Location: Honolulu
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Things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii (HI): The Best Hiking Trails
The mere mention of Hawaii is enough to prompt visions of grass skirts and colorful cocktails with tiny umbrellas. While you will find some kitsch in Honolulu, you’ll also find art museums, bike paths, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Popular Waikiki Beach has soft sands and great surf. For majestic Oahu views scramble to the top of Diamond Head – a 350-acre volcanic crater. Historic structures like Iolani Palace and Ali'iolani Hale are worth a visit on a non-beach day.
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1. Ka’au Crater Hike
2. Moanalua Middle Ridge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By PilotView
We were looking for a "good" hike to do. My daughter wanted to hike from the Hilton Hawaiian Village up to the top of Diamond Head. Nice, but a little vanilla. I challenged her to do something a little more challenging. We agreed on the Pali Puka Hike. Problem was we got confused with directions and ended up at the parking lot for the start of the Moanalua Valley Trail Hike. This hike is the "legal" way to gain access to the Stairway to Heaven (Otherwise know as the Haiku Stairs). We thought that the hike we were attempting (Paki Palu) was an easy 2.2 miles out and 2.2 miles back. WRONG. We were there, so not realizing what lay before us, we started the hike. Very little water, no food, a little candy, cameras and fortunately GOOD hiking boots. (Note - If you do this trail, the whole thing is 10-12 miles in length, start no later than 0830 am, have plenty of water, food, good boots and gloves for climbing the last sections). The first 2.8 miles is a nice little hike, ANYONE can do it. At the 2.8 mile point you come to a fork in the road, go LEFT. Do NOT go right like we did initially. We went 30 minutes the wrong way, had to double back, this ate up a lot of our daylight. Once back at the sign, we went left and immediately all hell breaks loose. The entire climb ascends some 2,600', most of it after the split at 2.8 miles. If it's muddy, it's really tough. Intermittent cloud cover, and rain makes its even more challenging. Since we started out so late, we did not see any other people until we were well into the hike and they were returning. Most being successful, a few tapped out at the rope sections. Every single group however started that from whatever point we met them at, it got a lot steeper from that point on. And it did. It is ABSOLUTELY CRAZY, but exhilarating. People have died on this trail. A lot of the time you have 1.000' vertical drops on both the left and the right of you and the path is only 2' wide. If you don't like heights, don't do this hike. Up and up and up we went. our pace slowed dramatically as a result and with 0.9 miles to go, while not having reached any of the most challenging rope sections, my daughter (27), wife (55) and myself (60), decided that we did not have enough daylight left to complete the hike and return down the mountain safely (like it was even safe in the first place). We turned back. Phenomenally beautiful photos. Absolutely 10 out of 10 in regards to challenge, adventure, craziness, confidence building etc. I am amazed that one of the three of us did not get seriously injured at sometime in our adventure. Although we failed, I sort of understand how people must feel, not being able to complete a venture like Everest etc.. initially stating that they would never attempt it again and then the next year, there they are. So I guess we'll see. There was a 75 year old, purple haired hippy looking dude who supposedly does the thing 5 times a week and completed it over 800 times. He's in great shape and I guess acts as a guide for hire. So there's hope for me I guess.
3. Hawaii Nature Center
4. Diamond Head State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,500 reviews
A dormant volcano crater.
Reviewed By alp107
Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????
5. Koko Crater Railway Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,529 reviews
Reviewed By 0120pepe - Chicago, United States
We loved this hike a lot. Views on top of it are astonishing. Hiking up is easier than coming down, even though both way are incredible way to hike. We have done this every time we go to Honolulu and every time is a new experience. Koko head is a must while you are in Honolulu ????????
6. Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,546 reviews
Further along Kalanianaole Highway is the Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail. This easy route with its moderate incline to the 647-ft. summit is a popular spot during whale season between December and April. This is a definite photo opportunity even when humpbacks aren’t spouting offshore. If you’re really ambitious, tackle a pre-sunrise hike to the top so you can grab a glorious photo of the sunrise.
Reviewed By Studyhardallday - Waianae, United States
One of the best hikes on the island super easy hike paved all the way to the top so one could bike to the top or I am pretty sure most of the way one can use a motorized scooter. Very easy to do and an amazing hike.
7. Kaiwi Shoreline Trail
8. Kuliouou Ridge Hike
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By imperialzp - Montreal, Canada
We hesitated before hiking Kuliouou as it was raining every single day the week we went to O'ahu but we were so glad we did it as it turned out to be by far our favorite hike on the island. When you arrive, the entrance is near a residential neirbourhood so there is once again very limited parking street. When you start you can choose between Kuliouou valley or ridge. I believe valley is a lot easier and more suitable for debutants or families. We opted for the ridge hike We did it with a 9 months baby in a baby carrier. To anyone who would ask me if I recommend it with a baby, I would answer it clearly depend of your hiking level as it is an intermediate hike. If you never hiked it is clearly not a good idea to bring your little one there as it can get a little challenging and very steep at times. I would suggest you start by something easier and see how it goes for you. I am amazed every time I go to Hawaii to see people hiking in flip flops, it is very obviously not a trail to do so! The hike took us 4 hours to do, as it was extremely slippery and muddy we took our time. On a sunny day, I believe it would take 2-3 hours max. Since it was raining, there was nobody, we had the trail to ourself it was magical. The views are so grandiose!!! If you love hiking and go to O'ahu do not miss it!It was my favorite hike. It is so much more safe that many other hike on the island and the views are crazy beautiful. You get to walk through beautiful tropical forest, a pine cone forest, eucalyptus trees... at the end you see the mountains and ocean very far as it it 2100 feet elevation.
9. Hanauma Bay Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Novtroy1 - Mount Pleasant, United States
This is an easy hike and we'll work the trip. The entire trail to the first peak is paved. I found the easiest way to access is just before the preserve enterance Once you reach the first peak you will be impressed by the stunning views. However, continue across the ridge along the ocean for "bonus beauty". Tip: Hike early and snorkel after.
10. Manoa Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By Cancun_curious - Staten Island, United States
Definitely need hiking boots or at least sneakers for this slippery hike. Don't wear anything on your feet (shoes, socks) that you mind getting muddy. It rained a bit when we hiked but that honestly felt nice in the heat. The falls are beautiful and the scenery and flowers were stunning. Our kids (7 and 10) completed the hike and we saw some younger kids doing the hike as well, but it could be tough for very young kids.
