Stairway to Heaven Closed? Discover 15 Must-Try Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii for Stunning Views
It’s sad but true. Hawaii’s Haiku Stairs, commonly known as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ on the island of Oahu is closed and being dismantled in the interest of public safety. Officially the stairway has been closed since 1987, but intrepid hikers found new ways to access the popular stairway structure which climbs steep cliffs, and often required hikers to deal with unexpected weather conditions. It has long been viewed as one of the most dangerous hikes in the state, and frequently led to hikers being rescued by local emergency workers.
The good news is that Hawaii is home to scores of incredible trails that continue to challenge serious hikers, as well as many more that are considered easy enough for anyone to enjoy.
These are some of our favorite trails on Oahu, aptly named “The Gathering Place”, that is home to Hawaii’s largest city, Honolulu and busiest stretch of beach at Waikiki.
Author: cayleigh myhre
The Stairway to Heaven AKA The Haiku Stairs Hike in Oahu, Hawaii.
- Diamond Head Summit Trail: Perfect for a shorter hike, the 1.9 mile out-and-back trail that is close to Waikiki will take just over one hour to complete. Considered moderately challenging, hikers will gain 515 feet of elevation along the route that is immensely popular due to its beauty and proximity to Waikiki. Several of Hawaii’s largest hotels with more than 1,000 rooms are located nearby.
- Waimea Valley Trail: An easy route that is also 1.9 miles in length, at an average pace hikers complete this trail in about 50 minutes. The out-and-back trail on the North Shore close to Haleiwa is busier than most, and only rises 291 feet in elevation. It is known for its beauty and year-round accessibility.
- Koko Crater Tramway Trail: Another popular southeast Oahu trail close to Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve but only 1.6 miles long out-and-back, experienced hikers consider Koko Crater to be challenging which explains why the average completion time is one hour 25 minutes. You will share the trail with a sizable number of hikers along the way in spite of the 912 foot rise in elevation.
Author: Madison Berger
Oahu, Hawaii Koko Head Tramway
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike via Ka’iwa Ridge Trail: Another out-and-back trail that is just short of one mile in length, the moderately challenging path in southeast Oahu can be steep and rocky in places. It takes just 40 minutes to complete. A beautiful trail and very popular, Lanikai Pillbox rises just 393 feet to a maximum height of 603 feet above sea level.
- Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail: Both walkers and hikers favor this exceedingly popular trail, so you will undoubtedly have plenty of company along the way. Another out-and-back trail, this one is 2.5 miles long including a rise of 475 feet. Figure on one hour 15 minutes to complete the moderately challenging trail’s round-trip.
Author: E.J.Johnson Photography
Makapu'u Point Lighthouse, Oahu, Hawaii
- Waimano Falls Trail: Close to Pearl City in central Oahu, this challenging 2.9 mile out-and-back route is popular with experienced hikers. The trail begins at the top of the hike, ending up 800 feet lower in the wooded valley. It is steep at times with ropes and trees to assist with your descent along the way. One of the most scenic hikes on Oahu, you will complete the hike at a stunning waterfall that trickles into another, and another, and a natural swimming hole to dip into if you happen to be there on a sweltering day. Don’t be surprised to encounter some hunters and their dogs as this area is part of the Ewa Forest Reserve.
- Ma’ili Pillbox Puu O Hulu Trail: A short 1.3 mile long out-and-back trail, Ma’ili Pillbox is a moderately challenging hike that culminates with scenic views of Nanakuli and Waianae. While this hike will not consume much of your day, it is a nice addition to a visit to the west coast of Oahu, away from the throngs of tourists in Waikiki and the energy of Honolulu. The rise in elevation from the trailhead to the top is 613 feet.
- Manoa Falls Trail: An easy 25 minute drive from Waikiki, this is another moderately challenging hike of just 1.8 miles out-and-back. The short trail rises 577 feet from the starting point in just under one mile. Manoa is known for frequent rain showers, mostly later in the day, so come prepared for muddy conditions with sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
- Ka’ena Point Trail via Farrington Highway: If you are seeking a longer but easy trail to explore, this may just be the one for you. At 5.6 miles in length and a vertical rise of just 213 feet, Ka’ena Point can be comfortably completed, out-and-back, in about two hours. Situated along an old railroad bed (yes, there used to be a railroad on Oahu) and dirt road near the northwestern tip of the island, the turnaround point is within the scenic Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve. You will find protected sand dunes and other natural habitat here, as well as seabirds and the occasional whale during the winter season. Expect sunny, hot, and windy conditions, so be sure to come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Author: E.J.Johnson Photography
Hiker on Ka'ena Point Trail, Oahu, Hawaii
- Mount Omalana Ridge Trail: Considered a highly challenging trail by even the most experienced hikers, the Mount Omalana Trail is known for an elevation increase of 1,696 feet along the 4.5 mile out-and-back route. ALL hikers are advised to proceed with extreme caution. The trail is especially treacherous when hiking beyond the first of three peaks, with numerous expert hikers having fallen hundreds of feet to their deaths while exploring the second and third mountain peaks. Still, this remains a trail that some adventure-seekers consider a ‘right-to-passage’ experience.
- Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Hike: An extremely popular and challenging hike of 4.4 miles round-trip, Kuli’ou’ou takes on average three to four hours to complete. Expect some areas of uneven footing and steep climbs, with the vertical rise on this hike of 1,666 feet. Hikers are treated to nice views of Diamond Head, Honolulu, and the leeward side of Oahu. Enormous native trees add to the scenic beauty. At the end of the trail there are more splendid views of the windward side of the island as well as the village of Waimanalo.
- Mount Olympus (Ko’olau Peak) via Wa’ahila Ridge Trail: The name sounds like it should be in Greece, but this Mount Olympus is indeed on the island of Oahu. Depending on your physical stamina this 5.3-mile hike will take from 3 to 5 hours to complete. Intermediate in difficulty, the rarely busy out-and-back trail climbs 1,500 feet before you are rewarded with spectacular views of both the leeward and windward sides of the island. Other great vistas include Honolulu, Diamond Head, and the Ka’au Crater. Hikers should anticipate some easy rock scrambling, walking along narrow ridges, and a handful of steep uphill climbs.
Author: KarlosXII
View of Honolulu from the ascent of Mount Olympus on the Hawaiian island of Oahu
- Mount Ka’ala Trail: The longest of our featured hikes is 6.8 miles in length, out-and-back, and is rated in the challenging category. At the turnaround point you will be on the flat summit of Oahu’s highest peak at 4,025 feet. From the trailhead on the island’s west coast to the summit the gradual climb will total a rise in elevation of 3,500 feet. Physically grueling, the strong-willed and headstrong adventurers who tackle this trail will have earned a strong feeling of accomplishment when the hike is completed.
- Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail and Rock Bridge: If you are seeking a flat trail with few challenges and plenty of shade, this isn’t it! However, this 3.5 mile intermediate-level trail provides a beautiful view of Hanauma Bay and Koko Crater. The sea cliffs and rock bridge are amazing, too, though it can be dangerous if you try to move too quickly. With an elevation gain of 1,100 feet and not too many hikers to get in the way, this is a trail to consider for a unique experience. Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen as there is no shade here, wear a wide-brim hat, and you will also need plenty of water. Expect some steep downhill sections with the potential for loose rocks. The trail begins with an uphill climb along the bay, but before long you will turn towards the ocean and downhill into Koko Head. The ensuing views along the coast and the exterior of Koko Crater are nothing short of amazing. Many hikers turn around at this point, with the more intrepid descending the sea cliffs in search of the elusive naturally formed rock bridge.
- Aiea Loop Trail: To prove that there is a hiking trail for everyone on Oahu, our final listing is good for beginners or anyone else seeking a relaxing hike (or run) that isn’t overly strenuous. And it is a loop so that you can stay with it from start to finish without turning around to see the same topography in reverse. While not short at 4.8 miles, this is Hawaii where you want to maximize your outdoor time. Aiea Loop Trail will take you 2 to 3 hours to complete depending on your pace, there will be ample people watching along the way as the trail is popular, and the elevation gain is a modest 850 feet spread over a healthy distance. The drive from Waikiki to the trailhead is easy via the H1 or H201 highways, so in just over 30 minutes you can be here from your hotel. The mountain views of the Ko’olau and Waianae ranges are highlights of this trail, and you can combine a hike here with a visit to Pearl Harbor if you choose.
Author: Daniel Mertes
Highway in the Valley - Aiea Loop Oahu
No matter which Hawaiian island you are traveling to, you will find an abundance of hiking trails to explore. The 15 trails highlighted here are some of the favorites of locals and visitors, but there are plenty more to be found throughout the island.
As Hawaii’s tropical weather can be unpredictable, be sure to always wear ample sunscreen and bring more along with you. Additionally, a hat is a must, and preferable wide-brimmed with SPF protection to protect you head more fully. Those that have a neck protector flap are even better if you have one.
Most importantly, bring along plenty of water no matter how short your chosen trail may be. And depending on the type of trail whether it is in a wooded area or the crater of a dormant volcano, you may want to wear hiking pants rather than shorts, and a long-sleeve shirt or light jacket. Clothing with sunscreen protection is always a good idea.
The Stairway to Heaven may be no longer, but the Hawaiian Islands remain truly heavenly for your next vacation, with a Spirit of Aloha that is second to none.
