We Couldn’t Believe These Views Came from Such Easy Oahu Hawaii Hikes
Looking for the best easy hikes in Oahu? You don’t have to tackle a challenging mountain trail to experience some of the island’s most incredible scenery.
During our trip to Oahu, my husband and I made it our mission to find hiking trails that were both easy and rewarding. We discovered beautiful coastal paths, scenic overlooks, lush tropical landscapes, and breathtaking viewpoints—all without spending hours on the trail. By the end of our trip, we only wished we’d had more time to explore even more of Oahu’s amazing hikes!
In this guide, I’ll share our favorite easy hikes in Oahu, including each trail’s distance, estimated hiking time, difficulty level, and what makes it worth the walk. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for a relaxing adventure, or simply want spectacular views without a strenuous climb, these Oahu hiking trails are sure to impress.
Let’s discover the easy hikes in Oahu that deserve a spot on your Hawaii itinerary!
This post may contain affiliate links that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you.
1. Diamond Head Crater Hike
The Diamond Head Crater hike is the most popular hike on Oahu. It is one of the easy hiking Oahu trails that you have to do!
Diamond Head Crater Hike
Miles: 1.6
Location: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Diamond Head State Monument may be one of the most famous landmarks in Hawaii. This extinct volcano attracts millions of people looking for a great easy hike in Honolulu. It also offers amazing views.
The Trail
Diamond Head is a steep hike that involves lots of stairs. But do not worry. It is still categorized as an easy hike in Oahu!
My husband and I are trail runners in the mountains of Utah and we actually ran up this trail. I didn’t think it was difficult but I was in pretty good shape.
This is an easy hike on Oahu that I highly recommend. Don’t be nervous I saw elderly people on this trail as well as small children. You will do great!
Parking
Parking is available at the start of the trail. There is an attendant to collect the entrance fee which is $10 per car. We arrived at 6:00 am and the lot was full! We ended up having to park about a mile away and walk to the hiking trail. If you are a pedestrian there is a $1 entrance fee. There are tour options to avoid the parking situation.
Side Notes
This hike has some amazing views, maybe the best in all of Hawaii. Be on the lookout for a cute lighthouse and an excellent view of Honolulu. This Honolulu hike is also really close to Waikiki, so if you are staying in that area, this is an easy hikes in Honolulu you need to experience!
The trail can be very crowded. While we were able to run up the trail, we had to zig and zag around hikers. And when we say there is a lot of stairs, we are not joking! There are also tunnels and dark places that you need to go through near the top to get to the spectacular views.
This is a great easy hike on Oahu that can be added to your “kid-friendly hikes in Oahu” list.
2. Manoa Falls Hike
Another great easy hike in on Oahu is Manoa Falls. This hike is a great easy hike to do on Oahu with kids.
Manoa Falls
Miles: 1.6
Location: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate
Manoa Falls is one of the most beautiful easy hikes in Oahu! It is one of the closest areas and options for hiking in Waikiki.
Manoa Falls has been used in several movies and television shows such as Jurassic Park, Catching Fire, Lost, and Hawaii 5-0. The beauty is unreal, and it is no surprise these movies chose to use this trail to film at.
My husband and I are trail runners and wanted to make it our mission to find the best hikes in Oahu.
Manoa Falls is relatively close to Waikiki Beach, which was where we were staying. We wanted a short morning run, and this seemed like the perfect place. It did not disappoint! It is another great option for an easy hike in Honolulu.
The Trail
This trail was so amazing and beautiful it stopped me in my tracks so many times because it is gorgeous. (Maybe not the best for trail running if you haven’t seen the beautiful sites before!)
This easy trail in Oahu was also muddy as it rains frequently in this part of the rainforest. This did not bother me one bit. I did however have to slow down and be a little careful on parts. It was by far the most beautiful of the hikes we did in Oahu!
In my opinion, this is the easiest hike in Oahu because you will not even realize that you have been hiking, it will feel more like exploring.
Parking
Parking is located at the bottom of Manoa Road. The cost is $5. There is an attendant there during certain hours. However, we are early risers and went at 6:30 am, and there was no one on duty and we could find no way to pay. So if you want to avoid the cost go early!
Side Notes and Warnings
The Manoa Falls Trail is part of the Honolulu Mauka Trail System consisting of 18 trails in the area. Manoa Falls is located in the Manoa Valley. It leads up to a 150-foot waterfall. The trail to get to the waterfall takes you in the mountains of Koolau in a tropical rain forest.
The pool beneath the waterfall is not safe to swim in. There is a threat of getting infected with leptospirosis, which causes flu-like symptoms for two weeks. The area near the falls is very muddy and slippery. I had a slip at one point while running. Use caution!
We did not venture to the top of the falls because we did not feel it was safe. Some hikers have fallen from the top. If you avoid the pool and venture to the top, you will be fine.
Easy Hikes in Oahu
I still define this as a “kid-friendly hike in Oahu” because as long as you are smart you will be just fine. Update: My kids hated this hike. We took them and it poured on them. They complained the entire time. We went during the rainy season so that may have been the reason! P.S. I still love it!
3. Makapuu Lighthouse Hike – Easy Hike on Oahu
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is a fairly easy hike on Oahu. It is mostly uphill but that is not too bad because on the way back it is completely downhill.
Miles: 2.0 round trip
Location: Honolulu Oahu Hawaii – Near Waikiki
Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The Trail
This hiking trail in Oahu is moderate but beautiful and worth the climb (about 500 ft) The views from the top of the hike are phenomenal.
You will have an incredible view of the whole island. If you look out to sea you will see humpback whales from December to May. This hike is worth checking out.
It is also another easy hike in Honolulu. On our last trip, I walked up while my husband ran. It wasn’t bad at all.
Parking
The gate opens at 7:00 am for the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail parking lot. If you would like to go earlier, you can park on the side of the road. Make sure you check the road signs and obey the law.
There is also a parking lot at Makapuu Point (you will have to hike back to the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail parking lot to start the hike but not too far). If you want to avoid parking there is a shuttle service available.
Side Notes and Warnings
This is a great easy hike in Oahu. The views are incredible. It is better to do this hike early in the morning as the day goes on the hotter it becomes.
There is an option to view the Makapuu tide pool and blowhole. It is pretty dangerous and not recommended for kids. If you are adventurous you can go down a little bit farther and see the tide pools. If the waves are crashing it is not recommended to go down that path.
4. Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Lanikai Pillbox Hike is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu.
Miles: 1 mile
Location: Westside Oahu (40 minutes from Waikiki)
Duration: 1 hour – 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The Trail
The trail is moderate because the first part is very steep. Although you are steadily climbing upward, the hike is not as intense as the first part.
Many kids and families easily complete this trail. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the first pillbox. If you continue for about 10 more minutes you will reach the second pillbox.
The pillbox hike has some of the best views of the west side of Oahu. As you climb the views get better and better. This is a great hike for all ages! This is one of the easy hiking Oahu trails to consider.
Parking
There are a few parking spots located on the right side of the street that leads to the trail. More parking is located down the road on the left side.
Side Notes
This trail gets crowded quickly, so the earlier you go the better. Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. This is an easy hike on Oahu after the initial climb.
5. Waimea Falls Park
If you want a truly easy hike in Oahu. Waimea Falls is perfect. It probably is the best easy hike Oahu has to offer.
Waimea Falls
Miles: 1.5 round trip
Location: Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii – North Shore
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $25-$14
Waimea Falls has more than just hiking and that is what you are paying for. There is a beautiful botanical garden leading up to the falls. Swimming is also available once you get to the falls. A lifeguard is on duty and a life vest must be worn.
The Trail
Waimea Falls is a paved easy trail in Oahu that leads up to a waterfall. I really struggled to call this a hike because 3/4 of a mile is not a hike in my mind.
The site also charges $25 per adult, which I was skeptical about. On the bright side, if you have a stroller or wheelchair this is the perfect place to visit.
There are summer concerts and events available to attend. Some people even film in this location for movies.
This is probably one of the best easy hikes on Oahu.
Parking
Parking is free at Waimea Falls. If you travel farther down paid parking is available for the beach across the road. There is also a shuttle service available.
Side Notes
If you have a Go Ohau Card, this site is included. If swimming at the waterfall is unavailable the day you go, you will be able to come back at any time during over the next 10 days to experience swimming at the falls.
This is a perfect destination for an easy hike on Oahu!
Things to Bring on a Easy Hike on Oahu
These hikes are amazing and you are going to have a great time. There are a few things to pack for Hawaii but specifically for hiking in Hawaii. I recommend the following items:
Bug Spray
Hawaii is a tropical paradise for all creatures. Luckily, I didn’t get too many bites but better safe than sorry.
Sunblock
Some of the hikes like Manoa Falls are completely covered but other hikes like Diamond Head you will be fully exposed to the sun. You do not want to get burned so make sure to apply some sunblock before hitting that trail.
Water Bottle
Always bring a water bottle when you are hiking. This is my number one rule. You do not want to get dehydrated along a trail.
Backpack
Bringing a backpack on your hike is a great idea. Store some extra energy-boosting snacks. You can also store everything listed above all in one spot.
Runner’s Belt
Personally, when I hike I like to have my water handy. I love the runner’s belt because not only can I store my water but my cell phone can fit in the zipper pocket while I hike.
I hope these recommendations help you prepare for your easy hike on Oahu! The images below will lead your straight to Amazon.
Best Easy Hikes in Oahu and More!
Hopefully, you now can explore some easy hikes in Oahu and see which one is your favorite!
My favorite was Manoa Falls. If you have a favorite hike in Oahu, please let us know by leaving a comment below! Also, if you know of any other easy hikes in Oahu comment below!
See More of Hawaii
Hiking in Oahu made me want to explore the other islands. I can’t wait to hike on Kauai, and then with my kids on Maui!
Have fun in paradise! I have you covered if you are looking for more things to do in Oahu with kids or just a great One Week in Oahu itinerary. We loved snorkeling in Oahu , especially at Hanauma Bay. Pearl Harbor is also amazing.
We also loved doing all the things on the North Shore including the Polynesian Cultural Center, Jurassic Adventure, Dole Pineapple Plantation!
I also can help you with what to pack for Hawaii and finding the best family resorts on Oahu.
Also, you may be interested in my One Day in Maui itinerary, or my crazy experience driving in Maui on the road of death, if you decide to island-hop to Maui.
Don’t forget your Hawaii Souvenirs!
Facebook Community
If you have any questions be sure to join my Facebook Travel Community This great community can help answer any questions you may have about your upcoming trips. Plus, I try to add any great deals or promotions that companies send me!
Oahu Waterfall Tour
If you want a hiking tour check out the link below by clicking the image! This tour is approximately 4 hours. The tour will pick you up from Waikiki.
Bonus
Be sure to get a copy of the Top 20 restaurants in Oahu! I will email you a copy!
Lisa is a Utah-based family travel blogger and founder of Planning Away. She helps families plan stress-free, kid-friendly trips across the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Asia, and Canada. With firsthand experience at hundreds of destinations—from national parks and ski resorts to international adventures—Lisa shares practical guides, tips, and travel inspiration for unforgettable family vacations.
