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SCENIC HIKES

Here are some of our best recommendations for the easiest hikes on this island!

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01

Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail

  • Location: East Oʻahu

  • Distance: ~2 miles round trip

  • Highlights: Paved trail with ocean views, lighthouse, and seasonal whale watching.

  • Popularity: Very popular with families and casual hikers.

  • Hidden Advice:

    • No bathrooms on-site, and limited parking lot— park legally to avoid tickets. Turns into side gravel parking up/down the hill.​

02

Diamond Head Crater (Le'ahi)

  • Location: Honolulu

  • Distance: ~1.6 miles round trip

  • Highlights: Panoramic views of Waikīkī and the southern coastline. Historic WWII bunkers.

  • Popularity: Very high – extremely popular with tourists.

  • Hidden Advice: Reservations are needed 

    • $5 entrance fee per person (non-Hawaiʻi residents) and advance reservation (available up to 30 days in advance) required via the state park website.

    • Parking Reservation ($10) online only — go early or use Uber/Lyft.

    • Please arrive within the first 30 minutes of your reservation period. If you arrive after 30 minutes into your reservation period, you may be denied access and/or parking.

  • gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead/about​

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03

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Lanikai Pillbox
(Ka'iwa Ridge Trail)

  • Location: Kailua/Lanikai

  • Distance: ~1.8 miles round trip

  • Highlights: Breathtaking sunrise views over the Mokulua Islands.

  • Popularity: Very high – especially for sunrise.

  • Hidden Advice:

    • Parking is limited inside a local neighborhood

    • No official parking lot — park legally in the residential area; don’t block driveways or hydrants (HPD tickets heavily).

    • Trailhead is not marked — located between two houses near Kaʻelepulu Dr & Mokulua Dr.

    • Best at sunrise — but come with a headlamp for hiking and check tides if heading to the beach after.

    • Very eroded and slippery in dry or wet conditions.

    • No shade at all and fully exposed — wear sunscreen.

04

Waimea Falls

  • Location: Waimea Valley, North Shore, Oʻahu

  • Distance: Approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) one-way

  • Highlights: Fully paved path through Botanical Gardens, swimming at Waimea Falls

  • Difficulty: Easy; suitable for all ages and fitness levels

  • Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour round trip, depending on pace and stops

  • Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Hidden Advice:

    • Admission Fees: Adults: $25 Children (ages 4–12): $15​

      • Military (with valid ID): Discounted rates available​

    • Parking: Free parking is available at the Waimea Valley entrance. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as the lot can fill up quickly.

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05

Koko Head Crater Trail (Challenging)

  • Location: Hawaiʻi Kai

  • Distance: ~1.5 miles round trip (but very steep)

  • Highlights: Old military railway track stair climb with panoramic summit views.

  • Popularity: Extremely popular for fitness enthusiasts.

  • Hidden Advice:

    • Trail starts at Koko Head District Park behind the baseball field — no signage.

    • No bathrooms or water fountains — bring everything you need.

    • It's a cardio workout, not a casual hike — be prepared for 1,000+ steep "steps."

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