Hawaii’s capital is known for its natural scenic beauty and abundance of life and lush green land. Honolulu is famous for its crescent beach, amazing top resorts, and spectacular views of the Diamond Head crater. The city has a nice vibe with friendly locals smiling as they go about their business. If you haven’t tasted exotic tropical cuisine, then the restaurants strategically located all over the city will be the best place for you to visit. Enjoy your time on Waikiki Beach, basking under the warmth of the sun while sipping on Honolulu’s two favourite drinks, the Hawaiian Luau and Mai Tai. Aside from enjoying a relaxing experience in your chosen vacation rental, try making the best of your trip by touring and exploring the many hiking trails to know the destination better. Read on to find more about the best hiking and trekking spots in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1. Wa'ahila Ridge Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
There are many great hiking hotspots nearby that surround Waikiki Beach, and the Wa'ahila Ridge Trail happens to be one of them. With a distance that spans nearly 3 kilometres (1.86 miles), the Wa'ahila Ridge Trail takes trekkers up to a ridge, which features sweeping views of Manoa and Palolo valleys, Honolulu’s imposing high-rise buildings, and the surrounding seaside.
Compared to other nearby trails, this one is not as difficult, though it does bear a few tricky obstacles along the way. However, if you want to amp up the challenge, there is a much harder trail ahead that leads to the summit of Mt. Olympus. You may also spot glimpses of the Ka'au Crater upon ascending to the summit.
Wa'ahila Ridge Trail
Address: Waʻahila Ridge State Recreation Area, 1600 Ruth Pl, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States
2. Kuliouou West Valley Trail
If you are looking for an out and back trail that is only moderately trafficked, a trail that is not too challenging and best for hikers of all skill levels, then Kiliouou West Valley Trail should be your first stop. Kiliouou West Valley trail offers breathtaking views of Honolulu, with Waimanalo to the east and Ko’olau mountain to the south. This trail is rather short, concluding your journey with a small waterfall view. It takes approximately 4-hours to complete this 6.4 kilometre (4 miles) hiking trail.
Kuliouou West Valley Trail
Address: Hahaione St, Honolulu, HI
3. Tripler Ridge Trail
If you are looking forward to seeing wildlife as you hike and encounter a rather challenging trail while at it, Tripler Ridge Trail is where you ought to be. It is a lightly trafficked trail full of wildlife, beautiful green vegetation and wildflowers and is commonly used for bird watching, hiking and trail running. The Tripler Ridge is a loop trail spanning over 15.1 kilometres (9.4 miles), a challenge worth accepting.
Tripler Ridge Trail
Address: Honolulu, HI 96819, United States
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4. Wailupe Loop Trail
If you are up for a half-a-day hiking tour then put on your hiking shoes, fill your water bottle and make your way to Wailupe Loop Trail. As its name hints, this is a loop trail that is lightly trafficked stretching 5.2 miles (8.5 kilometres). Although pets are allowed, they have to be on a leash at all times. Don’t let the beautiful vista fool you, as Wailupe Loop Trail is rated as a rather difficult one, and is not suited for beginners or family, however, it is definitely the best spot for thrill-seekers.
Wailupe Loop Trail
Address: Wailupe Pl Honolulu, HI 96821
5. Hanauma Bay Lookout
If you are looking for a less challenging trek that will last less than two hours, Hanauma Bay Trail is the perfect choice for you. This takes roughly two hours to complete with a long uphill starting point from Hanauma Bay rock. The trail is perfect for hikers, runners and adventure seekers of all levels and features outstanding views, green vegetation and thickets of beautiful flowers. The beauty is overpowering so do be cautious as you scale the trail.
Hanauma Bay Lookout
Address: Honolulu, HI 96825
6. Koko Trail Head (from USD 40.0)
Looking to explore Koko Head crater? You would probably love a Koko Head Trail challenge. Take up the challenge to hike two hours and test your endurance as you explore one of the most beautiful spots in Honolulu. If you are a novice hiker or runner, this trail is the perfect spot for you to train yourself as you take in the picturesque beauty of the surrounding that lies hidden in this one-of-a-kind trail.
Koko Crater Challenge
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
7. Lua'alaea Falls Trail
Before you embark on your hiking escapade to Lua’alaea Falls here is what you need to know about this amazing trail. This 2.4 km (1.5 mi) less-trafficked trail boasts a beautiful hidden waterfall towards the end of the trail and it is considered to be fairly trafficked, but a moderately difficult out and back trail to hike. However, if you are an experienced hiker then this trail is a challenge worth exploring. Hiking and trekking are not everything that this trail offers, it is known to be an ideal spot for bird watching and nature trips, and the wildflowers, waterfall and wildlife complete the beautiful scenery of the trail.
Lua'alaea Falls Trail
Address: 3717 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
8. Judd Trail Mountain View
Last on this list is Judd Trail Mountain View, a lightly trafficked, and perfect out and back trail in Honolulu. Because of its abundance in nature, beautiful views, and thickets filled with beautiful wildflowers of different species, Judd Trail Mountain View is mostly used for nature trips, bird watching, and hiking. This trail is about 1.9-kilometres (1.2 miles) long and is a rather moderate trail that can be attempted by both experts and beginners.
Judd Trail Mountain View
Address: Honolulu, HI 96817
9. Aihualama and Nu'uanu Loop Trail
Looking for the best trail where you can enjoy hiking along with your pet? Aihualama and Nu’uanu Loop Trail presents the perfect spot for nature trips, walks, and bird watching, as you explore the 9.3 km (5.87 mi) trail and get to enjoy the beautiful vista and a waterfall. Although this trail is perfect for hikers and explorers with a dog, it’s advised that each dog is leashed by the owner. The path is quite rocky and quite muddy when it rains but the good part is that is it has moderate traffic.
Aihualama and Nu'uanu Loop Trail
Address: Honolulu, HI 96822, United States
10. Manoa Falls Trail (from USD 68.0)
Spare 4 hours of your time and challenge yourself of a 2-mi (3.2 km) hike to Manoa Fall. Explore and map and venture on this amazing route on a hidden trail hike. With the help of an expert in nature and hiking, and in a group of about 14 members, you get to visit some of the best locations and famous movie locales.
Manoa Waterfall Small-Group Adventure with Hidden Trail Hike
Duration: 4 hours
Nearby hiking and trekking spots
11. Lanikai Pillboxes Trail
If you’re keen on hiking among many of Oahu’s hilly landscapes, why not try something new and head outside Honolulu? There are plenty of mountain hikes that can be found in nearby towns and communes, some of which you may have never heard of before! Such may be the case for the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, located at Kailua.
Hikers from all walks of life have given this trail tons of praise for its scenic ambiance. The trail utilizes a series of abandoned military pillboxes as waypoints to guide trekkers along the way. The climb upward can be moderately hard right away at the start, but if you push through, you’ll eventually be blown away by gorgeous views of the sea, beaches, and surrounding homes.
Lanikai Pillboxes Trail
Address: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734, United States
12. Diamond Head (Le'ahi) Summit Trail (from USD 47.0)
First on this list is an adventure trail near Diamond Head Crater. This fantastic hiking routes is perfect if you want to learn about the geology of Diamond Head and at the same time enjoy the spectacular views surrounding it. It is a 2.9 km (1.8 mi) out and back trail which usually remains crowded. Buckle up as you head out on a three-hour hiking adventure to one of the best hiking sites not only within the city of Honolulu but also the whole of Hawaii.
Diamond Head Crater Hiking Adventure
Duration: 3 hours
Immerse yourself in Honolulu’s nature
Hiking is always fun because it is more of a group event that you can enjoy with a group of friends. Yet, if you break it down it is expertise that counts. With this list of the best trekking or hiking spots, hone your skills and add to your experience in Honolulu.
Frequently asked questions about the best hiking and trekking spots in Honolulu, Hawaii
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