Hi there! Looking to take your family to Oahu Hawai’i this year for vacation and need suggestions for outdoor activities? I got you. With these 5 easy Hawai’i hikes, you’ll be able to get outside, enjoy nature, and take in some epic views that your whole family will love!
If you’re looking for something a little more strenuous or adventurous check out my other Hawai’i hiking blog posts and find a trail that fits your speed!
KO’OLINA BEACH PARK WALKING TRAIL
If you’re already planning to vacation in Oahu, then Ko’Olina is probably already on your list as places to visit. It’s a great tourist attraction, with hotels, restaurants, gift shops, a golf course, you name it, it’s there. Ko’ Olina Beach Park is the perfect place to be any time of day! Sunrise, mid-day, or sunset. It’s all great!
The trail itself is 2.6 miles long with an elevation gain of only 173 ft. Most likely, you won’t even walk the whole thing. You’ll find a perfect spot in the sand along one of the 4 lagoons, let your kids play in the water, grab lunch at the numerous restaurants nearby, and then find yourself at a gift shop picking up chocolate covered macadamia nuts and an Aloha t-shirt.
HOWEVER, if your goal is to go for a walk, maybe you have stroller, or kids who need to get their energy out, this is the trail for you! Beautiful views, excellent walking path, and a place to cool off after working up a sweat.
MAKAPU’U POINT LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL
If you only have time for one easy Hawai’i hike, I suggest Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. This trail is perfect for the family! Epic views of the Oahu’s southeastern coastline, paved path for strollers and little legs, great potential for whale sightings, and only 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 475 ft round trip.
The hike takes about an hour to hour and a half to complete. Great for a late morning stroll! But don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and water. You’ll also want to bring binoculars in case you see whales off in the distance! During humpback whale migrating season (November-May), the whales will be very active and the chance to see them are very high!
And of course, you will see Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1909 and sits on a 600ft sea cliff and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Molokai and Lanai!
This is a must-do easy Hawai’i hike!
MANOA FALLS
Manoa Falls Trail is one of those easy Hawai’i hikes that must be done when visiting Oahu. It’s a popular tourist attraction, so the trail can get crowded! But if you’re wanting to see a waterfall, this is your chance. This out and back trail is 1.8 miles long with an elevation gain of 577 ft.
Before setting off on the trail, you will have to pay a fee to park. Try and arrive early to not get turned around due to lack of parking. There is a visitor center and bathrooms located in the Paradise Park Building near the parking lot. Be warned, the service is very spotty. Try downloading the trail or a map beforehand.
Manoa Falls Trail is relatively easy and can be done with children. Like most hikes in Oahu, trails will muddy. So, be sure to wear proper foot wear . The hike itself is beautiful! Bamboo lines the well-worn trail and lush tropical greenery envelope you as you make your way to the waterfall. Sadly, you cannot swim in this waterfall and there is a barricade once you reach the end. Due to the amount of people and the narrow viewpoint, you will have to wait in line until it’s your turn if you would like to take a picture in front of Manoa Falls. Please be respectful of other people’s time and space but be sure to enjoy the beauty of Manoa Falls.
PU’U MA’ELI’ELI TRAIL
Just north of Kaneohe sits Pu’u Ma’eli’eli Trail. This out and back is 2.4 miles long with an elevation gain of 600 ft. Getting to the trailhead is a little odd, as you will park in the McDonalds parking lot and walk along side of the highway (guardrail in between you and traffic) to reach the trailhead. It’s not a far walk at all and there is a narrow trail to the side of the highway that makes reaching the trailhead a breeze.
I would advise checking the weather to make sure there’s no rain in the forecast as this trail stays pretty muddy year-round. If there was a recent rain it could still be extremely muddy. Just proceed with caution. The trail begins pretty steep and then gradually takes you up and down as you make your way closer to the pillboxes.
Towards the end, you will come across two bunkers used in WWII that are neat to explore, with one being your final destination. You’ll get sweeping views of the coastline and paddlers and boaters making their way out to Kaneohe Sandbar.
All in all, this hike is fairly easy, albeit muddy, but your kids will love exploring the bunkers and the trail is shaded the majority of the time.
WAIMEA VALLEY TRAIL
Another must do easy Hawai’i hike on Oahu is Waimea Valley Trail. Located inside the cultural and ecological nature preserver, Waimea Valley. Upon entering the preserve, you will be required to pay an entrance fee, which varies between adults, seniors, students, children, military, and group prices. If you choose to forgo the hike, but wish to see the waterfall, you can purchase a shuttle for an additional price.
If you choose to hike the trail you won’t be disappointed. You’ll walk 1.9 miles (round-trip) through the rainforest with an elevation gain of 249 ft. The path is paved the whole way, which is great for those with a stroller. At times you will encounter an 8% grade, but nothing too difficult to manage.
The trail will pass by cultural sites, ponds, flora & fauna that are unique to Hawai’i and Hawai’i only. Walking through Waimea Valley will give you an appreciation of the Hawaiian people and their culture. The trail is not only beautiful, but it’s educational as well. With displays scattered throughout the forest with descriptions of the history, plant species, and techniques used by the local people. A perfect trail for the history buff.
And for the sightseeing buff, a waterfall at the end of the trail will leave you speechless. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a life vest and jump in! The water is cold, but swimming up to the Waimea Falls in the heart of Oahu is a once in a lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be skipped!
I hope you enjoy these easy Hawai’i hikes when you visit Oahu. Let us know which ones you loved best. If you have any questions or need more suggestions on what to do in Oahu don’t hesitate to reach out!
Happy hiking!