Short hikes, big views
STOP 1 OF 5
Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) summit trail
Waikīkī & Diamond Head · Paid entry
The classic. Book the timed entry.
1.5–2 hours · $5 per person plus $10 per car for non-residents
EThe editors · 3 Hikes with a view lists — switch
Short hikes, big views
Five climbs under two hours that end at a view.
5 placesA full dayRead the guide ↓
- 1. Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) summit trailThe classic. Book the timed entry.Waikīkī & Diamond HeadPaid entry1.5–2 hours$5 per person plus $10 per car for non-residents
2. Lanikai Pillbox (Kaʻiwa Ridge)The Mokulua islands from the pillboxes.WindwardFree to visit1–1.5 hoursFree
3. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse TrailPaved, windy, whales in winter.East sideFree to visit1–1.5 hoursFree
4. Koko Crater Railway TrailShort but steep. Bring water.East sideFree to visit1–1.5 hoursFree
5. ʻEhukai Pillbox HikeThe North Shore from above Pipeline.North ShoreFree to visit1 hourFree
The guide
How to do it: Short hikes, big views
Five climbs that take an hour or two and end at one of the island’s best views: Waikīkī from Diamond Head, the Mokulua islands from Lanikai, whales from Makapuʻu.
Do one a morning and you’ll still have the day for the beach.
- The order to do it in
- Diamond Head (booked), Makapuʻu, Koko Crater on the south-east; Lanikai Pillbox on the windward side; ʻEhukai Pillbox on a North Shore day.
- When to go
- Sunrise or the first hours after it.
- Getting there
- A car, or TheBus and a walk for Diamond Head.
- What to bring
- Water, a hat, shoes with grip.
- What it costs
- Free except Diamond Head ($5 plus $10 per car for visitors).
Worth knowing
- Koko Crater has no shade at all; go at dawn.
Started from the pins on Flashpacking America’s Oʻahu maps (the map). Places, notes and the guide checked and written by us; prices and opening times change, so check before you go.