Top Things to do in Oahu's Windward Coast
Top Hotels in Oahu's Windward Coast Bed and Breakfast Inns
- 1. Lanikai Beach Rentals LLC
- 2. Papaya Paradise Bed and Breakfast
- 3. Pillows in Paradise Bed & Breakfast
- 4. Sheffield House Bed & Breakfast
- 5. Ali'i Bluffs Windward Bed and Breakfast
- 6. Kailua Guesthouse
- 7. Auntie Barbara's
- 8. Manu Mele Bed and Breakfast
- 9. Hawaii's Hidden Hideaway
- 10. Paradise Palms Bed and Breakfast
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What to do and see in Oahu's Windward Coast, Oahu: The Best Hiking Trails
Discover the best top things to do in Oahu's Windward Coast, United States including Olomana Three Peaks Trail, Lanikai Pillboxes, Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Digging Hill, Hauula Loop Trail, Maunawili Falls, Kahekili-Manana Hike, Hamama Falls, Kahekili Ridge hike, Nakoa Loop Trail.
Restaurants in Oahu's Windward Coast Bed and Breakfast Inns
1. Olomana Three Peaks Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By riverbenthic - Los Angeles, United States
Here's the deal - this hike is extremely dangerous. You're risking your life to get a photo on top of the first peak. Past that it get's even riskier. I read all of the reviews before my wife and I hiked it, and came to the faulty conclusion that all of the extreme danger came into play if you went past the first peak and attempted the second and third peaks. That is false. There is a section where you risk your life to make it to the top of the first peak. It is a cool hike, and you get a great workout because it's all uphill. But you end up having to make a ridiculous choice at the end of the hike. There are four or five roped sections because the incline is so steep - nearly vertical in some places. If you fall on one of these sections, there's a high probability that you'll break a bone. Of course, if you hit your head, it could be fatal. That's pretty bad, but just wait... The most dangerous section is at the very, very end. When you're about 20 to 30 feet from the top of the first peak, you have to climb a giant rock section to summit in order to get your picture. It's nearly vertical, and if you would slip and fall, you will die. There is no rope, and the fall is hundreds of feet down. You're on the knife-edge of the ridge, and you have to do short section of straight-up free climbing. It's ridiculously dangerous. Of course, you'll want to risk it to get your picture since you hiked for hours to get there, and you're just about there. And you've seen all of the pics online of the folks who have summited. And you can't get the view and picture from the spot you're in. Maybe there's even some folks coming down from the peak - they did it, so why can't you? So we scaled that section to get the picture, but the whole time I knew that it was stupid and risky. Coming down from the peak is even worse because you can clearly see that you will absolutely die if you slip even once. Your nervousness does not help. Then coming down the roped sections becomes worse too because you can see that you'll break a limb or crack your head open if you fall. The fact that so many people summit the first peak without fatal consequences must show that when your life is on the line, you will tend to rise to the challenge out of an instinctive will to live. But why take that chance for a picture? But make no mistake, you are risking your life and the lives of your family/friends/partner/etc.,... if you do this hike. That last pitch to the first peak should technically only be attempted with a harness, ropes, and a belay partner. It's true rock-climbing with deadly consequences. Obviously, we made it back o.k but I told myself that I'd write a review to warn others that you do indeed have to risk your life to summit the first peak. It's just stupid. Attempting the second and third peaks is even more dangerous. Google Olomana Trail/Olomana Mountain to read all of the stories of people losing their lives or having to be rescued with helicopters. There are other hikes on Oahu that give you spectacular views of the ocean from up high. Even though it's also an intense workout to get to the top of the other hikes, you don't have to risk death to get the picture and have a great day. I would recommend choosing one of the pillbox hikes instead. We did those too, and I think that the pictures are even better. (I rated this hike with five stars in the hope that more people would read it).
2. Lanikai Pillboxes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 916 reviews
Reviewed By jamesml2018 - Luzerne County, United States
Have done this hike a few times. Parking can be a challenge, as it’s street parking. The entrance is well marked, and the onset is up a dirt hill which can be tricky when wet. It opens up to an amazing view of Lani Kai and the bay, and from there you follow the exposed ridge to the pill boxes. Some steep area with poor footing, with loose first and rocks. This first part is often crowded, and then end point for many folks. You can continue on through brush and tress, partly covered, but exposed areas continue with amazing views of Kailua, Waimānalo, and the Ko’olaus. The descent to Kano Kai Drive is via a gulley and requires careful navigation, due to loose rocks. There are branches to use to hold onto.
3. Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Digging Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By getreal2me99 - Honolulu, United States
I loved this hiking trail located in Koolau. Short hike and amazing view of Kaneohe Bay from the bunker hill. Fantastic view on a clear day. There is some incline on this trail but worth it for your cardio work out. Family friendly hike too. Parking is public street by the residential area so be mindful with the neighborhood. And when walking to the trail start, carefully on the street for passing cars.
4. Hauula Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By debregehr
We parked at the beach park and made our walk through a residential area to the trail entrance. Be sure to write your name etc in the book provided. My husband and I loved the trail but it is not an easy hike taking us about 3 hours (we did alot of stops along the way to enjoy views) we also had to back track about 1/2 way through as other hikers who had gone left not right at the sign said it was very very muddy and not recommended. Pack lots of water and realize this is a "hike" not a leasurely little walk. The views are amazing!
5. Maunawili Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By aparnac2013
We started our hike to the Maunawili Falls around 10:00 AM. The hike itself is not bad, but we got lucky as there was no rain that day or a few days prior. I can only imagine how difficult this can get if it has been raining though. I would totally skip this trail if it has been raining to be honest. The entire can get very muddy and mushy and you will probably be covered in mud by the time you are done. Another recommendation, get bug spray or put on at least a few layers before you get on the hike!!! We forgot, my husband and kid were (10) just find, but I have never been buttin with so many mosquito/bugs ever in my life!! Now to the best part - the waterfall! It is absolutely gorgeous. There were a lot of people swimming in the water fall and jumping off the cliffs when we were there. It can get pretty crowded so be careful if you are jumping off the cliffs, to make sure you avoid accidents.
6. Kahekili-Manana Hike
7. Hamama Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By prateeks411
This was a 5.6km there-and-back trek which is technically "forbidden" but everyone does it anyways (there will be a fence that you can simply stroll around to access the hike). You'll gain about 250m on this hike with some parts that can be tricky particularly with recent rainfall. Otherwise, it is a shaded hike through the forest with surprisingly few bugs/mosquitoes thankfully. The waterfalls are gorgeous and you can actually go into the pool below them if you wish as well!
