If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii be sure to include at least one hike somewhere in your itinerary! If you’re staying a week then you can definitely do two or three hikes. There are plenty of amazing hikes around the island but below I highlighted a few Oahu hikes that aren’t too long but still offer amazing views. 

We typically did a hike in the morning, before it got too hot, then spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach. 

• Diamond Head
• Makapu’U Lighthouse Trail
• Ehukai Pillbox 
• Koko Crater Botanical Garden
• What to Bring on Oahu Trails

Diamond Head

Diamond Head is definitely one of the most popular hikes on the island- and for good reason. The trail is only 1.6 miles round trip and gains 560 ft in elevation. The trail starts off paved but quickly turns into a rocky pathway with several switchbacks. You’ll find three sets of stairs, after the first set you’ll follow the path through a tunnel before taking another two flights. There are multiple viewpoints and places to rest along the trail if you need a break. Since this trail is so popular you will be one of the many people either hiking up or coming down. 

Before you visit you’ll need to make a reservation to hike (if you’re not a Hawaii resident). The cost is $5 per person plus $10 per car if you are parking there. Reservations are for 2 hours, with the first one starting at 6am and the last at 4pm. One thing to note is that the reservation is for rain or shine, you can possibly change your reservation ahead of time but not the day of. 

Makapu’U Lighthouse Trail 

The Makapu’U Lighthouse trail is 2 miles round trip and gains 500 ft in elevation. I definitely recommend starting this trail in the morning.

1. There’s very limited shade on this trail. 
2. The parking lot fills up fast. We were able to secure a spot at around 9:00 am but once we finished the hike the lot was full and people were parked on the shoulder of the main highway. 

The whole trail is paved and pretty wide, leaving plenty of space for those going up or coming down. There are a few viewing areas with signs pointing out peaks and areas good for whale watching. At the top you’ll find areas for viewing the lighthouse and taking in views of the Windward Oahu.

Right before you reach the view areas, you’ll see another dirt path venturing off to the left. The short quarter of a mile trail will take you up to three pill boxes- one that is crumbled, skip that one and check out the other two for some more amazing views of the coast. There are a few trails that will take you to the pillboxes, some are a little over grown though so just beware. You’ll also have to climb over some rocks but I’d say the view is worth it.

Ehukai Pillbox 

If you’re spending the day on the North Shore, this is the perfect hike to do in the morning before checking out the North Shore. This trail is 2 miles round trip and gains 725 feet in elevation. The trailhead is located next to a park and elementary school. There are signs saying the parking is only for guests using the park, but there is a beach right across the street with public parking there. The trail starts on a flat narrow trail before gaining elevation. You’ll climb over rocks, fallen trees, and tree roots before making your way to more stable ground. There are some ropes along the trail to assist you as you make your way up. 

The next half of the trail isn’t as steep and is definitely easier than the first half. Once you reach the first pillbox I’m sure you’ll want to stop and take in the views. Some people choose to turn around here but the next pillbox is only about 5 minutes away so I’d suggest making the trip there. The clearing is larger at this pillbox, giving you better views of the coast. Once you’re done taking in the views, just head back the way you came. On the way back you’ll come to an intersection of three trails, take the one on the far right to stay on the original trail. 

Ehukai Pillbox WARNING:

This trail can be SUPER muddy and slippery if it has rained recently. When we visited, it was so slippery that it took us double the time to reach the top than it would have. We thought it would get better as we kept going but the whole trail was covered in mud for the first ⅓-½ mile (which is the steepest part of the trail). I would recommend skipping this trail if has rained recently. If you start the trail and it’s already muddy with water sitting on the trail then your in for a hard hike, I’d turn back now 

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for a more relaxing, easier hike, then this is the one for you! Koko Crater Botanical Garden trail is a 2 mile loop with minimal elevation gain. This dirt trail starts off within a grove of plumeria trees. At first glance, they just look like dead trees with no leaves, but as we kept walking I was surprised to see the beautiful plumeria blossoms in yellow, pink and purple. The botanical gardens have different sections with plants from different regions, including Africa and Madagascar. I personally loved the cactus/succulents and was very intrigued by the sausage tree, which typically grows in Africa. 

While this trail doesn’t offer you amazing views of the island, it does offer some good views of tropical plants you might have never experienced before.

What to Bring on Oahu Trails

Not sure what to take on your day hike? Check out my top essentials to take hiking with you. If your planning a trip to Hawaii, you should also check out our Hawaii Packing List so you don’t forget anything at home!

If you’ve done any of these hikes before let me know how you liked them in the comments below! Or if you have any questions, leave them and I’d be happy to answer.