While most people might think tropical beaches, coconut drinks, and luaus when they think of Hawaii, there is a whole different side if you are into the outdoors. If you are planning on hiking in Oahu, you are in luck. It is an absolute paradise and hikers dream. This post will review some of the best hikes on Oahu and lead you to some of the most incredible views in the world.
Note: Hiking on Oahu can be dangerous and many of the best hikes on Oahu have had fatalities. Be sure to be safe while enjoying the outdoors. If you are looking for something a little less challenging, check out this post on the best easy hikes on Oahu.
The Stairway to Heaven (also known as the Haiku Stairs) is one of the most infamous views and one of the most well-known hikes in the world, certainly making it one of the best hikes on Oahu. Unfortunately, over concerns of safety as well as privacy of the neighborhood where the trailhead is located, this hike has been closed for a while with significant (read: $1000) fines. In April 2020, it was decided to transfer ownership of the stairs in an effort to make them eventually legal but this will be at least 18 months.
Luckily, there is a back way to access the Stairway to Heaven. This will allow you to access the Haiku Stairs legally without worrying about a $1000 fine.
The Haiku Stairs can be legally accessed via the Moanalua Trail which is an approximately 10 mile round trip hike. (I don't have the exact distance as I forgot to charge my Garmin and it died!) This hike has 2,637 ft of elevation gain and has some near vertical, rope and muddy sections. You reach the stairs at the very top. Technically, the act of being on the stairs in any capacity is illegal. As you will find when hiking in Oahu in general, caution is required. This is a steep and sometimes muddy hike that has had injuries and fatalities. For even more details about this hike, check out this blog post.
One unusual tip I discovered for hiking on muddy terrain is to use microspikes. These are designed for hiking in the snow but surprising they also help with hiking in the mud. Importantly, I would recommend the linked Kahtoola brand (pictured below) as some off-brand spikes have a metal bar that goes across the toe box area. This puts significant pressure on your feet when heading downhill unless you are wearing heavy duty boots.
This hike is so amazing that it has its own dedicated blog post. Check out the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii here.
I'm going to be honest, this was the first ridge trail that we did on our trip to Oahu. This is part of the reason why I feel like this is one of the best hikes on Oahu. But it's also because they limit the number of people who can access this hike as it's in a gated community - so it wasn't crowded at all. In order to get by the guard, you tell them you are there for the hike. Then, the guard will give you a parking pass and write down your license plate.
The Wiliwilinui Ridge trail is 4.5 mile round trip, with 1597 ft elevation gain and it is rated as moderate. This view pictured was not even at the ridge but instead part of the way back down as the sun was setting.
If you are looking for something a little shorter (but not necessarily easier), then Koko Stairs might be the hike for you. This is also a good one to do if you are going to miss the Stairway to Heaven as the pictures can look a little similar.
This hike is popular with the locals as a regular workout and features railroad ties. This makes it similar to going up and down steps with large gaps. It is 1.8 miles round trip with 990 ft of elevation gain.
If you are disappointed that the first three trails did not mention a waterfall, then consider adding Maunawili Falls to your itinerary. This was a trail we stumbled on by accident as our original plans fell through. However, we were incredibly delighted by this trail so if you plan to hike in Oahu - it's definitely one for your list!
We loved being able to jump at the waterfall into the water! You could also continue up from where I am in the picture for some more beautiful scenery. This trail was 2.8 miles round trip with 1007 feet of elevation gain and is rated as moderate. It was also incredibly muddy when we visited and it reminded me of hiking in Kauai or the rain forest of Puerto Rico.
For tips on navigating muddy, rainforest-like terrain, check out this post on hiking in the rainforest so that you are prepared.
This is another incredibly short, hard, but amazing hike. Almost the entire way was a scramble. However, you are quick to get to the views. Pali Notches is 0.7 miles round trip with 472 feet of elevation and it should not be attempted unless you are okay with scrambling.
If this list left you somewhat discouraged by the difficulty, don't worry. Still one of the best hikes in Oahu is rated as easy. The Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail is paved the whole way. It is 2.5 miles round trip and 505 ft of elevation gain. The lighthouse is located on the eastern side of the island so we decided to do this hike for a sunrise.
Hopefully this list of the best hikes on Oahu will leave you speechless with the incredible ridge lines, waterfalls, and views. As always, take extreme caution when deciding to hike. Never leave without packing the 10 essentials. If you are looking for where to stay while in Oahu, check out the Sheraton Waikiki - the infinity pool is absolutely incredible.
Have you hiked on Oahu? What were your top hikes on Oahu? Let me know in the comments.
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