Mānoa Falls flowing through bright Oahu rainforest
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Hiking Guide

Best Oahu Hikes
& Trails

From easy waterfall walks to challenging summit climbs — all with Jeep-friendly parking.

10 min read8 trailsUpdated 2026
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Diamond Head
Popular
Easy

Diamond Head

Oahu's most iconic hike through a volcanic crater with panoramic views of Waikiki.

Time

1.5-2 hrs

Distance

1.6 miles

Elevation

560 ft

Parking

Paid lot $10

Best Time: Early morning for sunrise or late afternoon

Warning: Gets very crowded and hot midday. Reserve timed entry online.

Koko Head
Popular
Hard

Koko Head

Brutal 1,048 railway tie stairs up an old military tramway. Not for the faint of heart!

Time

1-1.5 hrs

Distance

1.8 miles

Elevation

1,048 ft

Parking

Free lot

Best Time: Early morning to beat the heat

Warning: Extremely steep and challenging. No shade. Take breaks as needed.

Lanikai Pillbox
Popular
Moderate

Lanikai Pillbox

Short but steep hike to WWII bunkers with breathtaking views of Lanikai Beach and Mokulua Islands.

Time

1 hr

Distance

1.8 miles

Elevation

600 ft

Parking

Street parking

Best Time: Sunrise - THE spot for sunrise photos

Warning: Steep and slippery when wet. Limited parking - arrive early.

Makapu'u Lighthouse
Easy

Makapu'u Lighthouse

Paved trail with stunning coastal views. Great for whale watching November-April.

Time

1 hr

Distance

2 miles

Elevation

500 ft

Parking

Free lot

Best Time: Morning or late afternoon

Warning: Fully exposed to sun - no shade on trail.

Manoa Falls
Popular
Easy

Manoa Falls

Lush rainforest trail leading to a beautiful 150-foot waterfall.

Time

1 hr

Distance

1.6 miles

Elevation

400 ft

Parking

Paid lot $7

Best Time: Morning after rain for best waterfall flow

Warning: Trail can be muddy and slippery. Mosquitoes can be intense.

Ehukai Pillbox
Moderate

Ehukai Pillbox

North Shore's answer to Lanikai Pillbox with views of famous surf breaks.

Time

1 hr

Distance

2 miles

Elevation

450 ft

Parking

Street parking

Best Time: Sunrise or sunset

Warning: Trail can be overgrown in sections.

Ka'ena Point
Moderate

Ka'ena Point

Remote coastal trail to Oahu's westernmost point. Monk seals and albatross nesting.

Time

3 hrs

Distance

5 miles

Elevation

Flat

Parking

Free lot

Best Time: Winter for whale watching, spring for albatross

Warning: No shade, very exposed. Bring more water than you think!

Aiea Loop
Moderate

Aiea Loop

Forest loop trail with views of Pearl Harbor and remnants of WWII plane crash.

Time

3-4 hrs

Distance

4.8 miles

Elevation

900 ft

Parking

Free lot

Best Time: Morning for cooler temperatures

Warning: Can be muddy. Watch for wild pigs.

Ready to Hit the Trails?

Your Jeep gets you to trailheads that regular cars can't reach.