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Hiking Trails in Honolulu

THE 10 BEST Honolulu Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails in Honolulu

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What travelers are saying

  • joysclind
    Wrightwood, CA138 contributions
    Fun hike and gorgeous views
    Great hike! Beautiful sunrise view and a great workout. A little crowded but most people had good trail manners and patience.
    Review of: ‪Diamond Head State Monument
    Written March 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nikko Gandia
    Monterey, CA468 contributions
    Hiking To The Kokohead Lookout
    I hiked this & many other trails on 09/08 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YT.

    The trail felt moderate to me. The incline is abrupt, take breaks when needed and enjoy the views. Consider bringing a walking pole or stick, going back down may be more difficult for some. Small section towards the top without ground coverage - take Murphy's bypass to avoid this (look for sign). Great views of north, east, and south O'ahu at the summit.
    Review of: Koko Crater Railway Trail
    Written March 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nikko Gandia
    Monterey, CA468 contributions
    Hiking The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
    I hiked this & many other trails on 09/12 during my first visit to Hawai'i & posted a vlog! Search "Nikko Gandia Travels" on YT. Parking lot was almost full by 7:30am on a Friday. Great views at the summit of Makapu'u Beach and the rest of the east coastline in the distance. Easy gradual incline and paved trail all the way through.
    Review of: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
    Written March 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • newhampshire411
    Chicago, IL310 contributions
    Worth it
    This is an awesome hike, but you need to take sure that everyone in your party is in good shape. Part of my exhaustion might have been the fact that my almost 16-year--old cross-country running son insisted that we make it up and down in record pace: the All Trails guide says it takes about 3.5 hours and we were back down at the bottom in one hour and 55 minutes. It took us one hour to get up, and it is almost 2000 feet up. There are a few steep sections where you are forced to scramble up a never ending, root covered hill, and several sections of 100's (yes 100's) of stairs. The view from the top is the best I have seen on the island and makes Diamond Head seem small. Bring lots of water for the trip. It is fairly shaded, and gets cooler and a bit breezy as you get towards the top. My knees hurt me on the way down due to all the steps.
    Review of: Kuliouou Ridge Hike
    Written January 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CRITICAL_LOVERS
    montreal51 contributions
    So green
    Beautiful, peaceful, lush are there words that describe this great experience. Easy hike to falls, anyone can do this, wear closed shoes as it can be muddy in some spots. Enjoy!
    Review of: Manoa Falls Trail
    Written March 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tcustance
    Hawthorn, Australia94 contributions
    A pretty secluded place with multiple trail options
    We started our hike (11.7km loop) Makiki Valley State Recreation Area. Following the start of the trail, you can do the small loop around, or you can use the map to take other trails for a longer or more challenging experience.
    We hiked along the Manoa Cliffs as well, which had some incredible views.
    It was VERY muddy in some places - so you do need to be a little agile and wear appropriate shoes.
    Review of: Makiki Valley Trail
    Written November 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Quiles-Cardona
    6 contributions
    Challenging but rewarding.
    This hike isn’t for the faint of heart! Lol it’s very challenging and sometimes dangerous but worth it in the end when you get to the waterfalls and the views. Definitely worth it. 👍🏼
    Review of: Ka’au Crater Hike
    Written September 16, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GuppyBerry
    Toronto, Canada7 contributions
    Perfect half day family activity
    We reached Diamond Head with Uber from Waikiki it was really easy. We did the hike with two young kids (7 and 9), it took us maybe 45 minutes going up as we often stopped for pictures, and 30 minutes going down. The views are amazing, to the inside of the crater, the ocean and Waikiki beaches. At the top you will see and get into old bunkers. It’s a good half day activity for a family, just be aware there are sections with about 100 stairs to climb. It gets busy at some point but it didn’t bother us, even if we were there just before noon. Definitely worth going for scenic views.
    Review of: Diamond Head Crater Hike
    Written March 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Elizabeth C
    Smithfield, NC15 contributions
    Great place to see tropical fish
    Great place to see some beautiful tropical fish! You do have to get a reservation three days in advance. I would recommend getting online right at 7am three days prior because they sell out quickly. You do have to review a 10-15 minute video first so plan accordingly! They also close early so try and get the earliest reservation to get the most time on the beach
    Review of: Hanauma Bay Trail
    Written March 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MichiganBy7
    28 contributions
    The "Unprepared" Accidental Hikers
    We were looking for a "good" hike to do. My daughter wanted to hike from the Hilton Hawaiian Village up to the top of Diamond Head. Nice, but a little vanilla. I challenged her to do something a little more challenging. We agreed on the Pali Puka Hike. Problem was we got confused with directions and ended up at the parking lot for the start of the Moanalua Valley Trail Hike. This hike is the "legal" way to gain access to the Stairway to Heaven (Otherwise know as the Haiku Stairs).

    We thought that the hike we were attempting (Paki Palu) was an easy 2.2 miles out and 2.2 miles back. WRONG.

    We were there, so not realizing what lay before us, we started the hike. Very little water, no food, a little candy, cameras and fortunately GOOD hiking boots.

    (Note - If you do this trail, the whole thing is 10-12 miles in length, start no later than 0830 am, have plenty of water, food, good boots and gloves for climbing the last sections).

    The first 2.8 miles is a nice little hike, ANYONE can do it. At the 2.8 mile point you come to a fork in the road, go LEFT. Do NOT go right like we did initially. We went 30 minutes the wrong way, had to double back, this ate up a lot of our daylight.

    Once back at the sign, we went left and immediately all hell breaks loose. The entire climb ascends some 2,600', most of it after the split at 2.8 miles. If it's muddy, it's really tough. Intermittent cloud cover, and rain makes its even more challenging. Since we started out so late, we did not see any other people until we were well into the hike and they were returning. Most being successful, a few tapped out at the rope sections. Every single group however started that from whatever point we met them at, it got a lot steeper from that point on. And it did. It is ABSOLUTELY CRAZY, but exhilarating. People have died on this trail. A lot of the time you have 1.000' vertical drops on both the left and the right of you and the path is only 2' wide. If you don't like heights, don't do this hike.

    Up and up and up we went. our pace slowed dramatically as a result and with 0.9 miles to go, while not having reached any of the most challenging rope sections, my daughter (27), wife (55) and myself (60), decided that we did not have enough daylight left to complete the hike and return down the mountain safely (like it was even safe in the first place). We turned back.

    Phenomenally beautiful photos. Absolutely 10 out of 10 in regards to challenge, adventure, craziness, confidence building etc.

    I am amazed that one of the three of us did not get seriously injured at sometime in our adventure.

    Although we failed, I sort of understand how people must feel, not being able to complete a venture like Everest etc.. initially stating that they would never attempt it again and then the next year, there they are.

    So I guess we'll see.

    There was a 75 year old, purple haired hippy looking dude who supposedly does the thing 5 times a week and completed it over 800 times. He's in great shape and I guess acts as a guide for hire. So there's hope for me I guess.
    Review of: Moanalua Middle Ridge
    Written February 15, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • snoozermoose
    Boston, MA135 contributions
    Favorite hike of our trip
    This ridge hike is one of my all-time favorite hikes. Moderate-to-hard (with the exception of one short, very steep section with a rope) with beautiful views throughout and an astonishing 360-degree view at the end. I can see how this would be a lot harder if wet so try to pick a dry week. Wear hiking boots and bring plenty of water. We passed a struggling group wearing sandals and sharing a bottle of water between the four of them--not the position you want to be in on this hike. We didn't encounter very many hikers though. Definitely a hidden gem!
    Review of: Wiliwilinui Hiking Trail
    Written July 31, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 無名
    Japan8,160 contributions
    There are really...
    ...two trails here that are getting mixed up in the reviews. Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail and Kaiwi Shoreline Trail, and I was on both yesterday. They use the same parking, and the big sign off the main road says Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail is the more traveled, paved one going up to the lighthouse with stunning views - yes you can do it in flip-flops. I wouldn't (again) on Kaiwi Shoreline Trail which is pretty rocky at times; I almost slipped and busted something. Whatever - I veered off the trail when I came to a divide and found a great little beach that was fairly secluded especially being a Saturday: not too many people and only one dog swimming. I think it's called Alan Davis Beach, and here is where you get closest to Pele's Chair - a kinda iconic rock formation. Hey I went a little further this way and found some rocky tidal pools with crystal clear water. This is where I took a dip and washed the funk off from the climb up to Makapu'u Lookout. The water was so relaxing that I kinda felt buzzed from it all, so I didn't finish the rest of the Kaiwi Trail and went back to my car. Coming here was a nice way to spend an afternoon and got some good exercise and maybe even water therapy no less.
    Review of: Kaiwi Shoreline Trail
    Written May 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • J&C
    Sacramento, CA1 contribution
    Must experience this tour!
    Amazing, informative and fun tour for our family! Mano is an excellent tour guide and wonderful human! We had a blast with him and learned a lot about the history and culture. We loved seeing the film sites and backstory!
    Review of: Tour Advisor Hawaii
    Written October 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AngelitaK
    Inver Grove Heights, MN152 contributions
    Good hike, def moderate - rough terrain so be prepared!
    We enjoyed this hike, it was a good moderate level hike. Very muddy and you end up walking through the water a few times to get to the falls at the end. It takes a good 75 minutes plus to make it to the falls with the mud, the walk up, and all the tree roots you had to navigate through. If it had just rained, I don't know if we would have done it or continued on. It was dry for a few days so we decided to go and it was still muddy, so we knew if it had rained there def could be some issues with deeper standing water and mud spots that would cover your entire shoe up your leg! All in all, good hike, def recommend it, and bring water! We did bring bug spray and used it, had no issues with bugs at all, not sure if it was the bug spray or not, but we had zero issues with bugs. Good luck and enjoy!
    Review of: Maunawili Trail
    Written January 29, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • graemeandjanet
    62 contributions
    Worth doing
    Our guide was Brandon, a friendly and well-presented guy who was obviously
    Enthusiastic about his job.
    Pickup and return to the hotel was smooth and the day went well.
    Ours was a 50 seater bus so we could only go to places with suitable parking...places where you buy things.
    In hindsight, we might have gone with a smaller operator that went off the beaten track a bit - no parking at the surf beaches so we didnt stop nor even slow down.
    But that's not Brandon's fault.
    If you want a generic and straight forward tour then Roberts are the people to go with. But if your looking for something smaller and a bit folksey then try elsewhere.
    Review of: Oahu Grand Circle Island
    Written May 11, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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