5 Great Family-Friendly Hikes on Oahu to Explore Together
Before my first visit to Oahu, I thought Hawaii was all about beautiful beaches. Obviously they are amazing, that’s where most of my family photo sessions happen too. They’re stunning, magical, and absolutely worth experiencing. But beaches aren’t the only thing Oahu has to offer.
When my husband and I took a very short trip to Oahu years ago (three nights!) before we lived here, the only hike we managed was Diamond Head. Don’t get me wrong—it was amazing! But looking back, it didn’t get me out of Waikiki. Living here now, I realize I only saw a tiny glimpse of Oahu. I’ve found something that gives me as much joy as watching a colorful sunset on the North Shore – the hiking.
That realization didn’t happen right away. The first hike we did as a family after moving here was… a lot. It was muddy, slippery, I fell a few times, and honestly, I didn’t enjoy it much. I grew up hiking in the Northeast, where the weather is (usually) cooler, the trails are (mostly) easier, and they feel a little more maintained.
Hiking on Oahu? It’s a whole different game. It’s hotter, messier, and took some serious getting used to. But once I did, I fell in love with it. Now, hiking makes me so happy even if I’m still extremely clumsy and fall quite a bit (although good gripping shoes and a hiking pole has made a difference!) The heat still gets to me sometimes – especially when there’s no shade – but I’ve learned to carry a waist hydration system to stay hydrated. I can wear my younger son in his soft structured carrier on my back and still have a good amount of water.
This list isn’t every great hike for families out there, but it’s a solid start. I would recommend if you want to explore more options, download and use the paid version of AllTrails so you can easily access the maps when you don’t have service. It’s worth it.
Tips for Hiking with your Family on Oahu
- If you’re clumsy like me, bring a hiking pole. They’re inexpensive, and you only need to pack one.
- Download AllTrails and consider the paid version—it lets you download maps for offline use, which is super helpful since many trails on Oahu have little to no service.
- Carrying a kid? You don’t need a heavy-duty hiking carrier—a soft-structured carrier (SSC) works just fine for most trails.
- Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out. Some trails get dangerously slippery after rain.
- Start early or late to avoid the heat (and the crowds).
- The usual hiking must-haves: snacks, water, sunscreen, good shoes. More water then you think.
- Expect bugs—bring repellent!
- Don’t be afraid to turn back if conditions aren’t safe or if your kids have had enough.
- Teach Leave No Trace principles—pack out your trash, stay on the trail, and help kids understand how to respect nature.
The Trails
1. Manoa Falls Trail
This popular hike in Manoa is close to town and well-known for a reason. It’s on the “tourist” track (meaning it’s often busy), but it remains a worthwhile experience. The trail is one of the better-maintained ones on Oahu, covered with gravel and small rocks, making it accessible for almost anyone. It’s about 1.7 miles round trip with a gentle 600-foot incline. However, conditions can change depending on the rain.
Despite its popularity, this hike is incredibly rewarding due to the lush tropical scenery. That said, it’s not always easy. I first did this hike at 37 weeks pregnant—I made it, but I was probably the slowest person on the trail. I was glad I brought a hiking pole, even if I got a few funny looks.
Notes
- Parking is $7 (discount for military/Kamaʻāina). Weekends get busy, so arrive early.
- Open from sunrise to sunset.
- Rain is common here, even if the rest of the island is dry—always be prepared.
- Rain = bugs. I’ve been bitten by plenty of mosquitoes here, so bring bug spray.
- Rocks and roots can make footing tricky—take your time.
- You can see the waterfall, but swimming is not allowed.
- Learn more about the trail: Manoa Falls.
2. Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail
Another popular hike, and for good reason. The views are breathtaking, the path is paved, and access is easy. While it is an uphill climb, it’s not steep—about 500 feet in elevation—and requires no scrambling, unlike most other hikes on the island. No need for a hiking pole🙂
I initially avoided this hike because it’s exposed to the sun for most of the day. But one evening, after my son’s baseball game, we decided to hike it at sunset on a whim. Without our baby carrier, we used a stroller instead. The views were absolutely worth it! Unless you’re used to the heat, I’d recommend doing this hike early in the morning or just before sunset—it’s cooler, and your photos will turn out better. In the winter, you might even spot whales.
Notes
- 2 miles round trip, 500 feet elevation gain, paved the entire way.
- It’s paved! Therefore, stroller friendly!
- Good amount of parking but it can fill up.
- Unless you’re used to the heat, go early, or go late.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat—there is NO shade (though it can be windy at the top).
- Learn more about the history: Makapuʻu Lighthouse.
3. Likeke Falls Trail
This is one of the most easily accessible and fun waterfall hikes on the island, somewhat off the beaten path. It’s short—less than a mile round trip—and often considered one of the best kid-friendly waterfall hikes on Oahu. Unlike the first two hikes, it’s much less busy, though you likely won’t be alone.
Since the trail is unmaintained, expect mud, overgrown sections, and some light scrambling over roots and rocks. It can be very slippery after rain—yet another place where I was grateful for my hiking pole (even though I’ve never seen anyone else use one here).
The trail winds through a lush rainforest and ends at a small but beautiful waterfall where many people wade or splash around. It’s a great mini-adventure for families—short and rewarding. We usually bring lunch and have a picnic at the falls. If you do the same, be sure to take all your trash with you!
Notes
- Quick, short hike with little elevation gain.
- No official parking lot. Parking is either on the roadside (not easy) or in the Koʻolau Ballrooms parking lot (8 AM – 4 PM, $10). Unless my husband is driving, I pay for parking—it’s easier, and I don’t want to risk getting towed. However, the lot isn’t always open.
- The trailhead is in the top back corner of the ballroom’s parking lot and can be tricky to find—use the AllTrails app or ask others.
- Turn LEFT at the old water tank and RIGHT when the trail splits.
- There’s always a risk of leptospirosis (a bacterial disease) if you get in the water.
- Read more about the area (it’s in the same area as the Old Pali Road, you can do that hike too if you want something longer!)
4. ʻEhukai Pillbox Trail
This is one of my favorite hikes on the island—never too crowded, fun and simple (though not exactly easy), and a perfect place to watch the sunset. The pillboxes at the top are great for kids to explore. It’s also easy to combine this hike with other activities on the North Shore.
You can keep it short by stopping at the first pillbox or extend it by exploring further. AllTrails rates it as a moderate trail, which I’d say is accurate for families. It was also one of the first hikes where I used my hiking pole and glad I did! The trail is often muddy and has some steep, root-filled sections (there are ropes to help), which is why I wouldn’t consider it easy.
However, do NOT do this hike in the rain. Though it starts off flat, it quickly becomes steep and dangerously slippery when wet.
Notes
- Small parking lot next to Sunset Elementary School (not the school’s lot), with additional parking along the road and across the street at the beach. Spots can be hard to find, but patience pays off.
- It’s easy to walk off the trail, but using a map helps.
- Trailhead is next to the parking lot and is clearly marked.
- Less than 2 miles round trip (if visiting both pillboxes), around 300 feet elevation gain.
- If you go for sunset, bring a flashlight!
5. Ka'ena Point Trail
Ka’ena Point, Mokule’ia section is a remote state park at the Northwest corner of the island. It’s absolutely gorgeous with the ocean next to the green mountains. The parking lot does get busy, but because the park is large, it never feels that crowded. People come here for hiking, fishing, and viewing wildlife. The flat coastal trail walks by many sandy or rocky coves and tide pools that are fun to explore with your kids. There are also interpretive signs along the trail. At the end of the trail/NW point of the island, there is a fenced natural reserve area. We’ve seen whales in the waters, nesting seabirds, and monk seals in this corner of the island.
Notes
- If you do the entire trail it is long – around 6 miles. My 8-year-old complains a lot when we do the whole thing, but it is worth it if you have the time and energy.
- It’s exposed – almost no shade, but also, it’s flat. Go early morning or late afternoon. Bring more water than you need
- You don’t need to hike the entire trail for it to be worth the drive. We often just set a time we would like to turn around. There’s enough to explore.
- There’s the trail, and a “road.” Obviously the trail is more rewarding, but it might be a good option to return on if you’re trying to get back to your car faster.
- Information about the state park here.
By the way, these photos don’t do it justice; they were just the first ones I could find. My Lightroom catalog is a mess – “Out and about” is probably not a good name for a folder.
One last thing before I end this post because it’s important to keep in mind and I like to remind myself.
Please Respect Nature & Wildlife
Hiking as a family is such an amazing way to explore Oahu, but it’s also a great chance to teach kids how to take care of the places we love. Pack out everything you bring (yes, even that half-eaten granola bar your toddler dropped), stay on the trails to protect the plants. Give wildlife plenty of space—monk seals, sea turtles, and nesting birds (even if you see others trying to get selfies with them, yep, I’ve seen it). If you’re lucky enough to see them, enjoy from a distance! Many of these trails also pass through culturally significant areas, so it’s a great time to remind kids to be respectful. Basically, let’s help keep these places just as beautiful and protected for everyone else.
