O’ahu is a nature lovers playground, and there are an endless amount of hikes on the island in varying degrees of difficulty. While I’m a ‘capable’ hiker, it’s not my favorite thing to do, so I tend to go for the hikes that aren’t too long, yet offer a rewarding view. These hikes below are some of the most famous on the island – offer extraordinary views, and they won’t take you all day to complete!

Here are 5 Easy & Popular Hikes On O’ahu, Hawaii

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

This is a great hike if you have strollers in tow – this path is completely paved! Located on the east side of O’ahu, this easy hike will take you straight to a lighthouse on the edge of the cliffside – sometimes you can even see whales! (The midpoint of this hike is also where some people climb down to the Makapu’u tide pools.

Diamond Head

This hike is extremely popular and people of all ages visit daily, so I’d definitely say it’s one of the easiest on this list. There are a few flights of stairs to climb, and a short, dark, unlit tunnel, but other than that it’s paved, doesn’t require much exertion, and provides amazing views!

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Manoa Falls

This hike is pretty simple with no steep inclines, no massive climbs, and it leads to a giant waterfall! There are a few stairs involved, but it’s a great family friendly hike. (Including the pups!)

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Lanikai Pillboxes

Definitely my favorite hike of all time – I just love Lanikai and the Kailua area! While this hike is relatively simple and quick – it’s about 20 minutes or so to the top of the first pillbox, it does require climbing up a few boulders, and the loose dirt/gravel areas are of some concern when shuffling your way down. Overall though it’s pretty safe, and there is nothing like the view of the Mokulua islands at sunrise! (It’s also a fan favorite of all my friends that are visiting, don’t miss this hike!)

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Kokohead Crater Trail

I’ve debated on including this one – is climbing 1,046 steps easy? Definitely not! I honestly got sick once from how hard this climb is, but it’s straightforward, can be quick, and is one of the most popular on the island. While the sheer number of steps will turn your legs to straight mush, the view will dissolve your new found hatred for stairs – that is until you have to climb down! There is also a section of a railroad above a gap which is a bit scary, but I’ve never heard of any accidents.

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