3 Best Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii’s best hikes offer unparalleled ocean views across the breathtakingly verdant tropical countryside. Oahu has several of the best trails in all of Hawaii, and each one is surprisingly unique.
Regardless of what brings you to Oahu, at least one of these hikes should be on the top of your to-do list.
The Best Hikes on Oahu
There are many fantastic trails to walk, hike, bike, and run all around the island. Here are Oahu’s three best hikes.
1. Ka’ena Point Trail
Photo: Andrew Thomas
- Length: 6 to 11 miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Elevation Gain: ~225 to 550 feet
Oddly enough, there are two trailheads for the Ka’ena Point Trail, and they each start on different sides of the island. From the Wai’anae or southwest side of the island, the trailhead can be found at the end of the paved road in Ka’ena Point State Park. This section of the train leading toward Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve features tidepools, blowholes, and strikingly white cliffs.
Alternatively, you can approach the reserve from the Mokule’ia or northern side of Oahu where, again, you’ll park at the end of the paved road and hike along the shoreline. Here, you’ll traverse an undulating coastal plain that is home to nesting seabirds and sand dunes.
Wherever you start, the entire trail is a treat, especially at Ka’ena Point which lies right in between the two trailheads. This special place is home to a protected seabird nesting sight where several types of albatross can be seen during certain seasons. The nesting area is protected from predators by the fence which surrounds it. Seeing these birds is a special treat and privilege, so tread with respect. You can also bask in the sun at the stunning white stone beach beneath the nesting area.
2. Diamond Head (Le’ahi) Summit Trail
Photo: atmtx
- Length: 1.8 miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Elevation Gain: ~450 feet
This is the one trail on Oahu that every hiking guide tells you to do, and there’s reason for it. Diamond Head (Le’ahi as it is known to the locals), rises above the southern end of Honolulu, jutting out into the ocean like the brow of a mighty tuna.
The trek up to the top is likely to be crowded because this is where every tourist is sure to go if they’re going to get at least one hike in during their time on the island, but it truly is a spectacular hike with arguably the island’s best view at its summit.
Plus, you can grab an ice-cold Dole whip to cool off at the trailhead once you’re done with your hike.
3. Koko Crater Railway Trail
Photo: Tavis Wong
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Elevation Gain: 885 feet
The Koko Crater Railway Trail is a tough hike — you need to be ready for the challenge with plenty of water and snacks. Once you park your car, it’s all uphill from there. This hike is literally on top of an aging, abandoned railway that ascends to Koko Lookout, gradually becoming steeper as it nears the summit.
It’s a good thing that the railway ties are still embedded in the dirt because they provide much-needed traction for this trek. This makes for an interesting and unique hiking experience that makes the journey something to remember, but the views are what make it unforgettable.
As you climb, you can turn around every so often to see the famed Hanauma Bay at your back, and once you climb high enough, the island of Molokai pops into view. Once at the top, you can catch your breath at the lookout overlooking Koko Crater and the botanical garden within.
