3 Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii

Hawaii is often described as tropical bliss! Images of palm trees and mai tai’s come to mind. During my week on Oahu, I found the island to be a hiker’s paradise. Below, I will review 3 fun hikes to do while spending time on the “gathering place”, Oahu.

#1. DIAMOND HEAD

Diamond Head is probably the singular most popular hike on the island of Oahu, Hawaii – a classic, if you will. An entry ticket is required to enter the trailhead. You will see ticket dispensers near the restrooms. Admission is for non-residents is $5 USD. Open hours for the hike include: 6 AM – 4 PM, closed on Wednesdays (subject to change). The total hike takes around 45 minutes to complete at a moderate – slow pace.

The hike is short as it only clocking in around 1.6 miles round trip with 560 feet of elevation gain. The first section of the hike is paved until you reach stone-style steps. From there, you slowly ascend a number of switch backs. Following 15 minutes of switchbacks, you reach a tunnel. The tunnel is narrow and dark, but straight forward. Once through the tunnel, you are presented with a choice! The long way (steep stairs in shade) or the short way (a paved path in full sun).

I would likely recommend stopping at the viewpoint at the junction of these two paths while making your decision. Additionally, I would recommend taking the ‘tough’ path up and taking the less strenuous path down depending on the time of day. After some stairs (or the path), you come to two of landings with different views of the city of Honolulu.

#2. MAKAPU’U LIGHTHOUSE

The next hike that I would like to mention is the beautiful Makapu’u Lighthouse Hike. Located close to the Kalaniana’ole Highway, this pet and family-friendly hike makes for a great morning stroll. The hike is around 2.0 miles long with a 500 feet elevation gain. The open hours for this hike include: 7 AM – 6:45 PM, daily (subject to change). There is no entry fee for this hike.

Once you reach the parking lot near the trailhead, you will see people coming down a long concrete path; this is where your journey begins! You will snake your way along the path. Along the way, there is a number of resting points as well as good vantage points of the ocean. There are no dangerous or risky parts to this straightforward hike making it safe for little ones. After about 30 minutes, you will reach the view below!

#3 LANIKAI PILLBOX

The third hike – Lanikai Pillbox, is the most challenging due to unmarked sections of the route, a small scramble and stretches of route that would be considered risky. Located near Lanikai beach, this hike is 1.8 miles long with a moderate elevation gain. The total hike takes about an hour to an hour-and-a-half depending on which pillbox you end up at.

The hike starts out at an unmarked trailhead. You will signed to “Pillbox” and you will follow a path toward a fence. You will follow the fence and then find a series of ropes that lead to a path of sorts. You will need to have hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. From here, you will climb to a small but stunning viewpoint. Don’t be fooled! This is not the end of the hike. The vista is only an introduction to the sweeping views you will find if you continue.

Once you past this initial vista, you will keep going until you hit a section that requires you to scramble. Trees line the edges of the path that you can use for support. From here, you will continue on your way until you reach the first pillbox.

Note: This hike is not for the faint of heart as the hike is highly exposed with drop offs on either side of the trail.

Once you reach the first pillbox, it might be tempting to stop, but keep going! You will be rewarded with a less crowded experience and a view of a bay.

There you have it! 3 of the best hikes to explore in Oahu, Hawaii.

Note: Other hikes like Stairway to Heaven and Koko Head Crater remain popular, but the Hawaiian government is cracking down on the safety of tourists and has opted to make some revisions to the routes (in particular to the prior). Read up on the trail conditions and legality of the hike before setting off to trek.