Beginner Essential Oahu Hikes You Can Do In One Day

Oahu is a hiker’s paradise. Lush green mountains with ridges that overlook the ocean and waterfalls are a few things that draw people to Oahu hikes.

For hiking enthusiasts, endless hikes on the island offer different views and terrain. Determining which hikes to do and where to start on Oahu can be challenging. I spent years living in Oahu and still didn’t feel like I completed all the hikes I wanted.

Here are three hikes for first-time Oahu hikers to help them understand the land. The great thing is that the hikes are relatively short, so you can do all three in one day! However, doing all the hikes in one day will require some physical endurance and an early start, as the combined trails are close to five miles and require about an hour and a half of driving. 

Want more hike recommendations on Oahu? See my posts about pillbox hikes, Ehukai Pillbox, and the best waterfall hikes on Oahu.

What Gear To Bring for Your Oahu Hikes

Oahu has some complex hiking terrain. Since the island was formed from volcanic lava, most trails are either dry and flakey or wet and muddy. The trails may also have heavy sun exposure and intense heat. 

The hiking gear I used on Oahu differed from the gear I used on the mainland. While I mostly hike in ankle-supported hiking boots on the mainland, Hawaii hikes suit lighter trail runners with good tread. There’s so much mud on the Hawaii trails that you can move better with a lighter shoe, like a sneaker. I also never hiked with hiking poles in Hawaii because so many trails have scrambles on them that it would be difficult to maneuver with them.

Oahu Hike Must-Have’s

• Sneakers or trail runners with good tread, e.g. Brooks, Salomon’s, or Altra’s.
• Reusable water bottle or water bladder
• Day pack
• First aid kit
• Athletic clothes
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Rainjacket (if rainy season)

Diamond Head

View from the top of Diamond Head Crater

The first stop on the hiking tour is Diamond Head, the most popular hike on Oahu. As such, you must have a reservation to hike the trail unless you have proof of residency in Hawaii. You can book a reservation online here up to 30 days in advance. I recommend doing Diamond Head first thing in the morning because this trail has no shade and is exposed to the sun.

At Diamond Head, you’ll hike the iconic Diamond Head crater on the east side of Waikiki. The trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip and could take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your endurance level and time at the summit. The most challenging part of the hike is at the top, where there are 200 stairs you must climb to get to the top. 

When you reach the top of Diamond Head, you’ll find World War II pillbox bunkers that you can explore and gorgeous 360-degree views of Waikiki and Honolulu.

This is the perfect place to start your day of hiking and soak in the beautiful ocean and town views.

Manoa Falls

After you summit Diamond Head, you’ll change things up and do a waterfall hike. The next hike is Manoa Falls, about a 20-minute drive from Diamond Head. 

Manoa Falls is a heavily trafficked 1.5-mile hike through lush green forest into a stunning waterfall. If the forest looks familiar, it may be because it was once a filming location for the TV show Lost. 

Parking is $5/car, and there are plenty of spaces available. The hike to Manoa Falls generally takes around an hour.

The good news about this trail is that it has serious shade. The tree canopy overhead will protect you from the sun. This trail gets a lot of rain, so be prepared for rain or the ground to be wet and muddy. 

Hiking Manoa Falls makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle. You can explore the island’s nature and view many tropical plants. The waterfall at the trail end is picturesque and a nice relaxing place. 

Lanikai Pillboxes

Finally, Kaiwa Ridge, known as Lanikai Pillboxes, aka the pillboxes, is a must-do hike. This hike features two WWII pillboxes on the trail, which overlook the iconic Lanikai Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches.  Lanikai has two side-by-side twin mokes that jet out of the waterline. This classic Lanikai skyline can be admired from the top of the Pillbox hike.  

This hike is a drive from Manoa Falls in the Kailua/Lanikai neighborhoods. Depending on traffic, the drive could be as little as 35 minutes but upwards of an hour if the roadways are busy. On your drive, enjoy the views and stop for a bite to eat along the way. 

The trailhead is right across the street from the Mid-Pacific Country Club. You can follow signs that say “hike” to find the trailhead. Unlike the other trails, Lanikai does not have a designated parking lot. Instead, street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, which can be sparse at times. You may need to drive around to find parking or park far from the trailhead.

Like Diamond Head, Lanikai is an exposed hike with no shade. If you arrive at the hike in the heat of the day, consider taking a dip in the nearby ocean first (or afterward). And remember your sun protection and extra water! 

At 1.6 miles roundtrip, this moderate hike may take one to two and a half hours to complete. While the elevation gain is only 613 feet, there are some steep sections that require scrambling to the top.

Beginner Oahu Hikes Final Thoughts

Oahu has endless hikes and vistas—it is a hiker’s paradise! The number of hikes on the island can be overwhelming. However, in just one day, you can hike Diamond Head Crater, see a waterfall, and hike to see the iconic Lanikai Beach. If you have limited time on the island and want to experience some great hikes, these are three that I recommend.