Hawaii is an island state of the United States, in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. mainland. It is the only state not on the North American mainland, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only state in the tropics.
1. Hike The Trails
Oahu island has almost 300 documented hiking trails, featuring jagged green mountains, coastal views, jungles, and waterfalls.
Many of these hikes are easy and doable for all ages or fitness levels, although Oahu also has epic and dangerous hikes for the serious thrill seekers.
Some of the best hikes in Oahu include Ka'ena Point, Koko Head, and the Crouching Lion hike. Easy trails for families include Diamond Head and the Pu’u Ma’eli’eli hike.
2. Visit The Pillboxes
The pillboxes in Lanikai were used as observation stations during World War II. Although pillboxes are usually armed with weapons and used as defensive stations, the ones you'll find in Lanikai held observing instruments used to determine the position of other boats. Hikes in Hawaii are different from mainland hikes.
3. Climb The Stairway To Heaven
On the way to Kanehoe Bay, we saw the Ha'iku Stairs known as the Stairway to Heaven. The The vertical hike consists of 3,922 steps across the Ko'olau range. The stairs were built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy to transmit radio signals to ships sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs were opened to the public until 1987.The Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven, have a rich history intertwined with Oahu's strategic importance during World War II. Built between 1942 and 1943, the stairs were constructed to provide access to a top-secret US Naval Radio Station nestled in Haiku Valley.
4. Climb A Volcano Crater
Another famous hike in Oahu that deserves a special mention is the Koko Crater Trail. This one is an endurance test that takes you up 1,048 stairs on the steep slope of an extinct volcano crater.
Also known as the "Koko Head Stairs," this abandoned WWII railway track is a steep and challenging hiking trail with over 1,000 steps (but worth it for the panoramic views).
The island of Oahu doesn’t have any active volcanoes with lava flows like the ones on the Big Island of Hawaii, but it does have several dormant volcano craters left over from ages past, and it’s fun to visit them even if it’s just for the novelty of walking on a volcano!
Many Hawaiian locals and tourists alike enjoy the Koko Head stairs for the good workout and calorie burn, and the sunrise and sunset are also known for being spectacular. It’s not a dangerous hike, but it’s a real fitness test and this slog may not be enjoyable for everyone. It’ll definitely make your legs sore the next day!
