9 amazing Oahu hikes for your first trip to Hawaii

ALOHA!

One of the must-do things when you go to Oahu is hiking!

And the great thing about Oahu is that there are a lot of hikes that are relatively easy to access even without renting a car.

Of course, a car will help get you to to the trailhead quicker, but if you’re looking for just 1 or 2 easy-going activities a day and don’t mind spending the time to get there in the name of saving money… then Oahu is the perfect island for hiking in Hawaii on a budget!

I believe that Oahu is the best Hawaiian island for hiking when you are looking for an island to visit without spending the money on renting a car.

 

I have also done a bunch of hiking on Maui and the Big Island, and you really need a car if you want to do the best hikes. I spent 3 weeks each on both of those islands and rented a car for part of the time. I haven’t been hiking on Kauai, but you need a car there too for the best hikes.

 

On Oahu, the public transportation (and specifically, the bus) will allow you to do a bunch of hikes from Waikiki with very-Hawaii views that you will love.

There are also a bunch of trails you can do in which solo hiking is fine! As a solo traveler myself, I feel quite comfortable in saying that all the ones listed below will be just fine if you are hiking alone.

 

Whether you are staying in Waikiki, or you’re arriving to Honolulu cruise port by cruise ship, below I have a list of Oahu hikes that you must consider!

These are all hikes that I have done. I have also included how much time the hike usually takes, how long it takes to drive if you’re renting a car, and how long it takes if you’re going by bus.

Of course, you may be quicker or longer on any hike, depending on how fast or slow you’re going… and how long you spend to take in the views!

Many people do just rent a car for a day, so that’s an option too!

 

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OAHU DAY TRIPS > OAHU HIKES MAP | BEST OAHU TOURS

 

Now, here are some of the best Oahu hikes without a car… and even if you are renting a car!

 

The Diamond Head hike is one of Oahu’s most iconic hikes. The trail starts at the crater floor and goes up up up to your destination of the Diamond Head crater summit. From there, you’ll get the famous views of the Waikiki skyline.

It’s on a mostly dirt trail so you’ll want to wear proper shoes for the Diamond Head hike.

You must make reservations for Diamond Head before you go.

 

Post-hike food: Afterwards, go to South Shore Grill (map + reviews) for a fish taco plate! There are also food trucks at the trailhead.

 

It’s a 10 to 15 minute drive to Diamond Head from Waikiki with your own car rental, or by uber or taxi (map). There’s a paid parking lot for Diamond Head that requires reservations, and those reservations tend to get booked up.

To get to Diamond Head without a car, it’s about a 20 minute direct bus ride to the start of the crater road (directions), and then you’ll walk another 15 minutes or so to get to the trailhead.

There is also a round-trip shuttle to Diamond Head with your ticket included. Read the reviews.

 

 

Oahu tour that includes hiking:

• Circle island tour: Diamond Head and the North Shore (read the reviews!)

 

More things to know:

• Shuttle to Diamond Head
• How hard is the Diamond Head hike?
• How to make Diamond Head reservations
• Bus to Diamond Head hike

 

 

The Manoa Falls Trail is one of the easiest ways to get a Hawaii jungle experience near Waikiki. You’ll hike through a rainforest to get to waterfalls. (Although how much the water is flowing can vary.)

It’s on a dirt trail that can get muddy, so you’ll want to wear proper shoes for the Manoa Falls Trail.

It’s so common to get muddy feet from this that there’s a hose at the gift shop near the trailhead to wash down your feet! You might want to bring extra socks so at least your feet will feel a little better if they do get dirty.

Waterproof hiking shoes can keep the dirt from reaching the inside of your shoes, like Merrell hiking shoes for women and Merrell hiking shoes for men.

It’s free to hike the Manoa Falls Trail… unless you’re driving, then there’s a parking fee.

 

You might want to go to Lyon Arboretum botanical garden afterwards.

 

It’s about a 20-30 minute drive to Manoa Falls Trail from Waikiki with your own car, or by uber or taxi (map). There’s a paid parking lot for Manoa Falls.

To get to Manoa Falls without a car, it will take around 1 hour by bus, with a transfer necessary, and that includes the 10 to 15 minute walk or so to the trailhead from the nearest bus stop (directions).

There is a round-trip shuttle to Manoa Falls on Monday through Friday. Read the reviews.

 

 

Oahu hiking tour:

• Guided hiking tour to Manoa Falls

 

More things to know:

• Shuttle to Manoa Falls
• How to get to Manoa Falls from Waikiki
• Bus to Manoa Falls Trail
• More Hawaii jungle experiences: How to get to Kualoa Ranch (aka Jurassic Park Hawaii!)

 

 

The Lanikai pillbox hike is known as one of the best hikes on Oahu for the sunrise… although I like it for the daytime views with the amazing turquoise water color!

No matter the time of day you go, you will get the iconic views of the Mokulua Islands off in the distance.

Even though it’s a relatively quick hike, it starts with a steep hill that’s often dry and loose gravel. You want to wear shoes with good grip so you have less of a chacge to slip on that steep and dry trail!

It’s free to do the Lanikai pillbox hike.

 

You’ll go to Kailua to do the Lanikai pillbox hike, and the area is best known for Lanikai Beach and kayaking to the islands.

You might want to go to Lanikai Beach and/or to Kailua Beach before or after your hike, even if it is just to see it!

 

It’s about a 45 minute drive to the Lanikai pillbox hike from Waikiki by car or uber (map). Sometimes there’s street parking in the Lanikai neighborhood near the trailhead. Otherwise, you’ll park at one of the free Kailua Beach parking lots and then walk over.

To get to the Lanikai pillbox hike without a car, it will take around 1.5 hours by bus, with a transfer necessary probably 2 times (directions). The nearest bus stop is about a 5 minute walk from the trailhead. Or, consider taking the bus to Kailua Beach, and then from there walk to the Lanikai pillbox trailhead.

 

 

More things to know:

• How to get to Lanikai pillbox hike from Waikiki
• Kailua Bay kayaking tour

 

 

The Koko Head hike is a short but intense hike straight up an old military railway. You’ll be going up wooden stairs to get to the top of Koko Crater. It’s said there are 1,000 steps, and your reward for making it will be vast ocean views!

Because you need to be careful on the stairs, it’s best to be wearing proper shoes for the Koko Crater Railway Trail.

It’s free to do the Koko Head hike.

 

Hanauma Bay is nearby if you want to make it a hike-snorkel day. You will need reservations for Hanauma Bay, unless you go first thing in the morning. There is a backroad that connects Koko Head and Hanauma Bay.

Post-hike food: In order to get to the Koko Head hike, you’ll pass by Koko Marina Center. This is a good spot to grab a malasada from the food truck in the parking lot before you go, or to get a poke bowl (reviews) or plate lunch for post-hike food!

 

It’s about a 30-40 minute drive to the Koko Head hike from Waikiki by car or uber (map). There’s a free parking lot at the Koko Head District Park.

To get to the Koko Head hike without a car, it will take around 1 hour 40 minutes by bus (directions), and that includes the 40 minute walk from the nearest bus stop to the trailhead. The bus stop is near Koko Marina Center, so it’s also convenient to go for post-hike food there!

There’s a round-trip shuttle to the Koko Head hike on Tuesdays and Fridays. It also stops by the Halona Blowhole.

 

 

More things to know:

• Shuttle to Koko Head hike (and more stops)
• Bus to Koko Head hike

 

 

Puu Maelieli Trail is a lesser-known trail that will lead you to a bunker! Your destination will give you ocean views of Kaneohe Bay, and by going to this area you will get mountain views too.

This is a proper hiking trail so you’ll want to wear good shoes.

It’s free to hike the Puu Maelieli Trail.

 

You might want to go to Byodo-in Temple before or after your hike. It’s pretty much across the road from the trailhead. You’ll take a road through the Valley of the Temples to get there, and it will feel like you’re driving straight towards the mountains.

 

It’s about a 30 to 40 minute drive to Puu Maelieli Trail from Waikiki by car (map). You’ll park on the street in the nearby neighborhood. There’s a McDonald’s on the corner of the street you’ll turn onto. It’s across the street from the road that goes through the Valley of the Temples.

To get to Puu Maelieli Trail without a car, it will take around 1.5 hours by bus with a transfer necessary (directions). It’s about a 5 minute walk from the nearest bus stop to the trailhead.

 

 

More things to know:

• How to get to Byodo-in Temple from Waikiki
  • It’s the same bus stop for Puu Maelieli Trail
• Circle Island tour with Byodo-in Temple
• More Hawaii mountains:
  • How to get to Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
  • Kualoa Ranch tours

 

 

This is a longer hike that will give you sweeping views of the ocean! It’s one of the most scenic ridge hikes to do on Oahu. You’ll be hiking through a forest to start, and then towards the end it will get a little steeper (there are stairs)… and then you will reach the final destination of the ocean view lookout!

This is another proper hiking trail, so it’s best to wear good shoes with grip for it.

 

It’s about a 20 to 30 minute drive to Kuliouou Ridge Trail from Waikiki by car (map). You’ll park in a residential neighborhood.

To get to Kuliouou Ridge Trail without a car, it will take around 1.5 hours by bus with a transfer necessary (directions). That includes the 35 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

 

 

 

The Ehukai pillbox hike is a relatively short hike with the destination being a pillbox with ocean views from above!

As a hiking trail through at times a steep forested area, you’ll want proper shoes for this.

Being on the North Shore, you can combine the Ehukai pillbox hike with other worthy North Shore things, and it can be a part of a perfect day on the North Shore!

It’s free to do the Ehukai pillbox hike.

 

Post-hike food: After the Ehukai pillbox hike, walk across the street to the world-famous Sunset Beach (in the winter this is known for surfing), and you can also go to Banzai Bowls for an acai bowl (15 minute walk) and/or Ted’s Bakery for haupia cream pie (30 minute walk).

 

It’s about a 1 hour 10 minute drive to the Ehukai pillbox hike from Waikiki by car (map), although you’ll probably want to make stops before you get there! (And also during the busy season, the traffic can back up on the North Shore.) The trailhead is at an elementary school. It’s probably better to park across the street (true public parking), although there is a parking lot at the school.

To get to the Ehukai pillbox hike without a car, it will take around 2.5 hours by bus, with likely 2 transfers necessary (directions). There’s a bus stop right in front of the elementary school, which is pretty much at the trailhead. It’s a single road through the North Shore with a bunch of bus stops, and the bus comes by every 30 minutes or so. You can treat the bus as a hop-on hop-off bus and go to different parts of the North Shore! (I have another trail idea for you below.)

 

 

 

The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is paved, but it’s pretty much up up up the whole way. But as you are going up, you will be walking with ocean views much of the time! You can think of it as a nice coastal walk on the east side of Oahu!

You can see the Makapuu Lighthouse as you get to the end of the trail, but it is just to SEE it. There is no public access so you can’t go inside of it. (This is similar to how you can see the Diamond Head lighthouse when you do the Diamond Head hike!)

Because it the trail is paved, regular shoes will be just fine, or you could even wear good walking sandals.

It’s free to hike the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.

 

During whale watching season (generally speaking winter months), you can use the binoculars located on the trail to see if you can catch a glimpse of humpback whales off in the distance.

Although still no guarantee, you can have a better chance of seeing whales if you do a dedicated whale watching tour on Oahu. If you will also be going to Maui, then do a whale watching raft tour on Maui!

Also see about going swimming with dolphins in the wild on Oahu.

 

It’s about a 30 to 40 minute drive to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail from Waikiki by car (map). There is a free parking lot at the trailhead. You’ll want to stop by Halona Blowhole on the way!

To get to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail without a car, it will take around 1 hour 40 minutes by bus, with a transfer necessary (directions). That includes a 15 minute walk to the trailhead from the nearest bus stop, which is at Sea Life Park. It’s not exactly the safest walk, as you’ll be walking along a road with a not-very-wide shoulder with cars zooming by.

There is a round-trip shuttle to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on Mondays and Tuesdays. You’ll also stop by the Halona Blowhole.

 

 

More things to know:

• How to get to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail from Waikiki
• Shuttle to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail (and stop at Halona Blowhole)

 

Oahu hiking tour:

• Diamond Head and Makapuu Lighthouse combo tour
  • This is really more like a shuttle to both of these hikes

 

 

The Waimea Falls Trail is an easy paved trail that leads to waterfalls where you can go swimming.

As a flat paved trail, you will be just fine with regular shoes or sandals that are good for walking.

 

Waimea Falls is on the North Shore, and it’s a part of Waimea Valley (admission required – see current fees). As you are walking to the waterfalls, you can stop by botanical gardens and Hawaii cultural sites. You can buy your Waimea Valley tickets ahead of time, but it’s not a problem to just show up and buy them.

There is a luau at Waimea Valley (Hawaiian food and entertainment!), and for that you do want to book in advance. The Waimea Valley luau is the Toa Luau (read the reviews), and it comes with admission to Waimea Valley.

 

It’s about a 1 hour 10 minute drive to Waimea Valley (the start of the Waimea Falls Trail) from Waikiki by car if you get good traffic conditions (map). You’ll park at the Waimea Valley parking lot, which can sometimes get full.

To get to Waimea Falls without a car, it will take around 2.5 hours by bus, with likely 2 transfers necessary (directions). There’s a bus stop pretty much right in front of Waimea Valley. You can make this a part of your DIY North Shore hop-on hop-off bus tour! Laniakea Beach > Waimea Falls > Ehukai pillbox hike and Sunset Beach! Sharks Cove is down the main road a 30 minute walk (if you don’t want to wait for the bus), where you’ll find food trucks and the Foodland grocery store (known for poke – reviews).

If Waimea Falls sounds good to you but all the time on the bus does not, then you can also consider taking the shuttle to Waimea Falls!

This shuttle has 2 drop-off locations on the North Shore, and you can select Waimea Valley when you go through the booking process. Afterwards, you also have some time in the North Shore town of Haleiwa, where you will have plenty of very-Hawaii food choices.

The entry fee for Waimea Valley is not included with the shuttle, so you can pay that when you arrive. (Or buy online ahead of time.)

 

 

More things to know:

• Shuttle to Waimea Falls
  • When booking, you’ll have the option to choose a Waimea Valley drop-off. Admission ticket is not included.

 

Oahu tours with waterfalls:

• Circle Island tour with Waimea Falls

 

 

For proper hiking trails, wear proper shoes!

Brooks running shoes can be perfect for all of the Oahu hikes listed above.

You don’t need to be a runner to appreciate these shoes!

They are lightweight with good grip, which is why they work well for dirt hiking trails where you don’t need to be prepared for anything too rugged. Plus, they’re great for walking around town too.

Take a look: Brooks shoes for women and Brooks shoes for men

For paved walking trails and your other more casual outdoor activities, teva sandals are popular travel sandals that are good for walking!

Take a look: Teva sandals for women and teva sandals for men

Bring water and snacks! Hawaii is hot!

 

Walking on Oahu > Oahu hikes map | Waikiki statue walking map | Banyan trees in Waikiki | Evening Waikiki Beach walk