Explore Oʻahu’s trails to waterfalls, ridgelines, pillboxes, and coastal lookouts—each offering a new way to connect with the island’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re up for a quick scenic walk or a challenging summit, our hiking picks are curated for unforgettable views and memorable outdoor moments.
Tucked deep within a quiet valley in Hawaiʻi Kai, the Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail is a local favorite for those seeking a more secluded and rewarding ridge hike. This moderately strenuous route begins in a shaded forest and rises steadily to a sweeping ridgeline lookout, offering panoramic views that span from Waimānalo to Koko Crater and beyond.
Behind the world-famous surf breaks of the North Shore lies a trail less traveled but equally rewarding. The ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail begins just across from ʻEhukai Beach Park and climbs steadily through shaded forest terrain to reveal panoramic views of Sunset Beach, Pupukea, and Waimea Bay. With its mix of peaceful woods and dramatic coastal lookouts, this hike offers a quieter contrast to the bustling beach scene below.
Winding through the uplands of Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, the ʻAiea Loop Trail offers a tranquil escape from Oʻahu’s more crowded corners. Tucked just above Hālawa Valley, this 4.8-mile loop meanders through groves of eucalyptus and native koa, filling the air with earthy pine scents and soft birdsong. A local favorite for its shaded paths and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the kind of trail that invites you to slow your pace and breathe deeply.
At the southeastern tip of Oʻahu, the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail carves a gentle path along the island’s rugged coastline. This two-mile, fully paved trail offers an easy but visually stunning hike that culminates in one of Oʻahu’s most breathtaking vistas—making it a favorite for families, early risers, and wildlife watchers.
On Oʻahu’s southeastern shore near Hawaiʻi Kai, a challenging path climbs the side of a volcanic crater. Known as the Koko Crater Railway Trail, or simply “Koko Head,” this intense hike follows a set of old railway tracks—remnants of a World War II-era military tramway. Ascending nearly a thousand feet in under a mile, the trail offers one of the island’s most iconic cardio challenges, leading to a sweeping 360-degree view from the summit.