Planning a trip to Honolulu and interested in hiking some unique and scenic trails? We’ve compiled a list of our top three spots which are suitable and safe for people of different ages and abilities. Not only are these hikes easily fit into a schedule, but the views are incredible each offering slightly different scenery.
The island of Oahu in Hawaii is world famous for its stunning scenery that ranges from tropical rainforests to waterfalls to dormant volcano craters. Honolulu is situated close to several excellent hiking trails that will allow you to immerse yourself in the island’s unique landscape that is filled with natural beauty.
When you are looking to get a break from the city during your stay in the states’ capital, we recommend doing the following three hikes!
Manoa Falls
Distance: 1.7 miles round trip
Duration: 1-2 hours depending on your pace and amount of time spent at waterfall
Key features: Lush environment, waterfall, mostly flat terrain
Manoa Falls is a 150 ft waterfall found at the end of the Manoa Falls trail near Honolulu and is a great way to find some adventure during your stay.
A 1.7-mile round trip takes you through a beautiful, lush rainforest with a gradual elevation gain and stunning views along the way. The trail recently underwent renovation and we found that, despite the muddy conditions, the hike was made easier due to the gravel added along the trail.
The beginning of the trail where it is flat were the trickiest to cross on our visit as large mud puddles formed so we recommend wearing hiking boots if possible.
A bacteria in the water made swimming a safety hazard during our visit so make sure to check on this before on the day that you go. Parking was $5 parking fee but the trail itself was free to explore.
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Duration: 1 – 1 1/2 hours
Key Features: paved trail, stunning coastal views with whale sightings
The Makapu’u lighthouse trail is a 2-mile hike (round trip) that offers magnificent views of Oahu’s windward southeastern coastline.
The trail also features the historic Makapu’u lighthouse and on our visit the weather was clear enough for us to see the islands of Lanai and Molukai! We did not happen to see any whales on the portion of the trail looking over the ocean but we recommend bringing binoculars to have your best chance of spotting some.
The trail is in a dry region of the island with not much vegetation leaving you exposed to the sun throughout so we recommend bringing a hat as well as plenty of water and sunscreen. Free parking is offered at the start of the trail with availability being better earlier in the day.
Diamond Head
Distance: 1.6 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Key Features: bird’s eye view of Honolulu, large crater at the summit, stunning sunrise views
Oahu’s most popular hike and one the biggest tourist destinations, Diamond head is a must-see landmark when visiting Oahu.
Diamond Head State Monument is an incredible sight found on Waikiki’s coastline and a moderate hike along its paved hiking trail will allow you to fully appreciate it. A broad saucer shaped crater, Diamond Head was formed 300,000 years ago via volcanic eruption and most of todays vegetation and wildlife found here was only introduced over the last 200 years.
The trail itself was built in 1908 and provides spectacular views of both the city as well as the surrounding sea and mountains as you climb to the summit. The trail also features lookout bunkers were built during the first World War and was very cool to explore during our visit.
We arrived to the park at the crack of dawn in order to see the sunrise and it offered some of the most memorable scenery we have seen from the island. Those who are not residents of Hawaii are required to pay an entry fee of $5 per person with parking costing $10 per vehicle.
We’d Like To Hear From You!
These are a few of our favorite hikes near Honolulu which offer incredible scenery. From waterfalls, to Birds Eye views of Honolulu, to whale sighting, these trails all offer a unique and beautiful hike not far from Honolulu.
Have you hiked any of these trails?
Do you recommend any other scenic hikes close to Honolulu?
