Skill level:

This is a beginner-friendly hike. Although the stairs can get a bit steep, they don’t pose too much of a challenge.

Duration and length:

1-2 hours; 1.8 miles out and back

Terrain and elevation:

This is a short and steep hike that consists of a paved trail and a great number of steps, with around 450 feet of elevation gain in total.

Best time to hike:

Start early in the morning to beat the crowds. The trail closes in the afternoon.

Skill level:

Easy hike suitable for families. Just make sure to wear hiking shoes because it can get quite slippery.

Duration and length:

1-2 hours; 1.7 miles out and back

Terrain and elevation:

The trail used to be quite muddy, but it’s now wider and drier after recent renovations.

Best time to hike:

After (or during) rain, when the waterfall is at its most powerful, which is most common from January to May. As always, an early start is the best way to avoid crowds.

Skill level:

Easy to moderate. It will pose a challenge to beginners, but it’s still doable.

Best time to hike:

At sunrise or sunset because it gets too hot in the middle of the day.

Terrain, distance, and elevation:

This hike is short and steep. At 1.8 miles with around 650 ft elevation gain, it usually takes hikers anywhere 40-90 minutes, depending on their skill level.

Getting there:

There are no designated parking spots for this hike; you must park on the street in a residential area. Once there, please be respectful of the locals.

Skill Level:

Moderate to advanced

Best time to do it:

Starting early in the morning is ideal. Since it is a long hike, this will allow for extra time in case something goes south.

Terrain, distance and elevation:

This hike is muddy, traversing through the rainforest and on slippery rocks. It is a 4.5-mile loop, with an elevation gain of around 1,940 feet.

Getting there:

The trail starts in a residential area so parking is scarce. Please be mindful of blocking people’s homes or disturbing them with loud talking or music early in their morning. Respect the locals and their homes.

Skill Level:

Moderate. The biggest challenge are the steep steps, which are sometimes slippery or eroded.

Best time to do it:

It’s best to go early and during weekdays in order to secure a parking pass from the guard at the entrance.

Terrain, distance and elevation:

The trail consists mostly of dirt and volcanic soil, with quite a lot of steps to reach the ridgeline. In total, it’s 4.7 miles out and back with around 1600 feet of elevation gain, which should take you 3-4 hours to complete.

Skill Level:

Strenuous. This hike is made for experienced hikers with endurance.

Best time to hike:

The hardest part is the heat. Sunrise or sunset is the best time of the day. If you go at sunset, bring a headlamp!

Terrain, distance and elevation:

This hike is on a steep wooden railway. It covers 1.6 miles round-trip with about 885 ft elevation gain, and a peak grade of 50%.

What to bring:

Bring lots of water on this hike in particular because you’ll definitely need it.

Skill Level:

Advanced. Use extreme caution and only hike areas within your comfort zone.

Best time to hike:

Start early in the morning because it will take a long time. You want to have enough time in case anything goes wrong.

Terrain, distance and elevation:

The first leg of this hike is muddy, but quickly turns into scrambles on narrow ridges. It’s a 4.6-mile out and back trail with an elevation of around 2500 feet, taking between 2 to 4 hours to complete.

Getting there:

You have to park on the street, so be mindful of people’s privacy and don’t be too loud. Also, don’t leave any valuables in the car because there have been reported break-ins into rentals.

Skill Level:

Moderate to strenuous, depending on your approach and chosen section of the trail. The Ko’olau Summit Trail in its entirety is the hardest trail on Oahu.

Best time to hike:

Go early in the day for optimal visibility as the trails can be almost impossible to navigate in low light.

Terrain, distance and elevation:

Mostly dirt surrounded by lush mountain vegetation. Gets quite muddy and treacherous after rain.