Hikes in Oahu, Honolulu, Waikiki, Hiking with Children

ADVERTISE WITH

OahuwithKids.com

Contact Advertising

WHAT TO DO AND

WHERE TO GO WITH YOUR CHILDREN IN OAHU, HAWAII

Hikes in Oahu for Children and Families

General suggestions regarding hiking with children:

Only hike if your children are comfortable walking long distances or check to see if the trails are accommodating for strollers. Also, bring plenty of water. Many hikers use both insect repellant sprays as well as sunscreen for skin protection. Hike in the morning.

Don’t expect cell service and there is always more safety in numbers. Also, if you are taking public transportation make sure you are certain of the return bus schedules.

Honolulu Hikes

Diamond Head Crater is by far one of the most popular and frequented hiking areas in Oahu. There are incredible views once you reach the top. We suggest (and fun for children) to bring a flashlights for the dark tunnels you will go through during your hike. The cost is $5/car.

Adjacent to Kapiolani Park. Diamond Head Rd. At 18th Ave. (808) 587-0285

Hawaii Nature Center

Children’s programs, guided nature tours and well-marked trails.

2131 Makiki Heights Dr., Honolulu (808) 955-0100

Judd Memorial Trail

A one-mile loop just off the Nuuanu Pali Dr. The trail is slippery but an easy hike for toddlers. Be prepared with bug spray. Check out the Kaniakapupu Ruins after to see the ruins of King Kamehameha III’s summer home as well as several waterfalls. The trailhead for the ruins is a half-m ile down Nuuanu Pali Dr.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden

There is an extinct volcano basin covering 60 acres here and the 2-mile loop trail leads through breathtaking sceneted plants and flowers. Free admission.

Kokonani St. (808) 522-7060

Likeke Trail to Pali Falls

1.4 miles roundtrip if you start from the Ko’olau Golf course. Easy enough for most toddlers and you can bring lunch to eat on the rocks near the falls. Address for the golf course: 45-550 Kionaole Rd., Kaneohe.

Makiki Forest Recreation Area is the location of three trailheads, including Kanealole Trail, Makiki-Manoa Adventure and Makiki Valley Loop. The Kanealole Trail is calm and not too strenuous and runs parallel to Kanealole Stream. Along the trail, don’t miss the ruins of stone walls from a coffee plantation in the 19th century. The Makiki-Manoa Cliffs trail winds through a dense forest. The Makiki Valley Loop is known for its outstanding views of Honolulu.

Take Kalakaua Ave. out of Waikiki. Turn left onto South Beretania Street. Turn right onto Keeaumoku, then turn right onto Nehoa. Turn left onto Makiki Hights Drive. This will lead to the entrance of Makiki Recreation Area. A parking lot is available.

Manoa Falls Trail

This easy hike travels through a bamboo forest, rainforest, and base of the Ko'oaus Mountains. Spectacular waterfall. Located at the end of Monoa Rd. (808) 464-2924

The Puu Ohia Trail

The trail leads through a rainforest with groves of guava, ginger, eucalyptus and bamboo and then gives way to views of the Nuuanu Valley. The trailhead is on Tantalus Drive, very close to Honolulu.

Ualakaa Loop

Half hour hike of about a mile that takes the hiker through woods and over hills that overlook Honolulu. Inside the Puu Ualakaa Park.

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Get close up to of one of Oahu’s most familiar landmarks, the lighthouse, on this two mile paved trail. Free admission.

Off Kalanianaole Highway, past Sandy Beach.

Windward Oahu Hikes

Hauula Loop

Take this 2.5 mile hike to get spectacular view of Oahu’s North Shore. Off Hauula Homestead Road in Hauula. There is a gravel parking lot.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden

45-680 Luluku Rd., Kaneohe (808) 233-7323

This 400 acre botanical garden at the foot of the Koolau Mountains has a network of hiking trails. There are guided nature walks, hiking, camping, crafts, cloud-watching. Free admission. Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.

Maunawili Trail

A nine-mile route (takes about 2 hours) that takes the hiker through rainforest and open grassy areas and provides views of Oahu's coastal areas, mountains, ridges and valleys. Ends at a waterfall. Take Pali Highway towards Kailua. The trail is found on Kelewina St.

North Shore Hikes

Waimea Valley Audubon Center

Kaunala Trail

This 2.5 mile trail is located just past Waimea Bay across from the Waimea Fire Station.

The trail runs over valleys of the Pupukea Forest Reserve.

Kealia Trail

Located near the Dillingham Airfield. Park near the airfield tower. The trail is about 2 miles long.

Leeward Oahu Hikes

Kaena Hikes