MAKIKI TANTALUS
The grand tour of Oahu's Mauka Trail system with beautiful plants and trees, a bamboo forests, and of course epic mountain and valley views.
Hiking Trails On Oahu
UPPER MANOA FALLS
Escape from the tourists with this short, but tricky, climb to the upper falls where you can bask in this small pool and soak in the views.
KAENA POINT: THE COASTAL TRAIL and PILLBOX
A shoreline trail that takes you past tidepools and blowholes to a bird sanctuary and Oahu's westernmost point.
CROUCHING LION
A short but steep climb in Oahu that takes around 1 to 2 hours. Beginner hikers coming to Hawaii will enjoy this one.
MAKAPU'U TOM TOM TRAIL: THE PUKA and KAMEHAME STAIRS
Trek along the southernmost portion of the KST to a natural puka and secret stairs. The epic coastal views the w is just a bonus.
PU'U HAPAPA
Scrambles, narrow ridges, and views make this uniquely located central Oahu ridge a great change of scenery for the avid hiker.
MAKAPU'U NIGHT HIKE
Night hikes? Sure they're a thing if you want them to be. And a full moon on the calendar makes the adventure all the more special.
PU'U KALENA
Reaching Oahu's second highest peak is no easy task. Tackling this raw, unmaintained ridge is sure to leave you with many cuts and bruises.
PU'U MANAMANA TURNOVER TRAIL
With narrow ridges, hair-raising free climbs, and insane views, this ridge is sure to satisfy any sight-seeking adrenaline junkie.
HAHAIONE to PYRAMID ROCK
Rock scrambling, a bit of KST ridge hiking, and great views will accompany you on this low traffic southern Oahu hike.
PU'U PIEI
Dangerously beautiful, this ridge is full of free climbs, steep dropoffs and epic ocean and valley views. Not for the faint of heart.
WAIMANO TUNNELS and LOOP TRAIL
Trek through (or around) old irrigation tunnels to reach a pleasant valley lookout. A great hike for all skill levels.
MOUNT KA'ALA: THE HIGHEST PEAK ON OAHU
A grueling 7+ mile hike/scramble with over 3500 feet of elevation gain is what it takes to reach Oahu's highest peak. Worth it? Definitely.
WAIMANO RIDGE TRAIL
At 15 miles, this is one of the longest ridge hikes on Oahu. Bring snacks, friends, and maybe some tunes for this endurance challenge.
MO'OLE VALLEY FALLS
With the potential to see 8 falls, this is hike is waterfall chaser's dream. Expect to get very muddy on this messy adventure.
KALAWAHINE TRAIL to KONAHUANUI 2 (K2)
Fun and challenging ridge hike, full of mud, scrambling, and epic views that lead to the Ko'olau's second highest peak.
CHINA WALLS (Honolulu)
Sea cliffs with a bit of something for everyone-- surfing, snorkeling, cliff jumping or straight chilling. This spot is an Oahu gem.
KEALIA TRAIL to MAKUA VALLEY
The North Shore's premier hike. With views of both those epic swells and later the majestic Makua Valley, this trail is worth the drive.
MOLEKA TRAIL to UALAKA'A TRAIL
A little taste of the Tantalus trail system, this short wooded trek leads you to one of the best sunset spots on Oahu.
KA'AU CRATER
Waterfalls, a crater, and ridge hiking, make this one of the most diverse and epic trails in all of Oahu. Don't forget your camera.
PALI NOTCHES to KONAHUANUI 1 (K1) to MANOA MIDDLE
An adrenaline-filled dangerous hike/climb to the Ko'olau Mountains highest peak. This is an adventure you're sure to remember.
WAILUPE LOOP TRAIL
Some good views, a bit of KST traverse hiking, and a solid workout, this loop is great for those looking to explore a trail less travelled.
HAU'ULA-WAIPILOPILO LOOP TRAIL
Expect a bit of mud and some overgrown sections on this intermediate ridge, but nice foliage and coastal views make this a balanced hike.
MALEAKAHANA STATE PARK CAMPING
One of Hawaii's many state campgrounds. Roll out of your tent on to a beach to watch the sun rise over the Pacific. Hard to beat.
KO OLINA LAGOONS
Tuckered out from all the hiking? Head over to Ko'Olina's public lagoons for a little suntanning and some R&R.
KANEOHE BAY SANDBAR
Oahu's natural beauty at it's best. Catch a ride out to this sandbar, crack some liquid aloha, and enjoy the eye-watering scenery.
LANIPO RIDGE (MAU'UMAE) TRAIL
Your standard KST ridge-- long, ungraded, overgrown, but also epic views. This ones sure to provide some memories (and maybe a few cuts).
WAIMANO FALLS
3 mile return hike to a multi-tiered waterfall and swimming hole. Be ready to get muddy.
MAUNAWILI TRAIL
Experience the grandeur of the Ko'olaus as you parallel this mountain range, staring up at these beautiful green giants.
NORTH SHORE SUNFLOWER FIELDS
Typically in bloom between September and December, this Oahu gem is perfect for photographers, flower-lovers, and tourists alike.
ONEAWA HILLS (KAPAA QUARRY HIKE)
Lesser-known foothill that leads to a scenic lookout of Kapa'a Quarry and the Ko'olaus. Sure it looks radioactive but still beautiful.
KAPALAMA TRAIL to PU'U LANIHULI
Low trafficked and overgrown ridge to this prominent Ko'olau summit. Hope for some clear weather, because the views up here are stellar.
BOWMAN TRAIL
Long, grueling ridge to the Ko'olau summit. Expect a few scrapes and muddy shoes, but also some great views on this tough ridge.
MAKAUA FALLS
A wet and slippery tramp up a dry(ish) stream bed to a large and secluded waterfall. A little bit of balance goes a long way on this one.
KAHEKILI RIDGE to MANAMANA
A waterfall, sharp and narrow ridges, rock scrambling and free climbing, and eye watering views. This loop is Oahu hiking at its best.
MA'AKUA RIDGE TRAIL
Easy, shaded trail with ocean views that look out over windward Oahu. A great hike to soak in some nature without the crowds.
WILIWILINUI RIDGE TRAIL
A solid workout with epic views, this conveniently located ridge is sure to scratch any sort of hiking itch.
BOLOHEAD RIDGE
At alternative route to Oahu's highest peak. Narrow ridges, sketchy free climbs, and crumbly rock make this one of Oahu's most extreme hikes
AIEA LOOP TRAIL
This pleasant loop makes for a perfect stroll through the trees with periodic valley lookouts. And if you need a bit extra, trail run it!
EHUKAI PILLBOX HIKE
The North Shore's premier pillbox hike. This short and easy trail is great for sunset or to check out those gnarly winter swells.
HAWAII LOA RIDGE
While it does require a parking permit, the perk of that nuisance means you get much of this stellar ridge to yourself. Sweet solitude.
LULUMAHU FALLS
Relatively drama-free hike to a medium sized waterfall. The lush green foliage is sure to get your camera clicking.
WAIAKEAKUA FALLS
Best after heavy rain, this larger waterfall in Manoa Valley can be a nice treat for those ready for a slippery and muddy adventure.
KAMAILE'UNU RIDGE
Challenging west side ridge to the third highest peak on Oahu. Bring lots of water.
TWIN PALI FALLS
Only visible after heavy rains, this split flow waterfall with its lush green surroundings creates a wild and beautiful composition.
STAIRWAY TO HELL
The little known and far more grueling of Oahu's windward stair hikes. Sure it's not heaven, but the views are fire.
PU'U O KONA via KULI'OU'OU RIDGE
A spin off from the popular Kuli'ou'ou Ridge, this hike includes some steep scrambles and narrow sections. A great advanced ridge intro.
AIEA RIDGE TRAIL
Long ungraded ridge that shoots off from the popular Aiea Loop trail. Catch this on a clear day and those summit views of K-Bay are EPIC!
PU'U OHULEHULE-NORTHWEST RIDGE
Strenuous, sketchy, and overgrown, but the incredible views of Kualoa Ranch and the windward coast make this challenging ridge worth it.
WEST KULI'OU'OU RIDGE
The unmaintained, less trafficked, and sketchier neighbor to the popular Kuli'ou'ou ridge. Worth it? Absolutely.
LAIE FALLS
Beautiful ridge hike through Cook pines and guava trees to this small waterfall and swimming hole. Don't forget your swimsuit.
PALI PUKA
Short, but skinny ridge hike to a hole in the ridge (puka), which perfectly frames the windward coast, creating an epic photo opportunity.
UPPER MAKUA CAVE
Short scrambly hike to a natural cave that creates a framed view of the western coastline. Make sure to bring that wide angle lens!
LAIE RIDGE
Lengthly, low-trafficked ridge gives you a uniquely beautiful perspective of windward and central Oahu. Long pants encouraged.
KALAUAO FALLS via AIEA LOOP TRAIL
An authentic Oahu waterfall experience, a steep and slippery descent into the valley will reward you with this medium-sized beauty.
PALI NOTCHES
Dangerously beautiful, this notorious hike is the ultimate hiking/climbing adventure. Bring some extra courage with you on this one.
KULEPEAMOA LOOP TRAIL
Lesser known ridge which provides classic leeward views and bit of Ko'olau traverse hiking.
WAIPUILANI FALLS
Split flow waterfall visible after heavy rains. Bring a GPS and some patience as you will probably get lost a few times...
WA'AHILA RIDGE TRAIL to MOUNT OLYMPUS (AWAAWALOA)
Narrow ridges, a bit of scrambling, and epic windward and leeward summit views make this trail my go to quick(ish) hiking fix.
MAKAPU'U LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL and TIDE POOLS
Paved trail that ends at a lookout of a lighthouse and Oahu's windward coastline. Bonus adventure to tide pools and a pillbox also possible.
PU'U HELEAKALA
Ungraded and shadeless ridge in western Oahu that terminates at an overlook of a pyramid shaped neighbor ridge. A hot and quick calf burner.
KOKO CRATER RIM LOOP HIKE
Take the scenic route on this fun and (somewhat) sketchy scramble around this volcanic tuff cone. Watch out for the cacti!
PAPALI UKA
Little known trail on windward Oahu with junctions to gems like The Nipple, Sacred Falls, and the KST. A veteran hiker type of trail.
PU'U PIA
Short shaded hike through beautiful Koa trees that leads to a pleasant lookout. Hike it during guava season for an even sweeter experience.
KOKO CRATER ARCH
A short hike on the exterior of volcanic crater to this cool-looking rock arch, with beautiful sights of the coast. A nice quick hiking fix.
TRIPLER RIDGE
Low-trafficked Ko'olau finger ridge with beautiful 360 summit views on a clear day. As a bonus, take the KST to the iconic haiku stairs.
MOANALUA MIDDLE RIDGE to HAIKU STAIRS
Known as backside to stairway, this ridge, with sharp dropoffs and steep scrambles, is a tough one. But that is the best path to heaven.
LANIKAI PILLBOX HIKE
One of Oahu's most popular hikes. This short ridge takes you to historic lookouts that overlook Oahu's stunning windward coast.
MANOA MIDDLE RIDGE
Upper intermediate ridge near Honolulu, with 360 degree summit views on a clear day. Connect it to Mount Olympus for some KST traverse fun.
PU'U O HULU
Nicknamed pink pillbox hike, this popular west-side hike is a great bang for your buck with epic views in a relatively easy hike.
KAWIWI to KAMAILE'UNU to KNIFE'S EDGE RIDGE
A one way trek on seldom trafficked ridges filled with gnarly free climbs, narrow and crumbly rock and serious dropoffs. This is extreme.
FRIENDSHIP GARDENS TRAIL
Short, shaded trail through a bamboo forest that leads to nice lookout of Kaneohe Bay. A nice capstone hike to a busy day.
HAMAMA FALLS
Mostly paved hike in Kaneohe that takes you through Waihe'e valley and ends at a small waterfall. Perfect for a rainy day.
Scenic Walk through Kawanui Marsh
This path is a pleasant and scenic stroll in Kailua, that passes through Kawanui Marsh and features incredible views of the Ko'olau Mountain Range.
MAUNA LAHILAHI
A very short scramble up a small mauna on the coast of western Oahu. May not be a long one, but those coastal sunset views can't be beat.
KOKO CRATER STAIRS
More of a workout than a hike, climb >1000 stairs to the summit of this volcanic crater. Make sure you warm up before this leg burner.
MOUNT OLYMPUS via KOLOWALU TRAIL
A quick burner that will get you to Ko'olau summit without too much drama. Catch it on a clear day and you will be happy you made the trek.
HAIKU STAIRS to MOANALUA MIDDLE RIDGE
One way trek up Stairway to Heaven and down an ungraded Ko'olau finger ridge. Challenging, sketchy, beautiful, and full of drama.
PU'U MA'ELI'ELI
Short, sometimes muddy foothill that leads to pillbox overlooking the gorgeous Kaneohe Bay. A lot of bang for your buck on this hike
KALIHI ICE PONDS (NAOHIA FALLS)
This small waterfall and swimming hole is about as easy as it gets for waterfall hikes. The catch? It's not exactly allowed...
HANAUMA BAY RIM TRAIL and ROCK BRIDGE
Beautiful loop that gives a great perspective of Hanauma Bay, before descending into Koko Head to sea level to a natural rock bridge.
LIKEKE FALLS
Short and sweet, this casual, wet stroll through the trees will take you to this small and pleasant waterfall. A good one for kids and dogs.
MAUNAWILI ADVENTURE: THE FALLS, SECRET BRIDGE AND CLIFF JUMPING
Your standard wet and muddy waterfall hike. But with cliff jumping and a secret bridge, these falls have a bit of extra magic.
OLOMANA TRAIL (THREE PEAKS Hike) in Oahu
Advanced hike that summits 3 separate peaks of this standalone mauna. The challenge, danger, and insane views make this one of Oahu's best.
MANANA RIDGE TRAIL
Slow and steady wins this race. At 12 miles, this lengthy ridge is an endurance challenge, but worth it for those Ko'olau summit views.
KULANA'AHANE TRAIL to H3 LOOKOUT
Trek deep into Moanalua Valley, crossing streams and dodging mud, before a steep ridge ascent to an epic lookout. Cameras required.
KULI'OU'OU RIDGE TRAIL
Popular intermediate trail with beautiful Cooke pine forest and great windward views. A perfect intro to Oahu's great ridge hiking.
KAUNALA LOOP to PUPUKEA SUMMIT TRAIL
Where the Ko'olaus begin (or end), trek through the northernmost portion of this iconic Oahu mountain range.
NU'UANU JUDD TRAIL
This muddy hike has a bit of everything-- a bamboo forest, awesome valley views, and even a little waterfall. Don't forget your swimsuit!
KEA'AU MIDDLE RIDGE
With fun scrambles, narrow ridges, and insane views, this ridge has all the traits of a great west side hike. Just watch out for cow manure!
Kamanaiki Ridge Trail
Little known ridge near Honolulu that leads to a pleasant lookout. And if you time it right you may even find some juicy guava!