The Best Hikes on Oahu
We have recently become a family that loves to hike, so naturally we looked for some good hiking spots on our trip to the gorgeous Hawaiian islands! Here are the top four best hikes on Oahu with views you cant find anywhere else. All of these can be found on the All Trails App, which I don’t go hiking without. It will open directions to the trailhead on your phone and shows you in real time where you are on the hike. Click on each Hike and it will take you directly to All Trails!
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Pu’u o Hulu (Pink Pillbox Hike)
Western Side of the Island
1.6 miles round trip
Moderate
This was my favorite hike on the island. Keep in mind the best hikes on the island include having to hike up a mountain, so majority of these hikes are moderate to difficult. Aurora is seven years old and she was able to do all of these with us.
This is the stunning view you’ll get at the top of the pillbox, so trust me, the hike is worth it! You’re probably wondering what a pillbox is….I’m not sure why they call it that but these are old WWll look out buildings. There are three at the top of this hike. The buildings are painted and gratified, the pink one being painted in honor of breast cancer awareness. There is plenty of free street parking at the trailhead.
This is a high traffic trail, but I would not say it was crowded when we went. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes because there are a lot of tree roots and rocks to walk over on this uphill hike.
The sights on this hike are gorgeous, even from the beginning.
There were a few of these really cool exposed root threes growing on the side of the cliffs.
Bring lots of water. It was flipping HOT the day we went.
Almost to the top, you will come to a fork. There is a tree to the right with pink tape tied on it, take a right here to head up to the pink pillbox.
This is the view at the top of the hike itself. Once you climb on top of one of the pillboxes you can see two sides of the island and an entire stretch of coast in front of you.
There are three pill boxes at the top of this hike. You can walk inside and on top of (at your own risk) all of them.
Makap’u’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Eastern Side of the Island
Moderate
2.5 miles round trip
So the truth is, we didn’t do this entire trail. We actually did half the trail and took a side path down to the Makap’u’u Tide Pools. These are one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island, or a romantic getaway with a view. The hike up to here is so beautiful and many people say you can see whales from the top during feeding times.
Parking is a pain here. Your best bet is to spot somebody walking out to their car and hope to grab their spot. The parking lot is super tiny so most people park on both side s of the street, which basically makes it one way all the way down to the parking lot.
This trail is actually a nice wide paved path. Just keep in mind there is ZERO shade the entire hike, so wear sunscreen and bring lots of water.
The view is beautiful walking up (what view isn’t beautiful in Hawaii).
The first rest area has a great view. Each stop has these informational/educational signs about the area.
The second rest stop has an area where you can walk behind the guard rails. Keep in mind past this area is a gorgeous view and deadly fall. Venture at your own risk.
The third rest stop is where we took the side trail down to the Makapu’u’ Tide Pools. Here there’s a sign about the whales that you can often see from the rest areas. The trail is to the left of the rest area.
If you decide to do the side trial down to the tide pools, keep in mind you are literally climbing down the side of a mountain on an unmarked trail. There are a few spray painted trail markers but it is mostly unmarked.
Aurora did great, we helped her of course. I would be weary of taking younger kids. We did see another parent with younger children and she was carrying the smallest. Absolutely wear sturdy hiking shoes or hiking water shoes. We wore our Teva’s and they were perfect. You can wear them on the hike and in the tide pools. It is very very rocky. Click the photo to view and shop.
About half way down the mountain you can start to see the tide pools down at the bottom. There is also a blowhole here, and it is way less crowded than Halona blow hole!
This spot is absolutely the most gorgeous view of the ocean on the island. There were maybe five other people here when we went, its so quiet with just the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. There are a few tide pools so odds are you will have one to yourself!
You’ll want to bring snorkel gear along because there is lots to see in the tide pools! The fish were not afraid of us and there are tons of different ones to see. Sea anemones and sea urchins are also in the tide pools. This is the best spot on the island to find shells.
Make sure to try and go at low tide! This is the best time to go.
On your way back up you will see spray painted arrows to help guide you. The way up was way easier and only took us about twenty minutes.
If you decide to continue onto the lighthouse after visiting the tide pools, this is the view!
Crouching Lion
Eastern Side of the Island
Difficult (All Trails labels as Moderate)
0.6 of a mile round trip
First off, I did not know this trail was closed when we set out to do it. The blogger I found it on did not say how difficult it was or that it was closed (it may not have been closed when she did it). I only knew the view was gorgeous. With that being said, I do NOT suggest for anyone to do this hike. It is dangerous and very difficult, and is closed. Hike at your own risk.
This hike is climbing straight up a mountain through a jungle. Literally holding onto to tree roots and pulling yourself up. I’m honestly really surprised we did it because we almost turned around several times. There was a group of locals in front of us.
It had just rained for two days before we got on this trail. So it was all MUD. Even better, we were in sandals (yep I’m nuts. I had NO IDEA about this hike)
Travis fell at least three times (mainly because he was helping Aurora and I up).
The views are gorgeous, but I suggest doing the Pu’u’ o Hulu or really any other hike has views just as gorgeous that are not endangering your life.
Manoa Falls
30 minutes from Waikiki
Moderate
3 miles round trip
Here is a bit of an easier hike compared to the others I listed, and this one has a waterfall! The parking lot is pretty small, we got one of the last spots and we went early around 9 am, so get there early! It is $5 to park.
The first part of the trail is a paved road
I’m not sure if it is like this year round or just during rainy season, but the trail was SO FREAKING MUDDY. Like so muddy you are slipping all over the place. Don’t wear any nice clothes, don’t wear your good hiking shoes because they will get ruined. Wear old sneakers you don’t care about and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. I never fell but I still had mud splatter all over my leggings and sports bra.
When you get on the trail itself the view is absolutely gorgeous. You are in the middle of a rain forest and it looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park.
There are educational signs along the way that tell you a bit about the rain forest and the kinds of plants and animals local here!
Manoa Falls is SO tall! You’ll have to stretch your neck to see the top. It is beautiful!
We saw a few people swimming in the pool of the waterfall but there are signs that say no swimming.
My favorite active leggings are Lilly Pulitzer brand (which I’m wearing in majority of these photos). They are comfy, stretchy, soft, and fabulous! Click the photo below to view and shop.
Finding the fun everywhere life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle
