Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

There is a lookout in this park that provides a panoramic view of Honolulu and Waikiki. The view is…read moregorgeous. Also a perfect place to watch sunset. One thing to note is that it does get really windy here. There are two parking lots available near this lookout. The one right next to the lookout is very small. It only holds about a dozen cars. The safer bet is to park at the slightly further parking lot with only a five minute walk to the Vista point.

This is a great little hike that is not difficult at all. The trail seems mostly maintained for the…read moremost part. It was raining when we went, so it got super muddy, but that is to be expected and was totally fine. My only real disappointment was that you cannot actually get into the water to swim anywhere along the trail or at the falls. Also, be aware that they charge for parking, though they do offer a military discount if that applies to you. Overall, it is a nice, accessible walk through nature, just do not bring your swimsuit expecting to dive in.

Hiked this trail on April 30th 2026 while vacationing in Hawaii. We ubered there from our hotel at…read morearound 12pm and spent a good hour and a half to 2 hours there. It was beautiful! Total jungle/rainforest vibe. Everything was so green and dense. Slippery and muddy so we were glad we wore our hiking boots that day. It also rained multiple times but honestly it was lots of fun! When we made it to the waterfall it looked really pretty. Great for photos - the whole trail was great for photos honestly. It is quite a popular trail so be prepared to see a good amount of people. Wonder how it would have been if we went early in the morning (we did Diamond head that morning FYI). So happy we got to visit Mānoa Falls!

A beautiful day for a hike! Every time I do this hike it's a little different. Today the waterfall…read morewas cold and bracing and there were a lot of people hiking the falls. We started out around 8:45 AM and by the time we reached the waterfall, it was getting full of families and pairs of hikers. I recommend go early to skip the crowds. The hike itself isn't too technical and there are only a few places where you have to step up high over a rock or scramble through a stream.

Here are clear and concise directions for this hike!!…read more Main parking off Pali hwy. Entrance is easily visible. You'll enter the bamboo forest. Within the first 50 feet it will split into a Y trail, take the left path. If you go straight you'll likely end up in the bamboo section for 20-40 mins. If you do not exit the bamboo area within 10 mins, you're lost. You'll exit the bamboo area through a lifted/broken section of the fence. Walk uphill onto the paved pathway. This will open onto a wide valley. You'll pass a large bridge structure. Follow that till road till you get to the supply shed structures. Look for a small concrete stairway in the trees. Stay left mostly, and look for pink ribbons. Pass the old fenced off pool looking area. Once you hit the rock/mud path (approx 10 mins) there's a hard right turn down into the main river area. A large tree has fallen so you'll need to spot the ribbons, and climb over this tree. If you pass this fallen tree by mistake, the trail will seem oddly difficult and dense. You'll need to turn around. Walk until you see the man made rock wall with a small waterfall, and walk across this to the other side. Follow the ribbons up the path and you'll need to cross the river 3-5 more times after this. Keep looking for clear open paths. There's two ways you can continue after that point so don't worry. (One way is just more difficult) Before the waterfall there's a larger section of rocks you'll have to climb over. Main takeaways: You will have to walk across slippery rocks several times. It is muddy. It's not that difficult but can be dangerous at some parts. If you don't see a pink/orange ribbon for more than 5-10 mins at any time, you are likely lost.

For a five bucks entry fee, this is an awesome deal…read more When you arrive you show your ticket as you enter the parking lot. There are banos, a souvenir area, and a refreshment stand if you forgot your water. It is a challenging hike to the summit, and it will give you a good cardio workout. I did see a few folks who were really hurting or just turning around. The path is mostly uneven rock with some pretty intense stair sections. The round trip is under 2 miles; it took me about 30 - 45 minutes, including photo stops. When you finally reach the top, be sure to go inside the pill box; from here, you can see almost beyond the horizon. Imagine being on the lookout for enemy ships and planes from here! The breathtaking views overlook the city, beach, ocean, and all the way toward the North Shore. It's awesome to see all the different shades of blue ocean water. At the top, you will see the entire Diamonhead crater. Take plenty of PIcs!!! Be sure to bring water, and if it is a cool day, it will be breezy and really cool at the top. Pro tip: If you are ridesharing, your drop off and pickup is at the parking lot.

Amazing little area (views)…read more Keep in mind that place is always busy so make sure you made a reservation online for the visit weeks before you go if not further out. You have to be there within the first 30 minutes of your reservation and then you only get 2 hours to hike. Believe me you won't spend more than 2 hours there between the crowds and the heat. So the earlier in the morning you can make your reservation you'll be much better off! I traveled late and only carried one bottle of water and I was fine (50 yoa, physical but I don't work out or anything). Definitely need to pace yourself, especially if you're prone to heat exhaustion. Don't let the nice weather fool you cause it does get very hot with little breeze and lots of steep terrain. If you're pron to having bad balance or twisting your ankle a lot, I would not do this hike. If you have a stroller or needle a walker, you definitely should not be doing this hike. Views are amazing at the end of the hike, as long as it's not too busy. If it's busy, be prepared to stand in line to get your Kodak moments.

Aiden was amazing, he made our first hike our best hike. He was patient but still pushed me and my…read more15-year-old to the limit. I recommend anyone visiting Hawaii to contact Oahu Hike before booking with anyone else, you won't regret it. I finally feel like I seen Hawaii for the first time. 5 stars isn't enough, Thanks Aiden for making our trip one to remember.

Aidan was AMAZING! Worth EVERY penny. Accommodating. Friendly. Knowledgable. Personable. And FUN to…read morefollow. Highly recommend Oahu Hike if you're looking for a stress free and memorable journey through some of Oahu's most beautiful sites! Can't recommend them highly enough. DO IT! & Ask for Aidan! You won't regret it! 10/10

Love this ridge trail for a good workout with amazing views from the summit and as you climb up to…read moreit. As ridge trails go it less narrow and a good one to start with in the Hawai'i Kai area. A good part of the trail zig zags up the mountain until you reach the picnic table. At this point we take a break, have a snack drink more water in preparation for the more difficult climb. Soon you reach the series of steps on the ridge that climb on and on up the mountain into the clouds at times. After the never ending steps you reach the summit. If cloudy wait and the clouds open up to stunning views of other side of island. This hike is well worth the journey. Make sure to have plenty of water and snacks. We use poles, they are really useful in coming back down to help save your knees. There is only street parking so be prepared to walk up road to trailhead. If raining better to go a different day.

This trail was very challenging, but the view worth every minute walking…read more It took us about 4 hours to go up and down because we were taking a lot of time. Really close to the top it became slippery, but besides that the walk is great. Parking can be an issue because there are not official parking, but going there early ensure you a spot.

I wish I could give a full description of this place as it seems magical, but we encountered a…read morebeehive going down the treacherous path and turned around for safety. Two things from other reviews that are very much true: this is on a residential area, almost to the cul-de-sac at the end and it is a narrow alley between two houses, so it can be easy to miss. The second thing is it is indeed steep, treacherous, and tricky to navigate if wet (although it is a short hike, so you don't need to be a professional either). So be careful when going down, hold onto the fence, railing, rocks as needed, and enjoy!

We were so excited to visit this spot but were unfortunately disappointed due to the terrain and…read moreexcessive bees. This is located in the middle of a neighborhood so don't expect signage and parking is in a cul-de-sac. This is not handicap friendly and should really only be visited by those in good physical condition. I slipped at least once on the way down and did not feel confident in my footing for most of the time both up and down. I bet the views were breathtaking, but we did not feel comfortable continuing further.

Did this amazing hike again starting at a different location with an alteration due to a closure of…read moreone section of the trail. I love the combination of this trails because the variety of beautiful views, landscapes, type of surfaces. Dense lush rainforest to dryer areas with a variety of foliage. Started at the Makiki Arboretum trail, taking the loop to the right on the Maunalaha Trail. This section will get the blood flowing as you climb upward over a very rooted trail. Once you arrive at an area with metal benches there is an intersection of multiple trails. Take Makiki Valley Trail to the Right. After a short hike take the Moleka Trail to the Left. The Moleka trail becomes the Manoa Cliff trail which you stay on for a number of miles. If you struggle with narrow trails with drop offs this section may not be for you. There are beautiful views of Manoa Valley from the trail. Some sections of this trail can be muddy. In the past Hike once you go through the gate the Manoa Cliff trail takes a sharp turn to Left at Intersection of other trails. In our case there was a recent landslide and there was a warning sign not continue on the Manoa Cliff Trail. No problem we took Pauoa Flats Trail until we reached Kalawahine Trail and took a Left on it. Take this trail until you reach a paved road, take a right down the road until you see the next trailhead, Nahuina Trail which zig zags its way down. When you come to Makiki Valley trail go left. When you reach Kanealole take it to your right. This trail will take you back to trail you started on. Since there are so many different trails to do this loop I suggest using Alltrails download. We clocked over 10 miles. I'd rate it as intermediate. Bring plenty of water, I carry crampons in case there are muddy slippery areas. Would not do if heavy rain or strong winds expected.

Afternoon hike at Manoa Cliff, Kalawahine, and Makiki Valley Loop…read more Great trail, awesome views. Best if you can download the map as you loose service in several areas of the trail. My trail map also showed I hiked 7.3 miles and my husband stated 6.4, but either way it is long. Just be ready for a good long hike. We started in the rain so yes mud was around, and yes places were pretty slippery. But all in all not too bad to get around. Just wear good hiking shoes. Conditions: bugs, muddy, easy parking, great views, dog friendly, well maintained, wild flowers

This hike was such a fun and beautiful experience! Parking is tough, but we parked on the street…read more(just be careful and make sure to read signs for ticketing/tow away areas). The beginning of the hike is a little rocky and uphill so just make sure to wear the right shoes and to be careful since it can be a little slippery. The hike is relatively short and manageable. It was awesome seeing the pill boxes and the graffiti makes everything so colorful and lively. To top it off, you have an AMAZING view of the islands nearby. It is such a beautiful sight, you won't want to miss this hike!

We have hiked this trail a number of times, always short and sweet, with amazing views…read more Really enjoy hiking it for sunrise with headlamps. Which should be done carefully. The morning glow as the sun rises is stunning over the mountains and ocean. This trail can be an Ankle twister, so be prepared with proper shoes. I see a lot of visitors to the island hiking this trail with shoes that do not provide good traction. Bring water and snacks to hang out on top of second pillbox to enjoy the amazing views. You can continue past this point on the trail which ends up in a neighbor further from coast. If you add this additional hike bring plenty of water and do early, it has no shade. You can walk back on road or turn around and take trail back.

1000+ Stairs is not for the weak or faint…read more So fun!! Stretch, take water, follow the guidelines of how people are on thw path up and back. Stay to the sides and let people who run up or down have the right of way. Take your time. There are plenty of spots to stepnoff to the side and rest when needed. People will check in with you, root you on, ensure you are ok, encourage you! Good vibes only!

Great hike that is well kept up by a volunteer organization called kokonut koalition (there are…read morealso volunteer opportunities if you'd like to help upkeep). Parking: Don't leave anything valuable visible. This includes backpacks. Hike itself: There are ~1,100 steps, it feels like a stair workout, it is more than okay to stop, but best to stop on the sides to let others go or down. Great for sunrises and sunsets. Could take about 20-30 minutes each way if you don't stop too often. Bring water!! There are no fountains up there.