Lacks tree cover and can be vulnerable to sun, wind, or drop-offs.
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.