Oʻahu Hiking Trails for Beginners: 6 Easy Hikes

Oʻahu’s nature trails offer something for everyone, and these beginner-friendly hikes are the easygoing way to embrace the island’s natural beauty.

While we’re not expert hikers, we love hitting the trails whenever we get the chance — and these were the first hikes we tackled as we eased into Oʻahu’s great outdoors.

From muddy jungle paths and waterfall trails to a coastal paved climb and filming locations from the TV show LOST, these hikes offer a variety of easygoing adventures.

In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best hikes for beginners on Oʻahu.

1. Diamond Head Summit Trail

Hike through Waikīkī’s famous volcanic backdrop to epic views over Honolulu.

📍 Diamond Head Road
🕒 Open: Daily 6am-6pm (last entry 4pm)
🎟️ Cost: From $5 for adults
🥾 Length: 1.9mi (3km) roundtrip

Diamond Head Summit Trail is a 1.9mi (3km) roundtrip hike that climbs 560ft (170m) up the interior southern slope of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head). Once a military stronghold with cannons, bunkers and pillboxes, this volcanic tuff cone remains a military site. The short but steep trail features over 200 steps and dimly lit tunnels. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with Honolulu views. Entry and parking reservations are required.

2. Mānoa Falls Trail

Muddy jungle hike to a towering waterfall, with LOST scenery and photo ops.

📍 Mānoa
🕒 Open: Daylight hours
🎟️ Cost: Free
🥾 Length: 1.9mi (2.9km) roundtrip

Mānoa Falls Trail is a 1.9mi (2.9km) roundtrip hike with an 800ft (243m) elevation gain, located a 20-minute drive from Waikīkī. This fairytale-like trail winds through century-old trees and a bamboo forest, as featured in LOST and Jurassic Park. Expect a year-round muddy, tropical jungle environment — proper footwear and bug spray are a must. Though non-swimmable, the tall waterfall at the end is a nice spot for photos.

3. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail

Paved climb to a lighthouse for ocean views and seasonal whale-watching.

📍 Makapuʻu Point
🕒 Open: 7am-6:45pm
🎟️ Cost: Free
🥾 Length: 2.5mi (4km) roundtrip

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail is a 2.5mi (4km) roundtrip paved hike climbing 500ft (152m), easily manageable with strollers. Located near Oʻahu’s easternmost tip, it’s a prime spot to watch seabirds and humpback whales (Dec–May). The trail hugs sea cliffs to an observation deck and historic lighthouse, with coastal views toward Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and West Maui. Note, there are no restrooms or water fountains.

4. Kaʻiwa Ridge Trail

Steep, rocky ascent to historic pillboxes famed for sunrise magic over Lanikai.

📍 Kaʻiwa Ridge
🕒 Open: Daylight hours
🎟️ Cost: Free
🥾 Length: 1.6mi (2.6km) roundtrip

Kaiʻwa Ridge Trail, also called the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, is a 1.6mi (2.6km) roundtrip intermediate trail climbing 659ft (198m) in Kailua, about a 45-minute drive from Waikīkī. This steep, rocky path gets your blood pumping and leads to two old military bunkers with incredible views over Kailua, Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands. It’s a magical sunrise spot. Parking can be tricky in the residential area, so plan ahead before you go.

5. Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail

Challenging forest climb to a summit ridge overlooking the southeast coastline.

📍 Kuliʻouʻou Ridge
🕒 Open: Daylight hours
🎟️ Cost: Free
🥾 Length: 4.4mi (7.1km) roundtrip

Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail is a 4.4mi (7.1km) roundtrip moderate hike climbing to 1,800ft (548m), with eastside Oʻahu views revealed near the summit. Patience is required through dense woodlands, as the “big views” don’t appear until the final stretch. The trail winds through changing terrain, from forest to steep ridges, with picnic tables midway for rest. At the top, the lookout captures Hawaiʻi Kai and Waimanalo coastline.

5. Likeke Falls Trail

Rainforest hike to a two-tier waterfall with rock pools, perfect for a cooling soak.

📍 Kāneʻohe
🕒 Open: Daylight hours
🎟️ Cost: Free
🥾 Length: 0.8mi (1.3km) roundtrip

Likeke Falls Trail on Oʻahu is a moderately easy 0.8mi (1.3km) roundtrip roundtrip hike with a 216ft (66m) elevation gain, leading to a beautiful two-tiered waterfall. Starting near the Koʻolau Golf Club (we prefer) or Pali Lookout, the trail winds through rainforest with key turns marked by ribbons or arrows — try not to miss them! Expect muddy, slippery conditions after rain, and enjoy a dip in the shallow pool at the base of the falls.

In summary, these easy hikes highlight Oʻahu’s remarkable landscapes and offer an inviting way for most visitors to experience the island’s outdoor wonders.