Did this trail again for the sunrise! Loved it. So worth it…read more Again, watch your steps, take your time, bring water and wear good shoes with a good grip. This trail is short but steep with rocks and slippery. The sunrise was amazing and we will do it again!!

Hiked the Lanikai Pillbox #2 Trail that starts from the back end on the Mauka side. It is longer…read moreand steeper than the Makai side. First takes you to #2 pillbox and #1 pillbox and if you continue on to the start of the other trail. Most hikers start at the trailhead by golf course on Makai side and only go up as far as the pillboxes. Found it to be a more interesting than the one most hikers take. Although they both shared the amazing views from the pillboxes. The beginning of hike is steep and rocky following a dry creek bed. Probably not the best route after heavier rain, can become slippery. There a variety of views of both valleys from the ridge, mountains and ocean. The trail has some scrambling, however not very difficult. Four of us that hiked it are all over 65 but seasoned hikers (well seasoned). It's best to hike this one early, not much shade. Wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water.

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.

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.

Definitely worth walking up at least once. It's fully paved, ~2.5 miles round trip, and super…read moredoable for all levels (yes, even strollers). The parking really isn't that bad either. The view at the top? Beautiful ! Wear whatever shoes you want - sandals, sneakers, hiking boots - you'll be fine

Ocean views, paved trail, good amt of parking. This is a…read morevery doable hike for most- a little more than a 2mile round trip according to my fitbit, all paved if u stay on the trail. You feel the slight incline going up, but its a way easier walk than Diamond Head. Parking along the road is available if the lot is full. At 4pm, parking was still full, even tho this place closes at 5:45pm (?). Take water and sun protection, it can be hot, sunny and windy. Didnt notice any water or restrooms. And don't forget to bring Malasadas for your post hike reward.

Tl:dr: the most technically challenging hike on the island, takes 5-6 hours round trip including…read morestops on each of the 3 peaks to take pictures, rest etc. People talk about mortality on this trail, although I don't think it's as dangerous as people made it out to be if you exercise common sense. Who should do it: most people can make the 1st peak. Trail from 1st to 2nd becomes noticeably narrower but it's short and about the same level of difficulty as trail up the 1st peak. 2nd to 3rd peak was where the challenge is - lots of vertical rock climbing, path is narrow, and ropes aren't all in good conditions. If you don't have good upper body strength, have knee problems, or are afraid of heights, it's not a good idea to do the 3rd peak. If you don't have good endurance, it's just going to be a long day. Words of caution: try avoid going after a rainy day because the trail becomes very muddy. It started raining when I was coming down from the 3rd peak and the ground became slippery. Better to go with a friend if you can - there are only a few people hiking past the 2nd peak and in case you get injured, it's good to have someone with you to help. Preparation: pack enough water, gloves (protect your hands from climbing), long pants, and a light windbreaker (waterproof is ideal). You never know how the microclimate changes in the mountain. Throw on some hiking shoes too if you have them. You can get away with gym shoes as I did but extra grip comes in handy on a muddy day. Views: view is the best from the 1st peak. Past that is more for the adrenalin and experience. Parking: no official parking lot for the hike, park across the bridge on the side of the roads. It's a ~15 minute walk to the trailhead. Have fun out there!

I absolutely love this hike but it's very strenuous and dangerous at the top so I would not…read morerecommend going all the way to the top. It starts with a mellow walk to the rainforest, the 15-30 min in the forest and then up the mountain for an hour, really steep. At the top, there are some ropes that have been left by hikers and those do get replaced occasionally (I've done this hike many times) however it's dangerous because one can slip and fall and there's nothing to catch you. That is just the way to the first peak. There are three peaks all together but the view is the best from the 1st peak. 2nd and 2rd are too dangerous and I've only done those once. Be very careful, people have died on this hike.

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!

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.

More than a million dollar view: actually priceless! Sand, sea and sky with the waves breaking on…read morethe shore. Mild breeze, a sheltered spot from the sun. You must come to enjoy this yourself...a slice of heaven on earth. With intermittent squeals of glee from kiddies in the water.

If you have never been to this beach, it is not only one of the best beaches in Hawaii, but all of…read morethe country. The sand is like powdered sugar in your toes. Yes, it's under the other side of Oahu but worth it.

i'm ngl, this hike rocked my world. i did NOT know what i was signing myself up for, but i'm so…read morehappy i got to experience this!! perfect way to spend our morning! i was genuinely in disbelief at how stunning this trail was. it felt moderately lengthy, so it was a whole EXPERIENCE. the beginning was a breeze (shaded, not too steep), but omg towards the end it got challenging real fast :') i didn't see a single person leave with clean shoes... absolutely WORTH IT THO. probs wouldn't recommend after the rain bc the mud gets super slippery. it was really cool being so high up hehe i had lots of fun!

An epic experience and what a hike! I'm 47 years old and not too much out of shape but still…read moremanaged to get to the top in good time. The view of the east side was breathtaking. I will certainly hike this trail again.