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.

Vacationed in Hawaii (4/29-4/3 2026) so of course we had to hit up the beautiful island trails!…read moreDiamond Head was on our list so we booked it in advance since you need to make reservations. We did it all through Groupon to get picked up from our hotel and dropped off as well. The trail is definitely a popular hot spot for tourists but we didn't mind the crowd. We did an early one to see the Sun rise, though by the time we got there the sun was out already. Totally okay. Water was provided by our tour guide. He gave us some history on Diamond Head and then dropped us off and gave us 2 hours to explore before getting picked up. Thank you Jonah from Fun Hawaii Group! Aaaand we were on our way! Paths were clean and clear of overgrown plants for the most part. My wife and l hike regularly so we didn't feel the hike was bad at all. Weather was perfect (it rained on us a bjt too which was unexpected but fun) and it wasn't a long hike either. There are steps involved which we enjoyed for the added cardio! When we made it to the top it was breathtaking! The views of the ocean and the mountains were beautiful! Still find myself looking at photos. It was truly magical. We were in paradise!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I recently went back and realized they redid some of the steps so it feels more stable! If you…read morehaven't done this hike, it's definitely worth it but know that it's a killer workout. Sunset up there? Unreal. BUT it gets dark fast coming down so time it right or bring a light source. It's windy at the top which feels wonderful but if you're hanging out for a while bring a sweater. All in all, amazing workout, even better view.

This hike going clockwise from the start is great because you begin with some moderate uphills but…read morenothing too wild, and then you end with some downhills over aerial roots while the people going counter-clockwise are just starting to scramble up those roots. There are some beautiful sections with huge ferns. The trail is often very quiet and you hear lots of birdsong. I do recommend hiking shoes and maybe even a walking stick (I got plenty of use out of my mine to get over some of the rocks and roots). A little over 3 miles so you feel like you got a good hike in, but it's not too crazy.

I really love this trail. It's quite easy with enough kick to make you feel like you've had full…read morehike. There are small streams, bird wildlife, and waterfalls that makes this feel a little bit like a botanical garden. Parking can get packed during the weekends so come early.