The lure of paradise not only brings many to Oahu, but delight the locals as well. And with a year round tropical climate, there are more opportunities to take advantage of Hawaii’s vast beauty. Tourists and locals alike look forward to experiencing the beauty and serenity of hiking these island trails. So get ready for a fantastic adventure in paradise.
Here are some of the popular hiking spots on Oahu.
Waimano Trail is located in Pearl City, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. This trail is easy enough for youngsters and would be ideal for first time hikers. The trailhead is located way atop Waimano Home Road. The length of the trail is 7 miles and climbs 1,600 feet to an apex high atop the Koolau Mountains. There are two trails. The shorter trail heads deep into the serene mountains above Waimano Valley. Over on the Cliffside is another trail that overlooks the valley where it leads to a picnic shelter on a ridge in eucalyptus grove. As you descend down into the valley you pass along Waimano Stream where the shade of the trees welcome a cool walk on steamy hot days.
Kealia Trail is located in Waialua, Hawaii. Its distance is 7 miles round trip with an elevation of 2000 feet. This trail is recommended for those physically fit as it is moderately difficult. The trail condition is fire road and pavement. The trail begins on the North Shore behind Dillingham Airfield. It gradually brings you up a 1000 foot cliff and then follow a drive road to Makua Valley overlook. Beware of falling rocks!
Aiea Loop Trail is located in Aiea, Hawaii and is also known as the Keaiwa Heiau State Park. This trail is recommended for beginners. It is a 5 mile loop, short and not so dangerous. It is well suited for the family since it is relatively flat and accessible to much of the island. On the weekends outdoor enthusiasts such as runners, joggers, dog-walkers and mountain bikers share the trail. It is about an 800 foot elevation gain and accumulates in small increments on the trail. There are great views of Halawa Valley and the H-3 tunnels. You’ll be delighted by the strawberry guava trees and rich flora.
Kuliouou Ridge is located in Hawaii Kai, Hawaii. It is recommended for beginners to intermediate hikers. It is a 6-mile round trip route evenly graded with a steep climb at the end. The elevation gain is a good 1800 feet. The climb has no sharp drops and can be safe for the whole family It begins at the north end of the Kuliouou subdivision and gradually works up to a ridge which leads atop the Koolau summit where breathtaking views of Diamond Head and Waimanalo are world class.
Kaena Point is located on the westernmost tip of Oahu. It’s boundaries lie about 10 miles west of Waialua on the North Shore and 10 miles north of Wai`anae on the leeward coast. A 59-acre Natural Area Reserve lies within owned and managed by the Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources. The length of the trail is 3.5 miles. The level of difficulty is moderate. The terrain is an open coastline with natural sand dunes and rocks. There is no elevation gain, however, watch for rocks and potholes. The shoreline is laced with the beauty of a lava shoreline which was believed to be a place where the souls of the ancient Hawaiians would leap into the spirit world and reunite with the souls of ancestors. There you will experience wonderful scenic views of the Waianae coast, Mokuleia and the Pacific. The trailhead from the south side, or Waianae side begin at the Kaena Beach State Park. The other trailhead from the north side, or Mokuleia side, begin at the far end of Farrington Highway. Bring along a hat, water and plenty of sunscreen. This is a very popular surfing and fishing spot.
Laie Trail is located near Kahuku, Hawaii. There you will follow a ridge trail with great views of the windward shore. The beauty of the Hawaiian flora and waterfalls will leave you in awe. The distance is 10 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2200 feet. The level of difficulty is moderate and the trail condition is relatively easy with a few difficult spots. The trailhead begins in Laie on the windward side near the Mormon Temple. You can either hike to the waterfall or continue on to the summit.
DuPont Trail is located in Honolulu County, Hawaii. This trail is quite long and is very tough. The level of difficulty is moderate to difficult. Advanced backpackers are geared up for an extreme challenge. It’s walking length is 13.7 miles and the terrain is varied. Because of the length of this trail pack food and water. It can take you about 2 days to hike. The climate is rather dry an arid. Total elevation of 4,021 feet which makes it higher than the average hiking trail. If your up for a challenge, this hiking adventure will give you just that.
Manana Trail is located in Pearl City, Hawaii and follows the ridge between Manana Valley and Waimano Valley. A beautiful rainforest runs through the trail for 6 miles all the way to the summit of Koolau Range. There you will observe trees of eucalyptus, guava and koa. The ground is laiden with lush flora. Be aware that the first 2 miles is covered by uneven terrain. The elevation gain is a good 1700 feet. Becauase these grounds are commonly used by hunters, use caution by wearing brightly colored clothes and staying on trail.
Hauula Trail is located on the Windward Coast of Hawaii. It is a 2.5 mile double loop hike through the lush Kaipapau Forest Reserve. The level of difficulty is moderate but well worth the effort with cool breezes and spectacular views. The loop takes you across the Waipilopilo Gulch where you will meet a lush orchard of Norfolk Island pine, ironwood and paperback eucalyptus and lush moss and fern covering the floor of the forest along with a carpet of matting from the fallen pine needles. You’ll observe panoramic views of Kaipapau Valley and Koolau. The trailhead begins on Hau’ula Homestead Road on the windward side.
Kanehoa-Hapapa is located in Schofield Barracks Hawaii. This trail is rarely hiked because it is deep in the Waianae Mountains. A military pass is needed to enter the base. The length of the hike is 5 miles round trip. The uneven terrain leads you on an altitude gain of 1,500 feet. Beyond the first part of the hike which is an open meadow for picnicking is a trail of paper bark trees. After that it becomes a very difficult hike and not recommended for children, pets, or novices. The summit ridge is narrow and drops sharply along the summit ridge. Use extreme caution. Anyone taking this challenge will experience the highest point on Oahu located on Mount Kaala at 4,025 feet.
Mt. Olympus is a summit mountain located in the Honolulu County in Hawaii. It is a mountain that climbs 1,404 feet above sea level. Here are the names of some of the easy to moderate trails nearby:
Maunawili Falls is an out-and-back trail at 2.6 miles long.
Manoa Falls is an out-and-back trail at 1.6 miles long.
Maunawili Demonstration Trail begins at the Nuuani Pali lookout and is an out-and-back trail at 4 miles long.
Puu Pia Trail is an out-and-back trail at 1.8 miles long.
Lyon Arboretum is a loop trail at 1.5 miles long. It is 2 miles away from Mount Olympus.
Tantalus Summit is a mountain summit in Honolulu County on Oahu. It climbs up to 1,345 feet above sea level. Many locals enjoy the exploring this mountain at nearby hiking trails. Here are a some popular trails nearby:
Manoa Cliff otherwise known as Kalawahine Loop is a Hiking Loop 4.8 miles in length.
Nuuanu Trail to Nuuanu Overlook is an out-and-back trail 5.6 miles in length.
Puu Ohia or Pauoa Flats Loop is a hiking loop 3 miles in length.
Judd Memorial Trail to Jackass Ginger Pool is a hiking Loop 1 mile in length.
Makiki Valley Loop is a hiking loop 2 miles in length.
Most towns have their own backyard hiking trails. Check out information in your local area and have a fun time hiking and exploring with your family and friends. Here are the towns that have these hidden treasures.
(Waimea, Pupukea, Haleiwa, Paalaa Uka, Helemano, Wahiawa, Mililani, Waipahu, Pacific Palisades, Pearl City, Pearlridge, Waimalu, Aiea, Moanalua, Halawa, Kalihi, Kapalama, Nuuanu, Makiki, Manoa, Palolo, Aina Haina, Niu Valley, Kuliouou, Hawaii Kai, Kahuku, Laie, Hauula, Punaluu, Kahana, Kaaawa, Hakipuu, Kualoa, Waikane, Waiahole, Ahuimanu, Heeia, Kaneohe, Pali, Kailua, Olomana, Lanikai, Keolu, Waimanalo, Makapuu, Waianae, Makaha, Makua, Kaena, Mokuleia, Waialua, Schofield Barracks, Lualualei, Nanakuli, Makakilo, and Honouliuli)
Hiking Safety Tips:
Before embarking on your adventure remember these simple tips to ensure your safety.
1. Always hike with others.
2. Inform someone whether friend or family of your route and your expected time of return.
3. Never go beyond your physical capability.
4. Always bring water, basic first aid kit, and food if your taking a long trail.
5. Do not drink stream water which contains biological impurities.
6. Check for nearby trails.
7. Check on condition reports and local weather.
8. View a locator map.
9. Stay on trail.
