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3 of the Best Hikes Near Honolulu

Last Updated December 17, 2021 William Tang

You are here: Home » USA » 3 of the Best Hikes Near Honolulu

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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.

Read more about Hawaii

  • Kauai in 3 days
  • Honolulu 2 day itinerary
  • Extraordinary snorkeling in Maui
  • Best hotels in Hawaii's southern islands
  • Best shave ice in Honolulu

Have you heard of car rental coupon codes?

  • If you haven't, you really should because it could save you hundreds on your next rental car.

Here's what we're covering:

  • Lush and Jurassic
  • Hiking near Honolulu is for everyone
  • Top hikes near Honolulu on the island of Oahu
    • 1 – Diamond Head Crater
    • 2 – Manoa Falls
    • 3 – Kaena Point

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.

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!

What you should read next

  • Honolulu 2 Day Itinerary in Hawaii – Things to See, Do and Eat
  • 5 Waikiki Beach Hotels That Won't Break the Bank In Honolulu
  • Honolulu's Best Shave Ice In Town
  • Best snorkeling in Maui
  • The must-visit snorkel spots on Big Island
3 of the Best Hikes Near Honolulu
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Filed Under: USA 9 Comments

About William Tang

William is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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  1. Em says

    January 23, 2019 at 1:10 PM

    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!

    Reply
    • Will Tang says

      January 23, 2019 at 4:44 PM

      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 :)

      Reply
  2. Ben says

    March 17, 2016 at 11:29 AM

    The hiking is amazing everywhere but I the photos are amazing :)

    Reply
  3. Beth Cooper says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:10 AM

    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?

    Reply
    • Will Tang says

      March 18, 2016 at 12:14 AM

      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.

      Reply
  4. Chloe Harrison says

    February 24, 2016 at 10:31 AM

    WOW, it sounds like a fairytale! Definitely, must go there!

    Reply
  5. Camille Poire says

    April 23, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    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! ;)

    Reply
    • Will Tang says

      May 5, 2015 at 7:07 PM

      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.

      Reply
  6. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says

    April 21, 2015 at 9:17 PM

    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

    Reply

author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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