4 Best North Shore Oahu Hikes From a Local
As locals, hiking on the North Shore of Oahu is one of our favorite things to do on the island.
While this area may have fewer hikes than the windward coast or southern shore, the North Shore still offers some excellent trails that are definitely worth checking out.
In this post, we will share our top favorite hikes on the North Shore that we keep returning to.
In a hurry? Here are our top four favorite hikes on the North Shore of Oahu:
- Waimea Falls Trail
- Kaʻena Point Trail
- Ehukai Pillboxes Trail
- Hauʻula Loop Trail
North Shore Oahu Hikes Map
1. Waimea Falls
Located within the lush Waimea Valley, Waimea Falls is among the most accessible and beautiful hikes on the North Shore. This trail is perfect for the entire family, as it is only 1.7 miles round trip and is ranked easy.
While some people do not consider Waimea Falls a “real hike” because it’s paved all the way, we believe it deserves a spot on this list because of its accessibility and the fact that it leads to a gorgeous waterfall.
The trail takes you through beautiful botanical gardens filled with plants from Guam, Japan, Sri Lanka, and, of course, Hawaii.
At the end of the trail, you’ll come across Waimea Falls, which is a stunning 45-foot waterfall with a swimmable pool at its base.
We love Waimea Falls because it’s one of the few waterfall hikes on Oahu that allows swimming. Lifejackets are included with the admission fee, and a lifeguard is always on duty, making it a safer experience.
Parking: Parking is included with your admission fee
Entrance Fee: $25 for adults, $15 per child, $20 for students with ID, and $20 for seniors
Route Type: Out & back
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour round trip
Terrain: Paved
2. Kaʻena Point Trail
The Kaʻena Point Trail is a stunning hike that takes you to the westernmost tip of Oahu. This hike offers breathtaking coastline views and is a must-do for nature lovers.
The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for most fitness levels, and it spans approximately 5 miles round trip (if you start from the Mokuleia side) or 5.6 miles if you start from the Waianae side.
While the trail is flat all the way, its lack of shade makes it a more challenging hike, especially if done during midday. We recommend bringing plenty of water and wearing sunscreen, a sun shirt, and a hat.
What makes the Kaʻena Point Trail special is its rugged, unspoiled beauty. As you hike, you’ll be treated to panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and the chance to spot native wildlife, including Hawaiian monk seals and seabirds. There is also a pillbox along the way to enjoy great views and relax.
One of the highlights of this hike is reaching Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve, a protected area home to various native plants and seabirds.
We love the Kaʻena Point Trail because it’s a great way to experience the wild beauty of Oahu’s coastline. While it may not have the lush greenery of some other trails, its raw, rugged charm and the high potential for wildlife sightings are why we keep returning.
Parking: There are parking areas at both the Waiʻanae and Mokulēʻia trailheads, but please be careful not to leave valuables in your car. These areas are known for car break-ins, so leaving any valuables at home and out of sight is best.
Entrance Fee: None
Route Type: Out & back
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Terrain: Dirt, sand, and rocks
3. Ehukai Pillbox Trail
While many people know about the Lanikai Pillbox Hike on the windward side, fewer people know about the Ehukai Pillbox Hike on Oahu’s North Shore.
Also called the Sunset Pillbox Hike, this trail offers a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the North Shore. At just 1.5 miles round trip, it’s an intermediate hike suitable for those looking for a shorter trail with fantastic views.
The trail provides breathtaking views, and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the Banzai Pipeline, often dotted with surfers riding the waves in the winter.
The hike can get muddy, so wearing proper footwear is a good idea.
There are two pillboxes on this trail, and both offer incredible views, but we prefer the views from the second pillbox.
In full transparency, while we love this hike, it doesn’t compare with the Lanikai Pillboxes in terms of views. Yes, the Lanikai Pillboxes are more popular and iconic and probably have the best views on Oahu. However, the Ehukai Pillboxes offer an excellent alternative for those looking for a less crowded hike with great views on the North Shore.
Parking: Park at the Sunset Beach Neighborhood Parks lot or along Kamehameha Highway.
Entrance Fee: None
Route Type: Out & back
Duration: 1 hour round trip
Terrain: Dirt and rocky paths
4. Hauʻula Loop Trail
The Hauʻula Loop Trail is another one of our favorite easy North Shore Oahu hikes. If you can’t tell by now, we love an easy hike with great views! Don’t get us wrong—we love our advanced hikes, but sometimes a nice, relaxing stroll is just what we need.
This 2.7-mile loop trail is perfect for hikers of all levels, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking for a moderately easy adventure.
The hike starts on a flat path and crosses a small stream, which can be dry or flowing depending on recent rain. Always be careful after heavy rain when crossing a stream!
After the stream, the trail goes up a series of switchbacks. You’ll come to a junction where you can continue on the Hauʻula Loop Trail or take the Maʻakua Ridge Trail. Make sure you follow the signs to stay on the Hauʻula Loop Trail.
You’ll walk through a mix of dense forest and open ridges with excellent views. One of the best parts is the Cook Pine forest, which is part of the reason why we hike this trail frequently. It makes you feel like you’re in a completely different place.
This trail is also less crowded than others, allowing you to enjoy it without many other people around.
Parking: Free parking is available at Hauʻula Beach Park
Entrance Fee: None
Route Type: Loop
Duration: 1 hour
Terrain: Dirt paths with some muddy sections
