10 Best Hiking Trails in Honolulu

If you think that Honolulu, Hawaii is just about surfing on beaches, wearing floral dresses, and enjoying shaved ice, think again. The hiking trails in this city are some of the most beautiful experiences you can have. Lace-up your boots, apply sunscreen, grab your camera, and head to Diamond Head, or Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. These trails offer a lifetime experience. So, let's explore together the next tropical adventures of Honolulu hikes that will awaken your inner explorer.

Very close to Waikiki Beach resides the Wa’ahila Ridge Rail, one of the top hiking spots for visitors coming to Honolulu. Hikers can enjoy views of Palolo Valley, Manoa, and all the buildings of the city. Comparatively, this 3-kilometer trail is slightly easier than others, but you might encounter a few obstacles, so go there prepared.

Looking for a trail that people of all sorts of stamina can withstand? Your top choice should be Kuliouou West Valley Trail. This scenic trail provides stunning vistas of Honolulu, with Ko'olau Mountain to the south and Waimanalo to the east. The walk here is rather short and ends with a beautiful surprise of a little waterfall. This 6.4-kilometer-long hiking trek takes about 4 hours to finish. Happy hiking!

Check out the Tripler Ridge Trail if you want to tackle an adrenaline-infusing best hike in Honolulu and hope to see some animals too. With vivid wildflowers and rich greenery, this 15.1-kilometer loop track is perfect for trail runners, hiking, and birdwatching.

This is where things start to get a bit difficult! Wailupe is a half-day hike that is almost 9 kilometers long. This tracking facility allows pets to accompany the visitors but they have to be on a leash. As you walk along you can encounter misty forests, rocky elevations, and freshwater streams. Attention all thrill-seekers! Make sure to carry plenty of fresh water and hiking shoes because things get tiring as you proceed.

Try hiking on the Hanauma Bay Lookout if you are one of those individuals who are seeking a shorter, less strenuous hike that takes less than two hours to complete. The track is great for runners, adventure seekers, and runners of all abilities, and boasts outstanding views, verdant greenery, and grasslands of gorgeous wildflowers. As you ascend the trail, exercise caution since the scenery is too overwhelming, that you might trip (well, literally).

Koko Trail is as cute and adventurous as it sounds! The 1000 steps are the highlight, perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, so if you want to check your fitness level do check it out here, because the 360-degree views from the top are truly breathtaking. The hike takes about two hours to complete, so try to complete it early as it gets really hot and crowded during the daytime.

Before you start your epic adventure to Lua’alaea Falls Trail, keep these things in mind. You are going to get an epic surprise of a waterfall at the end of the trail, so it would not be wrong to say that this one is more of a Honolulu Waterfall hike. Secondly, this trail is not just all about hiking, people usually also visit this trail to get a glimpse of wildflowers, waterfalls, birds, beautiful wildlife, and of course PICNICS!! So set your agenda straight before you head to this trail.

If you are big on wildlife and dense forests Honolulu's Judd Trail Mountain View might not disappoint you. This trail has a fantastic, little-traveled out-and-back route, and hiking, bird watching, and nature excursions are the main activities here because of its abundance of natural beauty, breathtaking views, and thickets full of exquisite wildflowers of various sorts. This is a very fun, easy, and scenic trail that is accessible to both experts and inexperienced individuals, measuring approximately 1.9 kilometers in length.

Are you trying to find the ideal hiking trail to take your pet on? The 9.3 km long Aihualama and Nu'uanu Loop Trail is the only right answer. It offers the visitors, some of the best nature excursions, strolls, and bird-watching experiences. Enjoy the stunning scenery and a waterfall as you explore the trail. Even though this trail is ideal for hikers and adventurers who bring their dogs, it is recommended that dog owners keep their pets on leashes. The good news is that it is usually less crowded compared to the other trails, even though it can be rather rocky and muddy after rain.

Everyone's go-to hiking choice in Honolulu is none other than Diamond Head. This famous hiking attraction is best if you want to learn more about the geology of the Diamond Head which is surrounded by majestic views. The trail is 3 kilometers long and it is usually very crowded, but as you finish your 3-hour quests, you will be bestowed by gorgeous city views. So, Buckle up and try your best to complete this epic adventure, if accompanied by friends and family, it’s more fun!

Ready to experience the beauty of Honolulu after a day of hiking? Book your stay at the luxurious Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki! With breathtaking ocean views, exquisite dining options, and easy access to the best trails in the area, it’s the perfect home base for your tropical adventure.