The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Hawaiian island of Oahu and the city of Honolulu is usually Mai Tai’s, beaches, and the Waikiki strip. Dig a little deeper, and most locals or frequent visitors to Hawaii know that there’s so much more.

One of my favorite things to do while vacationing in Hawaii is to plan multiple hikes around the island of Oahu. These are my picks for best hikes near Honolulu.

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Lush and Jurassic

jungle trails of manoa falls is one of the best hikes near honolulu

There’s a reason why movies like Lost and Jurassic Park were filmed here. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and in a lot of ways outer worldly.

Hawaii has a near perfect balance of warmth, humidity, and light precipitation. That awesome climate results in an ecosystem that happily thrives and grows to a brilliant, lush green.

Formed from volcanic activity, the island of Oahu also gives visitors an opportunity to walk through the jagged earth that is such an important part of Hawaii’s geology. Atop knife-edged cliffs, up mountain paths, and skirting the top of the volcano cone, the views are as stunning as they are mesmerizing.

On Oahu, it’s that stark contrast of the inviting “alohas” of colorful birds, hanging vines and thick canopies one minute, and then being transported to Mars-like vistas and curious rock formations, that keeps me coming back for more.

Hiking near Honolulu is for everyone

hiking switchbacks of diamond head near honolulu
The switchbacks of Diamond Head

The best part about hiking around Oahu from Honolulu is the fact that almost anyone can do it. You don’t have to be a pro-hiker with gear, nor do you need a guide to take you. Most of the popular hikes in the area are well marked but also busy. That’s code word for “lots of tourists”. That being said, don’t let that deter you because that doesn’t diminish any of the beauty of the surrounding environment.

On the flipside, if you’re looking to go off the beaten path there are also numerous hikes that can give any seasoned hiker a run for their money.

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Top hikes near Honolulu on the island of Oahu

While there are easily over 50 hikes of varying difficulty on the island, these are the three must-do hikes near Honolulu for any first or second time visitors to Hawaii.

1 – Diamond Head Crater

spectacular view of waikiki from diamond head hiking trail
View of Waikiki from Diamond Head

Was there any doubt that this would be on here? This iconic landmark is not only a sight to look at from the beach, but climbing up to the top is both satisfying and rewarding. The 360 degree views offered at the top provide the most magnificent views of Waikiki. This hike is a relatively easy hike with a combination of steady incline of switchbacks and a short stair climb. Try to budget at least an hour for the journey up and back down. As a bonus, you can also explore some of the remaining old war bunkers at the peak.

2 – Manoa Falls

the long vertical drop of monoa falls is a great hike near honolulu
Manoa Falls

Explore Hawaii’s very own rainforest with a hike through a dense trail of tropical trees that eventually lead to a freshwater pool and waterfall. The stage for several LOST episodes and Jurrasic Park, this popular trail is well-maintained and offers a lot to discover in this tropical paradise. Budget at least half an hour to get to the falls from the parking lot.

3 – Kaena Point

kaena point hiking near honolulu
Image via Flickr by Max McMillan

For something completely different, head over to the most Westerly point in Oahu that has been called “Untouched Oahu.” Aside from an old railroad track and a few abandoned cars, this trail really takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. What makes this hike unique is that you can find a wide variety of sights along the way which include sand dunes, the crashing of ocean waves against rocks, and tidal pools full of life. It’s recommended that you do this hike in the morning as there isn’t much cover from the sun.

With Honolulu being the perfect home base for all of your adventures on Oahu, make sure you check out the article where I share all of my secrets about affordable hotels in Waikiki.

Need a 2 day itinerary?  I have you covered too!

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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The Discussion

  1. You definitely should add the Lanikai Pillbox hike! The hike is beautiful and the area is a great for exploring with the best breakfast place called Boots and Kimos!

    1. That’s a great suggestion! I haven’t done that one but will definitely put this on the top list of new hikes to try when I go :)

  2. Where is the most dangerous place to hiking in Hawaii? A friend of mine told me about Kalalau Trail – a very beautiful and really difficult hiking trail. Do you know it? Have you been there?

    1. I actually had a chance to do the first part of the Kalalau Trail that most regular visitors get to do. It wasn’t too difficult as I was able to do this with my parents. Great trail that eventually leads to a beautiful beach. From there we didn’t go any further and just turned around. That alone was a good day hike.

  3. Wow, I’d never really considered Hawaii before, but I keep seeing and hearing about it lately…getting more and more tempted, and your pictures are not helping! ;)

    1. While Hawaii isn’t necessarily known for its hikes, they definitely have some good ones especially when you consider the type of views that you can get out there. It also helps that they always have amazing climate out there.

  4. I have only been to Hawaii once, and that was to Kauai, but it was absolutely stunning and made me want to get back. When I go back, Oahu is definitely on my list! :D