Top 5 Kid Friendly Hikes on Oahu

Long before your favorite resorts and restaurants in Hawaii existed, the natural beauty of the islands called people to explore its forests, heights, and history. Today, hiking trails allow you to explore more of Hawaii than ever before – and many, especially on Oahu, are great fits for children and parents. [fusebox_track_player url=”https://pdcn.co/e/https://chtbl.com/track/2828DE/www.buzzsprout.com/832225/12020138-beyond-the-beach-5-incredible-family-friendly-hikes-to-explore-on-oahu.mp3?download=true” social_linkedin=”true” social_pinterest=”true” social_email=”true” ]

Photo by user32212 from Pixabay

Here are our five picks for kid-friendly hikes on Oahu, complete with trail details and a packing list for you and your young explorers.

What to Know Before Hiking in Oahu

Go Early: Oahu’s hiking trails can be busy, hot, and tough to find parking for
Call Ahead: Find out weather and trail conditions before heading out with your family
Be Prepared: Check the clothing and packing lists below to have a safe, comfortable outing
Protect Belongings: Don’t leave valuables in your car and have a backpack that is comfortable and secure while hiking
Follow Rules: Stay on the trail, and avoid taking risks for photo ops or thrill-seeking
Leave No Trace: Stow trash in backpacks, plan restroom trips and leave the trail better than you found it
KNOW YOUR LIMITS: That includes your family. Though these hikes are some of the more “family-friendly” hikes on Oahu, they can still be challenging and require physical endurance. Please, know your limits.

Where to Hike on Oahu

1. Waimea Falls

Photo by @lig_hawj on Instagram

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, this all-ages trail takes you through lush gardens and historical sites before revealing a spectacular 30-ft waterfall and swimming area. The entirely paved trail is perfect for strollers, and its gradual slope, numerous benches, and shuttle service allow for rest and snack breaks.

Owned by a Native Hawaiian governing entity, the valley is steeped in history. Featuring cultural presentations and displays from local artisans during the day. And when you reach the waterfall, lifeguards and life jackets make swimming safe for kids and adults alike.

Keep in mind that rainfall can drastically change swimming conditions, so call ahead if you plan to take a dip, and bring swimsuits and towels – there are changing rooms at the falls. With easy access to snacks, drinks, and restrooms, Waimea Falls is among the easiest, most accommodating hikes on Oahu.

Know Before You Go

Paved: Yes
Length: 1.9 mile roundtrip
Price: $20 adults, $12 kids 4-12, $16 Seniors/Students
Location: North Shore
Stroller-friendly: Yes
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Elevation Change: 272 ft
Hours: Tues-Sun 9am-4pm
Website

2. Manoa Falls Trail

Photo by @journeyofralu on Instagram

Another waterfall hike awaits outside Honolulu, where Manoa Falls offers a more rugged journey through shaded rainforest terrain. Beginning with breathtaking views of the Manoa Valley, the 1.7-mile unpaved trail passes through bamboo groves and diverse vegetation, including the Lyon Arboretum, home to over 5,000 plant species.

You’ll want sturdy shoes or boots, and consider hiking poles – rainfall can make the path slippery in spots – and baby carriers are recommended! The shade and wet, humid air attract mosquitos, so repellant spray or wipes also come in handy. Know your limits. This is an easier hike, good for families with older kids, but can be very wet and slippery. If in doubt, don’t go out.

June 5, 2021 – Reopening Update

The popular trail was originally closed in July 2019 for the installation of a rockfall hazard mitigation fence next to the falls. During the closure, Nā Ala Hele also installed some long overdue trail safety improvements.

The trail improvements include trail widening for safe two-way traffic, the trail bed resurfacing, new steps, trailside plantings, and erosion and water runoff control measures. New rest areas with benches and interpretive signs were also installed to allow hikers an opportunity to learn about the beautiful rain forest watershed.

“It’s really about safety,” said Aaron Lowe, Oahu Trails and Access Specialist for the Nā Ala Hele Program. “Before the COVID pandemic, the Manoa Falls trail attracted 700 to 1,000 people a day. In a lush valley that gets 160 to 170 inches of rain a year, the trail was an eroding, slippery, muddy mess. After a lot of work during this extended closure, we are very happy to reopen safer trail just in time for National Trails Day that is also better for the watershed.”

Source: khon2 news

The massive, 150-ft Manoa Falls is best seen a day or two after heavy rainfall. Although swimming is off-limits due to the risk of leptospirosis, the waterfall alone is worth the trek.

Helpful Tip: use the restroom at the trailhead before you set out, and pack diapers, wipes, and a wet bag for infants. At the end of your hike, stop by the Rainbow’s End Snack Shop for refreshments after your adventure – and use the hose in the parking lot to clean off before loading up the car!

Know Before You Go

Paved: No
Length: 1.7 mile roundtrip
Price: $5 parking (doublecheck)
Location: Manoa Valley
Stroller-friendly: No
Handicap Accessible: No
Elevation Change: 633 ft
Status: Reopens June 5th, 2021
Hours: Sunup to Sundown; don’t hike after 5:30 pm
Website

3. Diamond Head (Le’ahi) Summit Trail

Photo by Cosmin Serban on Unsplash

How about a hike up to the edge of a volcano? It’s okay, it’ll only ever erupt once – and that was 300,000 years ago. Situated on the east end of the Waikiki coast, Diamond Head is Hawaii’s most recognized natural landmark nestled in the Aloha State’s most popular State Park.

This moderate trail cuts through 350 acres filled with wide-spanning views of inland Oahu, Waikiki Beach, and the deep blue Pacific. Among the best places to take in those views are from two pillboxes, built in 1908 and refitted after WWII. Families often rest and sit atop the pillboxes – just be mindful of high winds and the sun! Diamond Head’s trail will take some planning: little shade makes for a hot hike, so bring along hats and reef-safe sunscreen. This is another hike that may be on the tougher side for younger kids.

Like Manoa Falls, the only restroom sits at the trailhead. And the hike includes 173 steps, which can be especially tiring for young ones. Thankfully, a gift shop and refreshing treats offer shade and refreshment after a steep but stellar hike.

Know Before You Go

Paved: Partially
Length: 1.6 mi roundtrip
Price: $5 Entrance Fee per person, plus $10 Parking per vehicle
Location: Diamond Head Crater
Stroller-Friendly: No
Handicap Accessible: No
Elevation Change: 452 ft
Status: Open
Hours: Daily 6am-6pm, Last entrance is at 4:30pm; gates lock at 6pm
Website

4. Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

Photo by Bryan Murphy from Hawaii’s Best

With unparalleled views of Oahu’s southeastern coastline, Makapu’u’s paved trail allows for strollers, and its constant uphill incline also offers a nice workout. It’s well worth it: you’ll see Sandy Beach and Koko Head Crater as you set off, and you’ll spot glistening tidepools during the 500-foot ascent. With little shade, and no drinking water available, sunscreen and CamelBaks are your best friends.

Try to tackle this hike between November and May, when hundreds of migrating humpback whales can be seen offshore. Invest in good binoculars! The lighthouse along this trail is closed to the public, but the lookout at the summit actually overlooks the lighthouse and is perfect for whale watching and taking in the beautiful vistas of Oahu.

Know Before You Go

Paved: Yes
Length: 2.5 mi roundtrip
Price: Free
Location: Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline
Stroller-Friendly: Yes
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Elevation Change: 505 ft
Status: Open
Hours: 7am-6:45pm
Website

5. Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail

Photo by KEHN HERMANO from Pexels

On the northeastern edge of Oahu sits one of the best sunrise/sunset hikes of your life. With two pillboxes to discover along the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, this is a short, yet moderate hike that begins with a steep ascent aided by ropes to help your family traverse the first 100 yards, however, there are no guardrails.

Beyond that, the climb is gradual, leading to the first pillbox and ending at the second. Sunrise and sunset are ideal times to venture out, but you can take in the nearby beaches and islands any time of day. To make the most of this hike, go early in the day to beat the crowds, and the rush for the (very) limited parking. Restrooms and water sources aren’t on the trail making the restrooms at nearby Kailua Beach extremely helpful.

Along the way, you may see hikers climbing on boulders or walking the trail beyond the second pillbox, but resist the urge to stray; boulders roll, and the path after pillbox 2 is actually private property. That said, there’s plenty to see and enjoy on this popular trail that sees nearly 1,400 visitors per day.

Know Before You Go

Paved: No
Length: 1.8 mi roundtrip
Price: Free
Location: Kaiwa Ridge Trail
Stroller-Friendly: No
Handicap Accessible: No
Elevation Change: 649 ft
Status: Open
Hours: 6am-8pm
Website

Have fun on these five beautiful, sun-soaked trails! For outdoor adventures in Hawaii, always strive to leave no trace, and stick to Covid-19 guidelines outlined in the trail/park website links above. Now that you know where to go…what should you bring?

What To Bring For Hiking In Oahu

Clothes

Light, comfy clothes
Hats for shade
Swimsuits and towels for waterfall hikes
Comfy, sturdy walking shoes (or hiking boots for unpaved, steep, muddy trails)
Foldable/compact backpack

Packing List

Reef-Safe Sunscreen – lotion is better than an aerosol spray and carry-on friendly
Water: Camelbak, Water Bottles
Mosquito Repellent – spray or wipes
Light, healthy, filling snacks
Phone/camera and memory card
Flashlight – for sunrise hikes
First Aid Kit
Hand Sanitizer
Band-Aids and Neosporin
Wet Wipes
Rechargeable Handheld Fan
Ziplock Bags for trash
Collapsible Hiking Poles

Baby Gear

Breathable Baby Carrier
Diapers
Wet Wipes
Wet Bag
Blanket

Travel Pono (responsibly)

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Bumper music, Aloha Friday, provided by Coby G (used with permission)

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