Waimano Falls
One of Oahu's most famous hikes, with a multi-tiered waterfall and beautiful pools at the end.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 4.6 km
- Ascent
- 264 m
- Descent
- 264 m
Home to Hawaii's capital of Honolulu, Oahu offers a fantastic array of hiking trails to explore.
Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Severe, Extreme
Even though the island of Oahu is far and away Hawaii's most populous island (thanks to the presence of the metropolitan capital of Honolulu), this gorgeous tropical island still offers incredible natural beauty and seemingly endless adventures! While Oahu is best known for surfing and snorkeling, the center of the island rises in a conglomeration of volcanic cones and jagged ridgelines, creating a landscape that is, at times, unbelievably steep. While it seems improbable, a thick rainforest blankets the nearly-vertical mountain slopes, adding a dense layer of mystery and intrigue to the volcanic formations.
Hiking through these rainforest-covered mountains is generally a very challenging endeavor. While the tough climbs in near-vertical terrain would be difficult enough on their own, the rainforest ecosystem means that the trails are laced with endless webs of roots that are usually very slippery due to the near-constant rain. In between the roots, slick mud prevails and is only replaced by massive rocks and sections of technical scrambling. On many Hawaiian hikes, you'll find knotted ropes hanging from the trees in the steeper sections to aid you in your climb. However, these ropes can sometimes be quite sketchy and unreliable due to the pervasive inclement weather.
The most challenging hikes in this guidebook will definitely put your skills and fitness to the test, especially the climb up Mount Olomana and the Moanalua Valley and Tripler Ridge Loop. The most technical hikes on the island should be approached with extreme caution, as some trails, like Mount Olomana, have claimed many lives.
Despite Oahu's renowned difficulty, the hikes on the island still exist on a spectrum. Other trails deep in the mountains are a bit more reasonable, such as the Aiea Loop Trail and Kuliouou Ridge. As you head closer to the ocean, the hikes tend to get a bit flatter and more gradual. In fact, you'll find some easy hikes along the coast, such as the beautiful jaunt to Makapu'u Point Lighthouse. Other can't-miss hikes on the easier end of the spectrum include the short climb to Diamond Head Summit directly above Honolulu and the hike to the stunning Manoa Falls.
You'll find all these hikes and more in this detailed guide to the best hikes on Oahu!
One of Oahu's most famous hikes, with a multi-tiered waterfall and beautiful pools at the end.
Severe Hiking
A mellow hike to a beautiful 100-foot-tall waterfall.
Moderate Hiking
One of the most stunning views of O'ahu's southeastern coastline.
Easy Hiking
Climb to a stunning overlook of the east side of Oahu.
Difficult Hiking
A steep hike up an abandoned set of tramway tracks leads to a stupendous view!
Severe Hiking
A technically easy but aerobically difficult hike to a stunning viewpoint.
Moderate Hiking
A stunning hike high in the mountains of Oahu.
Difficult Hiking
A steep, technical climb to the summit of Mount Olomana.
Extreme Hiking
A stiff climb to a beautiful ridgeline.
Severe Hiking
A rewarding hike with stunning views of the famous surf spots on Oahu's North Shore and a dose of history.
Moderate Hiking
This long, steep hike on Oahu's north shore leads to a beautiful elevated ridgeline.
Difficult Hiking
This short, popular hike leads to two historic pillboxes, which offer spectacular views of the beach and the ocean beyond.
Moderate Hiking
An easy hike along an old railroad bed provides stunning views from the westernmost point of Oahu.
Easy Hiking
The Makiki Valley Loop
Difficult Hiking
A short, bucolic hike through forests on the edge of Honolulu
Moderate Hiking
A long and spectacular ridge journey through the heart of Oahu
Difficult Hiking
25 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
4 routes · Hiking
6 routes · Hiking
7 routes · Hiking
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
10 routes · Hiking