Hiking in Honolulu is fantastic for the adventure lover in you

Situated in the Southern part of the island of O’ahu in Hawaii, Honolulu is a popular tourist spot due to various reasons. The Pearl Harbour, an important spot for the history of the United States of America, is located here and the city is very famous for its serene beaches and natural beauty, aside from its skyline.

Apart from that, tourists love to experience nature at its best and witness all of the natural sceneries the island has to offer. Due to this, various trails can be found in the city for use of everyone to hike on and enjoy. It is the ideal activity for an athletic person or a nature lover. Here are some of the top spots for hiking in Honolulu.

The top spots for hiking in Honolulu

1) Mãnoa Falls Trail

A part of one of the many trails for hiking in Honolulu Makau Trail System, the Manoa Falls Trail is a great place for beginners and even amateurs. To cover the entire length of the trail, you would need around an hour and you can witness a very beautiful waterfall and a delightful rainforest it is situated in.

How grand of a waterfall you will witness entirely depends on what season you visit in, as in rainy season the waterfall is large, and it becomes thinner in the summer season. You can encounter various birds, tropical plants and even insects there so make sure you prepare well and since the trail is natural, it will be a muddy trip.

What is unique: The waterfall and the lush rainforest

2) Koko Head Trail

Previously a railroad for Koko head railway, the tracks now serve as stairs that lead the hikers to the top of the crater. Around the time of World War 2, the railroad was used to stock up on supplies and transport materials to the bunker situated at the top of the crater. Now, the trail is considered one of the most challenging trails for hiking in Honolulu.

The 1048 steps that lead up are extremely intense and it is highly suggested to make sure that it is in your physical capacity to hike before you try out the trail. But the beautiful view of this city and the ocean from the top of the crater is one of the loveliest things you will witness, making the exerting hike worth it.

What is unique: Remenants of a historical railroad

3) Ka’au Crater Hike

One of the more challenging and advanced trails, this is a tough hike where you have to cross a forest, witness some waterfalls and do some extreme climbing. This place is highly recommended for those who are already experienced as the trail is quite raw and rough.

However, this trail offers some of the most beautiful waterfalls, some which you can even swim in and beautiful forest cover alongside the view from the crater. Since the hike is very exerting, it would require you a couple of hours to complete.

What is unique: Waterfalls that are good to swim in and the ability to explore the top of a crater

4) Pali Puka Trail

Situated behind the parking lot at the new Pali Lookout, this trail is not as famous but is a great option for both beginners and advanced hikers. The length of the hike is quite short, however, the trail is rough and extremely challenging at some points, sometimes narrow and sometimes slippery.

The train runs along the ridgeline of the mountains and is a short, yet adventurous hike. At the end of the trail, true to its name, ‘Puka’ which means a hole in Hawaiian, hikers can find a hole in the Ridge and catch a glimpse of the city of Honolulu.

What is unique: Raw and natural paths and a stunning view of the city

5) Nu’uanu Pali Lookout

Engraved into the side of a mountain, after the new highway was built and is being used, the remaining roads of the old highway are now used as a hiking trail for hikers. With a thick cover of forests and a lot of plants both indigenous and exotic, the trail offers some of the most beautiful greenery.

Hiking on the old highway which is in some parts damaged is fun, however, it is quite risky so it isn't the ideal place for beginners. But the beautiful view as well as the amazing plants and birds that you will witness there are unique to this hike.

What is unique: Remnants of an old highway and unique plants

6) Lanipo Trail

One of the trails whose length is on the longer side, this 7.5-mile trail is an extensive hike show the beautiful forests with a spectacular view. As other long trails, it is advised for beginners not to attempt it as it involves crossing many rough landscapes that are risky.

However, after you cross all the green forests, rocky areas, etc. you will get to view Honolulu. With the length you would have climbed, the view below would have become equally magnificent and is it is one of the best places to hike through the day and watch the sunset at.

What is unique: An almost aerial view of the city of Honolulu

7) Pink Pillbox Trail

Situated farther from the city of Honolulu on the western side of the island of Oahu, the Pink Pillbox Hike is one of the greatest sports due to various reasons. The place is located in a different landscape, as most hiking trails are located in the central area, the western part would offer you newer landscapes and beauty.

Hikers can begin on the stairs which are initially easy and have various checkpoints in the middle where you can stop and enjoy the view and go down. But if you want to access the pink pillbox, it is slightly more challenging. However, the views of the ocean and the beautiful city are breath-taking and one of a kind.