Nearly every visitor to Oahu sets out to hike at least once on their trip to paradise, and it is no wonder why. Oahu hikes are set on insane mountain ridges that provide epic views of the ocean.
Oahu’s attractive scenery, coupled with it being the most visited Hawaiian Island, makes for a challenge when selecting the best solo hikes.
Luckily, I have years of experience scouring the island for secluded trails to admire Oahu’s uninterrupted beauty. I know the best Oahu hikes. I also know what trails are best for Oahu solo hiking.
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Noah’s take: In 2018, I flew to Oahu to begin college. I had never visited Hawaii before, and I knew no one at my school. Oahu is where I began to cultivate my love of solo traveling.
Soon after arriving in Hawaii, getting lost in Oahu’s wilderness became my favorite activity. I learned I could be so happy and content while being alone in nature.
Although solo hiking comes with risks, I have managed to stay safe by utilizing the app, All Trails. All Trails has trail maps of hikes all over the world. You can read reviews from hikers who just hit the trail before you. To ensure you do not get lost, you can download the trail map to your phone.
Every hike in this guide has a link to an All Trails map. My list of Oahu hikes also bypasses famous trails like Diamond Head and Manoa Falls and opts for more secluded paths where you will have more space alone.
Noah’s take: Hiking with large groups of people essentially undermines the point of solo hiking. I use solo hiking as a form of meditation. Challenging slopes strengthen my physical and mental stamina.
Is It Safe to Hike Alone on Oahu?
I have hiked all over the world, and some of the hardest trails I hiked were in Hawaii. Some hikes on the island are deep in the lush jungle and are poorly marked. If you are an inexperienced solo hiker, Hawaii might not be the best place to practice solo hiking, unless you are going on popular trails.
If you are an experienced solo hiker, Oahu is a very fun place to solo hike. Many thrilling trails provide adrenaline and excitement. However, even experienced hikers go missing in Hawaii. The weather is unpredictable, and most hikers are not used to hiking in this muddy jungle terrain.
The key to safely hiking alone in Hawaii is knowing when to turn back. If there is a downpour or if it is getting dark, finish your hike early. Smart decision-making is important if you plan to hike in this tropical getaway.
Worried about hiking alonE? Read: Is It Safe to Hike Alone? 10 Solo Hiking Tips
What Gear Do I Need for Hiking in Hawaii?
In terms of gear, you really do not need much to hike in Hawaii. Very few people use trekking poles here, and you obviously do not need to pack warm clothes.
You should pack tennis shoes that are comfortable when wet. Some tourists hike in sandals, known on the islands as “slippahs,” but you will probably regret hiking in such footwear. You want shoes with good traction. Many trails in Hawaii are slick, especially when wet, and full of scramble.
It rains very frequently on the islands. One minute it is sunny, the next it is rainy. It is hard to predict when it will be rainy. Therefore, it is best to pack a light raincoat or poncho to provide some protection during a downpour.
In addition to sturdy shoes and a light jacket, bring a small backpack where you can pack snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. Hawaii is humid! You will need not a bottle of water, but bottles of water. Bug spray and sunscreen are also necessary when hiking in Hawaii.
Table of contents
- 1. Hike the Hauula Loop Trail for an Easy Oahu Hike
- 2. Solo Hike Oahu’s Mount Olympus Without Compromising Your Safety
- 3. Take in Tidepools and Secret Beaches For A Solo Hike to Ka’ena Point
- 4. Take a Wild Journey to Laie Falls for an Unforgettable Solo Hike in Oahu
- 5. Push Your Body to Its Breaking Point Without Breaking the Law on the Moanalua Valley Trail
- Now, Try One of these Oahu Solo Hikes and Elevate Your Oahu Solo Trip
1. Hike the Hauula Loop Trail for an Easy Oahu Hike
Hauula Loop Trail:
- Length: 2.7 mi
- Elevation gain: 879 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
In a small town along Oahu’s North Shore, you will find Hauula, a town that offers a more authentic depiction of Hawaii.
Noah’s take: The pristine resorts offer little charm when compared to Hauula. Their fake facades crumble once you acknowledge tourism’s damaging effects on local Hawaiians.
If you plan to visit Hawaii, I strongly recommend you commit to traveling responsibly.
To access this trail, park at the Hauula Beach Park. The trail is set back in a residential area. Walk half a mile up the Hauula Homestead Rd. and walk past a green gate to begin your trek.
Take the loop counter-clockwise, and you will see enchanting forests and an unexpected view toward the back side of the trail.
Noah’s take: This is not necessarily an uber-exciting hike, but a great way to close out a busy day. It is a calm trail and offers a lot of mystery and wonder.
2. Solo Hike Oahu’s Mount Olympus Without Compromising Your Safety
Mount Olympus:
- Length: 5.9 mi
- Elevation gain: 2,047 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
If its name is any indication, this is a much more strenuous hike than the Hauula Loop Trail. It is not an unknown hike, but you will have space to appreciate a wilder Oahu hike.
It is long, rugged, and muddy, and you will have to climb a few ropes to reach the summit. However, it has some of the most impressive views of the Koʻolau Range on the island.
Park at Waahila State Park and begin the ascend by admiring nice views of Honolulu. This hike is not particularly hard to navigate, but I always download the All Trails map for safety.
You will encounter two junctions on this trail. At the first junction, go left. After about two miles, go right at the second junction.
Noah’s take: Although this hike is not for the faint of heart, if you are an experienced hiker, you should be safe hiking alone on this trail. Some Oahu hikes are very sketchy that even I would not hike alone on.
Luckily, Mount Olympus is tamer and does not compromise on insane views.
Four years ago, I started my YouTube channel, and I was convinced I would become famous overnight by recording insane hiking videos. You can watch my Mount Olympus vlog for more details about the trail.
If you are new to solo hiking, Mount Olympus might not be the best trail to try solo hiking. Solo traveling and solo hiking take time to master.
3. Take in Tidepools and Secret Beaches For A Solo Hike to Ka’ena Point
Ka’ena Point via Farrington Highway
- Length: 5.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 226 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Ka’ena Point is Oahu’s most western point and is said to be the site where ancient Hawaiians would meet the souls of their ancestors.
This history makes it even more enticing for a solo trek. You can reach the point by hiking from the South or the North.
I prefer taking the north trail because it has easy access to the ocean, and you can encounter a few secluded beaches. The south trail has impressive ocean views, but you cannot safely access the water.
Noah’s take: Think about your journey to Ka’ena Point more as a walk than a hike. The trek is flat and nearly entirely on a dirt road, so biking or running this route might be more enjoyable.
At the end of your journey, you will reach Ka’ena Point, and you may be greeted by Hawaiian monk seals sunbathing. You can dip your head into the tidepools to further clear your mind.
Noah’s take: Ka’ena Point is one of my favorite spots on the entire Island. It is not super flashy, but its muted beauty is comforting during an Oahu hike.
4. Take a Wild Journey to Laie Falls for an Unforgettable Solo Hike in Oahu
Laie Falls Trail
- Length: 7.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,883 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
I doubt any tourist will find or even attempt Laie Falls. However, this was my favorite solo hike when I was on the Island because it was MY secret oasis.
Noah’s take: I lived in Laie while in college and would often run down to this trailhead. The moment I went down Poohaili St. and entered a yellow gate surrounded by overgrown grass, I felt like I was in a movie. My daily stresses dissipated, and I was filled with adrenaline.
This hike is challenging, muddy, and not necessarily the best waterfall on the island, but you will feel like Indiana Jones on this trail. The plant life is very diverse, and the trail constantly changes.
One second, you are surrounded by green pine trees, then the next thing you know, the sun becomes blocked by thick, mangled bushes. The trail is both a fairytale and a nightmare.
Noah’s take: There is no clear parking for this trail. Try parking at Lāʻie Park or Hukilau Beach Park. Make sure you also get a permit to hike this trail.
To access the trail, you have to take a dirt road past old farms and random construction sites. It almost seems like you shouldn’t be there, but don’t let it deter you! You will eventually find a yellow gate where the true trail starts.
Read the detailed All Trails Description to help you find the trail.
Read: 5 National parks that are perfect for solo travel
5. Push Your Body to Its Breaking Point Without Breaking the Law on the Moanalua Valley Trail
Moanalua Valley Trail
- Length: 9.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 3,084 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
If you are an avid hiker, I suspect you have heard of the infamous Stairway to Heaven, known as the Haiku Stairs. Originally built as a trail to a secret radio station used during World War II, now the stairs are a target for hikers who want insane Instagram pictures.
However, accessing these stairs is illegal and has long been a controversial subject… If you have time to kill, it is a fun subject to research.
Luckily, there is the Moanalua Valley Trail, where you can enjoy the same scenery as the Haiku Stairs without facing fines.
This trail is legal, but once you reach the top and cross over to the Haiku Stairs, you are technically on illegal ground. However, you can legally see the radio station in the distance from the Moanalua summit.
If you want more about the legality of this trail and accessing the Haiku Stairs, I recommend you read up on this blog post by journey.era.com.
Noah’s take: I first became entranced by this hike because it was deemed the “legal way to reach the Haiku Stairs,” but besides its connection to the insanity known as Stairway to Heaven, completing this trail feels so good.
I hiked this just weeks before I graduated. I remember I was so busy during this time, but I knew I would feel incomplete if I did not attempt this hike before leaving Oahu.
This trail is the most challenging on this list, and some parts are a little sketchy. However, you will be in awe of Mother Nature during your journey. On your way back, the views are even more impressive; just be careful not to get too distracted by them.
Now, Try One of these Oahu Solo Hikes and Elevate Your Oahu Solo Trip
Tourists flock to Oahu for pineapple drinks and world-class beaches. Many also make time to enjoy an Oahu hike.
I have been on overcrowded trails on Oahu. Many Oahu hikes are popular and full of tourists. Although it is not the end of the world, it is not ideal for solo travel.
I can’t guarantee the trails on this list will be completely free of tourists, but I challenge you to add one of these hikes to your itinerary so you can truly appreciate Oahu’s beauty.
Love my Oahu hikes? Read more of my solo hiking guides.