15 Best Hikes on Oahu for Amazing Ocean Views

Discover Oahu's stunning coastline with these top hiking trails, each offering unforgettable ocean views. From Diamond Head's iconic panorama to Makapu'u Point Lighthouse's whale watching, find your perfect adventure. Explore lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes, rewarded by breathtaking vistas. This guide highlights the best hikes, including difficulty levels and estimated times, ensuring an incredible Oahu hiking experience. Perfect for planning your outdoor activities.

Must-Do Oahu Hikes for Ocean View Enthusiasts

Here's a curated list of 15 incredible hikes on Oahu that promise stunning ocean views. Each hike offers a unique perspective on the island's beauty, from panoramic coastal scenery to dramatic cliffside vistas. We've included details on difficulty, distance, and key features to help you choose the perfect adventure.

Oahu Hiking Chart

Here's a handy chart summarizing the key details of each hike:

Hike Name	Difficulty	Distance (Roundtrip)	Elevation Gain	Key Features & Ocean View Highlights
Diamond Head Summit Trail	Easy to Moderate	1.6 miles	560 feet	Iconic crater hike with panoramic views of Waikiki and the coastline. Requires reservations. Great for beginner hikers wanting memorable ocean views.
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail	Easy	2 miles	500 feet	Paved trail leading to a historic lighthouse with excellent ocean views, whale watching opportunities (seasonal), and views of offshore islands. Wheelchair accessible.
Lanikai Pillbox Hike (Kaiwa Ridge Trail)	Moderate	1.6 miles	600 feet	Popular hike with stunning views of the Mokulua Islands and Lanikai Beach. Can be crowded, especially on weekends. Offers postcard-perfect coastal views.
Koko Crater Trail	Strenuous	1.8 miles	1,000 feet	Challenging climb up railroad ties to the top of Koko Crater. Rewarded with 360-degree views, including Hanauma Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Manoa Falls Trail	Easy to Moderate	1.6 miles	800 feet	Lush rainforest hike leading to a beautiful waterfall. The ocean view is more limited but the overall experience is worthwhile and the trail is often featured in movies.
Crouching Lion Hike	Strenuous	0.5 miles	800 feet	Short but steep and challenging climb with rewarding views of Kahana Bay. Not for inexperienced hikers due to loose dirt and steep drop-offs. Unparalleled panoramic ocean views.
Ehukai Pillbox Hike (Sunset Pillbox)	Moderate	2 miles	760 feet	Offers beautiful views of the North Shore beaches, including Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Perfect for sunset viewing. Spectacular North Shore ocean views.
Kaena Point Trail	Easy	5.5 miles (one way)	Minimal	Relatively flat trail along the westernmost point of Oahu. See albatross nests (seasonal) and enjoy sweeping ocean views. Can be hot and exposed.
Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail	Strenuous	5 miles	1,600 feet	Challenging ridge hike with incredible views of the Windward Coast. Requires a permit. Lush scenery and expansive ocean vistas.
Aiea Loop Trail	Moderate	4.8 miles	1,000 feet	Loop trail through a eucalyptus forest with glimpses of Pearl Harbor and the southern coastline. Peaceful and relatively uncrowded. Partial ocean views through the trees.
Waimea Valley Trail	Easy	1.5 miles	100 feet	Paved trail through a botanical garden to a waterfall. While the primary focus isn't the ocean view, the overall scenery is beautiful, and it's a great option for families.
Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail	Moderate	2.2 miles	600 feet	Hike along the ridge overlooking Hanauma Bay, offering stunning views of the bay's coral reefs and the turquoise ocean.
Pink Pillbox Hike (Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site)	Easy to Moderate	1 mile	450 feet	Relatively short hike to a historic site with panoramic views of the North Shore coastline. Excellent photo opportunities. Wide-open ocean views.
Pu'u Ma'eli'eli (Byodo-In Temple Overlook)	Moderate	1.5 miles	600 feet	A short but steep hike up to an overlook with stunning views of Kaneohe Bay and the Byodo-In Temple. Breathtaking coastal views.
Ka'au Crater Hike	Strenuous	5 miles	1,700 feet	Adventurous hike up waterfalls and into a crater. Not for the faint of heart but rewarding with unique views. Limited, but dramatic, ocean views from the crater rim.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

Before embarking on your Oahu hiking adventure, remember these important tips:

Check the weather: Oahu weather can change quickly, so be prepared for rain or sunshine.

Wear appropriate footwear: Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are essential.

Bring plenty of water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the Hawaiian heat.

Apply sunscreen: Protect your skin from the strong sun.

Be aware of your surroundings: Stay on marked trails and watch out for slippery surfaces.

Leave no trace: Pack out everything you pack in and respect the environment.

Hike with a buddy: It's always safer to hike with a friend or family member.

Let someone know your plans: Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.

Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views and unforgettable experiences that Oahu's hiking trails have to offer. With a little planning and preparation, you can create memories that will last a lifetime.