These are the best scenic walks in Oahu for exceptional views

By Dora W. Deese On Sep 20, 2021

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Oahu is undeniably beautiful, but these walks take visitors to views they can’t get from the road or the beach.

Oahu may be known as the best island for snorkeling in Hawaii, but it’s also one of the best places to start exploring the trails. With its unparalleled beauty, majestic lush rainforests, and impressive seaside cliffs, it’s easy to see why so many prefer hiking boots to flip-flops when on vacation.

Some of the best trails are also some of the easiest, while Oahu has some challenging but rewarding hikes too. From sweeping ocean views to complete immersion in Hawaii’s natural flora, here are the best walks on this stunning Hawaiian island.

Related: What is the best Hawaiian island and when is the best time to travel? Your questions answered

8th Koko crater path

The Koko Crater Trail is an easy drive from Waikiki, and the hike itself is rated as an easy to moderate hike. It’s one of the shorter trails, just under two miles in length, which makes it a great option to fit in an early morning or to end the day. Much of the trail, hikers hike past fields of beautiful wildflowers, while the Koko Crater Botanical Garden awaits them with panoramic views of the ocean at the top.

7th Diamond Head hike

The Diamond Head Hike follows a moderate trail to the top of the Diamond Head State Monument. Over the course of just under a mile, hikers reach a total elevation of 560 feet, which can be a little tiring for those who are not avid hikers. However, the view at the top more than makes up for the effort. The summit offers an almost 360 degree view over the surrounding hills and the sea.

6th Waimea Falls Park

One of Hawaii’s greatest attractions is the waterfalls, which always give visitors a sense of calm and serenity. An easy park for those new to Hawaii hiking, Waimea Falls Park follows a paved road to a short dirt road that leads to the falls. Along the way, hikers stroll through a lush botanical garden before being greeted by a water cascade.

5 Ehukai pillbox hike

This trail is rated as difficult because while it is not very long, it is an arduous task to get to the top. The trail extends for about a mile and a half with steep inclines for a good portion of the trail, making it far more challenging than it seems. At the end, hikers have phenomenal views of the Seven Mile Miracle as well as the North Shore of Oahu and have the option to stand or sit on one of the hike’s famous bunkers (hence the name).

4th Ka’iwa Ridge Trail

Also known as the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, this trail is rated as moderate and is a great alternative to the northern pillbox hike. This trail is more of a steady incline than steep inclines and extends for about a mile total. At the end, hikers have an incredible view over Lanikai Beach and hikers have the option to go even further at the end to climb the ridge. In total, the entire hike should only take about an hour and a half there and back.

3 Manoa Falls Trail

This incredibly easy hike (which is more like a leisurely stroll) offers tremendous beauty for those who want to walk it. All the slopes along the hike are not very demanding and the path is less than 3 km in total. It’s also a 15-minute drive from Honolulu, which makes it a great option when the itinerary is particularly busy. Those who take this hike will feel like they are meandering through a thick, lush rainforest – because they are! It best shows the beauty of Oahu’s green.

2 Makapuu Point & Lighthouse Trail

No trip to Oahu would be complete without a hike around Makapuu Lighthouse, and the trail isn’t too difficult even for a beginner. The entrance to the trail is just off the freeway and is just over ten minutes from Honolulu, so it easily fits into a tour. Along the way, hikers have views 600 feet above sea level, as well as panoramic views of the coastline and the lighthouse. It’s also the perfect place to go whale watching!

1 Pu’u Piei path

For those looking for a real challenge, the Pu’u Piei Trail is one that should be added to the list. This trail winds through the thick scrub for about two and a half miles, but it’s the steep inclines that add to the difficulty. It usually takes about two hours there and back to complete this hike, and the views from the top of the cliff through the tree line are absolutely breathtaking.

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About the author

Katie Machado
(Articles published in 1850)

Katie is originally from New York and is used to a fast paced lifestyle. She began her personal beginnings in second grade writing and carried that passion with her until she won a spot in her high school’s published poetry book – but not before becoming a news editor and columnist for the high school newspaper. In college, she studied English literature with a major in political science and absorbed the creativity and method of one of the last professors to study with the famous beat poet Allen Ginsberg. The more she wrote, the more she learned about the world and, most importantly, about herself. She has been writing professionally and publishing since she was 19, and has covered entertainment, lifestyle, music news, video game reviews, food culture, and has for nearly a decade now privileged to write and edit for TheTravel. Katie strongly believes that every word written is a journey into yourself and your own thoughts, and when this is understood, people can begin to understand one another. Through her voice, she brings personality, research, and a bit of friendly sarcasm to every piece she writes and edits.