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Best Hikes in Oahu Waterfalls Easy Trails and Top Spots

Best Hikes in Oahu Waterfalls Easy Trails and Top Spots
Admin 4 Minutes Read Last updated on December 4, 2025 | January 18, 2026

Oahu is one of the nicest Hawaiian islands. It is full of thick valleys, nice ridges, and calm shores. If you like falls trails, more family trails, or the ridges that are hard to hike, these islands have them all. We talk about the best hikes in Oahu, the best trails, the best secret things, the best sun riser spots, the best family trails, and the most fun on the north side.

Best Hikes in Oahu

For anyone who loves the outdoors, the island is the best spot. There are a lot of nice hikes with the ocean, green woods, and great island scenes. Follow the 10 best hikes in Oahu, or easy hikes in Oahu if you're new to the site, or have a nice, relaxing hike to a waterfall or a nice ridge trail. This guide will help you know the best and pick one that is right for your trip.

1. Best Waterfall Hikes in Oahu

Waterfalls are an important attraction on Oahu. These hikes provide beautiful jungle scenery and cold, cool water. Let’s see some of the following best Oahu hikes that increase its natural beauty.

Manoa Falls Trail

Manoa Falls Trail is a famous waterfall hike in Oahu. The hike is easy and not difficult. You hike between tall bamboo trees and beautiful flowers, passing lush greenery along the way. The trail ends at a stunning 150-foot waterfall, making this hike a truly rewarding experience.

Waimea Valley Trail

On the North Shore, this paved trail is best for a family. You can swim at the falls when it is fine, making it a good choice for a hot day.

Laie Falls Trail

For a calm hike, Laie Falls is great for a rest from other crowds. It is a long hike, but it is a less-known place, less known by others, good if you want a hidden spot in nature.

2. Easy and Family-Friendly Hikes in Oahu

Are you new to hiking or looking for trails suitable for kids? Oahu has many easy hikes with beautiful views. These trails are beginner-friendly, especially for children and older visitors. Below is the list of family-friendly hikes you can enjoy!

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

This is the most famous easy hike in Oahu. The route is completely polished and provides amazing views of the ocean. In the winter, you can view whales.

Ehukai Pillbox (Sunset Pillbox)

The hike starts with difficulty, but it is not too difficult. When you get to the top, you will see colorful shores. With little supervision, this is a very good kid-friendly hike in Oahu.

Waimea Valley Trail

This is all smooth, asphalted trail; it will be perfect for kids, older adults, and beginners. It is a relaxing hike with a beautiful natural view.

3. Best Sunrise Hikes in Oahu

To see a true sunrise, Oahu has some great places where the sun hits the sea and hills in a great way. Here, you can see the beautiful view of nature, and you cannot ignore its beauty. 

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

These are the best sunrise hikes in Oahu. The hike up to the pillbox gives a perfect view. Watching the sun come up over all the Mokulua Islands is so good.

Koko Head Stairs

It is a hike to a high hill, and the view from the top at sunup is great. You see a wide shot of the bay called Hanauma, and it is so pretty.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

It is a climb to the bay with a cool view of the blue. It is not hard to do.

4. Hardest Hikes in Oahu

Are you up for a hard hike? Oahu has some big ridge trails that will get your heart rate up and show you the best views on the island. Let’s see!

Olomana Three Peaks

This is the hardest hike in Oahu. It has steep hills and thin ridges. It is not good for first-timers.

Koko Crater Trail

There are over 1,000 steep train cars on this trail. It is hard, but so worth it when you get to the top.

Ka’au Crater Trail

This hike has waterfalls, ropes to climb, and a volcano rim. It is best for those who have had lots of work before.

5. Secret Hikes in Oahu 

Oahu is known for its well-loved trails, but it also has some of the best kept and little-known hikes that take you away from the crowds and give you a great view. These hidden ways let you see the beauty of Oahu.

Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail

Either you are on this track, you will see a good view, and the trail is not so full of people. This is a perfect trail for those who enjoy quiet, peaceful hikes in Oahu.

Waimano Falls Trail

This trail is beautiful, but not many people hike on it, and it has a spot where you can swim and rope jumps.

Maunawili Falls

It is a trail that is wet a lot and has a big fall at the end.

6. Best Hikes on the North Shore Oahu

The north side of the island is a great place for scenic hikes. These hikes offer stunning views of the ocean, waterfalls, and lush forests.

Ehukai Pillbox Trail

This trail is a North Shore classic that has some great views of the ocean and the best sunsets.

Kaʻena Point Trail

This hike is a great one and has some animals, great views of the ocean, and a lighthouse at the end. It is a scenic hike and one of the best trails on North Shore Oahu.

Waimea Valley Trail

This hike is fun for the whole family and full of nature. You hike through the beautiful gardens along the trail.

Conclusion

Oahu has so many great hikes for all outdoor lovers. From the best hikes in Oahu to the hidden trails, waterfalls, and the best children's trails around, this island in the west is full of memories. If you want to find a great view at sunrise or go to a secret spot that you found, this island is always great and full of nature. This is what helps you pick the right trail and have fun on the best trails of Oahu, with the nice views that the island has to offer.

FAQ’s

What is the best hike in Oahu for beautiful views?

The Lankai Pillbox Hike is one of the best because it gets you a great view of the ocean and the well-known Mokulua Islands. It is nice to see in the morning.

What is the easiest waterfall hike in Oahu?

Mansing Falls Trail is the easiest way to reach a waterfall. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners. You hike through a lush rainforest environment and arrive at a stunning waterfall with lots of flowing water.

Which waterfall is the most beautiful on Oahu?

Lots of people say that Waimea Falls is the most beautiful waterfall. It is big, and it is next to a beautiful junkie garden, and the trail to this land is super easy.