Garden Hike
This is an easy and family friendly hike visiting the botanical gardens of Koko Head. Winding through a loop trail on mostly dirt / gravel roads which is about 1.7 miles on flat areas, it takes about an hour to complete.
A gorgeous garden walk through this arid garden setting with many mediterranean style plants, cactus and succulents that thrive in the area along with birding, running and hiking enthusiasts enjoying the trails here at Koko Head.
11. Diamond Head Trail
The most popular and iconic hike to do at Waikiki is Diamond Head, the large crater that juts out at the end of Honolulu and is typically a part of every picture taken in Waikiki area.
The trail itself is about 3km and takes about 1 – 1 1/2 hours depending on time spent viewing and getting photographs. The trail starts with paved road until you reach the crater rim and its all uphill climb through switchbacks, tunnels and stairs until you reach the rim. Above, you’ll get amazing views of the entire coastline, Honolulu and the eastern side of the island while you climb back downhill on the rim side exit.
Further Reading on Oahu
Here’s more inspiration to visiting the island, landscapes and cool things to do here
Explore and hike Waimea Valley
Free or cheap things to do in Oahu
Enjoy a day on the beach at Lanikai
Family friendly beaches in Oahu
Visit the North Shore of Oahu and places to explore
Explore Haleiwa town and surrounding area.
Beach day at Waimea Bay for swim, surf and snorkeling fun
Conclusion to 11 easy trail hikes in Oahu
I hope you enjoyed this guide to some of the best short and easy hikes on Oahu, Hawaii. If you enjoyed the post, please share it with any of the social media buttons below.
Happy hiking!
0 Comments