The 5 Best Hikes on Oʻahu in 2026

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Oʻahu’s diverse terrain. The island boasts miles of trails, including hikes to waterfalls, across ridges and to the top of summits.

Here are the 5 best hikes on Oʻahu, according to HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

1. Diamond Head Summit Trail

Leading to the summit of Lēʻahi, the Diamond Head Summit Trail is one of the most popular hikes on Oʻahu. The 0.8-mile trek climbs to the top of one of Hawaiʻi’s most recognizable landmarks and offers insight into the crater’s geological and military history. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Oʻahu’s south shore.

The trailhead is in the 475-acre Diamond Head State Monument. Nonresident visitors must make reservations and pay a $5 entry fee, while Hawaiʻi residents are exempt with a valid ID.

2. Mānoa Falls Trail

Tucked in Mānoa Valley about 5 miles outside of Waikīkī, the Mānoa Falls Trail is an easy-to-moderate trek that weaves through a rainforest and bamboo grove. The 150-foot waterfall is about 0.8 miles from the trailhead. The trail can be muddy, so proper footwear is strongly recommended.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Mānoa on Oʻahu

3. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail

This paved trail is perfect for beginners or families with young keiki. The 2-mile round-trip trek winds along Oʻahu’s rugged southeastern coastline, offering spectacular ocean views. Along the way, hikers can spot native plants, and during the winter months, North Pacific humpback whales can often be seen in Hawaiʻi’s warm waters. At the top of the trail, hikers can marvel at the historic Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse, built in 1909. Here, you’ll also have incredible views of Waimānalo and the offshore islets, Mānana and Kāohikaipu, which are both state seabird sanctuaries.

4. Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillbox Trail)

The Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail is a favorite among locals and visitors, especially at dawn. In the early hours, hikers can watch the sun rise over the Pacific while taking in views of Nā Mokulua and Lanikai. The Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail is often called the Lanikai Pillbox Trail. The roughly 1-mile hike is mostly uphill and leads to two concrete observation stations built in the early 1940s.

5. Koko Crater Stairs

There are 1,048 steps leading to the Puʻu Mai summit of Kohelepelepe. The trek can be punishing. Koko Crater Stairs follows an old tramway, with remnants of the abandoned railroad track built by the U.S. Army in 1942. Koko Crater Stairs is one of the best workouts you’ll get on any Oʻahu trail. At the top, hikers are treated to sweeping views of East Honolulu.

 

See all of the winners of our 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered right to your mailbox.