Five best hikes on Oahu!
Taking in the majestic views from Crouching Lion
Are you looking for epic views? Giant waterfalls? Lush forests? These hikes cover them all!
After living on island for four months, here are a list of my five favourite hikes. These range from short and sweet to longer ventures and they all have something unique about each one.
Be mindful of the weather as most trails are unmaintained and conditions can change rapidly.
Manoa Falls
When we arrived on Oahu, within 24 hours of landing, this was the first hike that we did: it was short, sweet and so lusciously green! A quick drive from Honolulu, it is easy to access. The parking lot is called Paradise Park and there is a $5 parking fee. The dirt trail meanders through the woods, along a stream, through a bamboo forest and then up to a tall 100 foot waterfall with a small pool at the bottom. The amount of water flowing is dependent on recent rains. This is a hike where I feel the journey may be more beautiful than the destination so take your time and enjoy the trail as you go!
1.6 miles round trip
Crouching Lion
Short, steep and epic views are the best way to describe this hike. Though we only did this one once on our time in Oahu, it is one I could have repeated over and over. If you find yourself on the North East side of the island and the weather has been dry, consider doing this quick hike for an amazing view of the rugged mountains and stunning Kahana Bay. There is a small parking lot off the side of the road and the dirt trail heads up through the forest. Note, like many hikes, the terrain is rugged and exposed and the ridge narrows the further you go. You do not need to hike very far along the ridge to find these views, so only go as far as you are comfortable based on experience and trail conditions. After the hike, head to Kualoa Regional Park and take in the views of the unique shape of Mokolii Island.
0.5 mile roundtrip (800m), 216 feet (66m)
Lanikai pillboxes
A classic and popular hike on the East side of Oahu, hiking up to the Lanikai pillboxes (left over WWII bunkers) provides a view over Kailua and the two Moku. This rocky and dirt trail has no shade coverage so an early morning venture is a good idea, followed by a swim at Lanikai or Kailua beach. In addition to this hike being one of my favourites, so are these beaches: they have an expanse of beautiful white sand that meets calm turquoise water which makes for a very relaxing afternoon! Bring (or pick up!) some food and plan a full day in Kailua. Note, this hike is also an excellent sunrise and sunset destination. The trail starts at 265 Kaelepulu Drive and your best bet is to find street parking nearby and walk up to the trailhead.
1.7 miles roundtrip (2.7km), 626 feet (191m)
Pali notches
If I had to chose one, this would be my favourite hike on the island. It is one we repeated often and brought friends to. Park at the Pali Lookout parking lot and find your way up the dirt slope. The trail will become more obvious as you go and a short but very steep, and often muddy, climb up through the forest leads to an expansive view to the East and West side of the island. When you come out of the forest, you do not need to hike far to find a small perch of land and take in all the views! As you approach the Notches (man made into the cliff to house canons to defend the island during the 18th century) be mindful of trail conditions and your own experience. The ridge is narrow and there is no room for slips or errors without serious consequences. We were happy to go as far as the first notch however the ridge does continue quite a ways beyond.
0.7miles roundtrip (1.1km), 472 feet (144m)
Lulumahu falls
This hike was planned as a back up hike and when our original plans fell through, it ended up being a unique alternative. This trail starts at the end of the junction of Nuuanu Pali Drive and the Pali Highway but I would advise downloading a trail map to follow as this route can be a bit tricky. You head through an old hunting ground, through some bamboo, up some steps, along the Nu’uanu Resevoir and then criss cross along the stream as you head up towards the waterfall. After slowly winding your way upstream, you will find yourself at the base of an impressive 50ft waterfall. A few things to note: 1. your feet will be wet and muddy so choose your footwear accordingly, 2. be mindful of the weather, if it is raining, the flow of the stream can change quickly and become much more dangerous, 3. as a portion of the trail is on private government property, a day use permit is required, see link below.
1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6km), 932 feet elevation (284m)
