(o’ahu) 3 High Payoff, Low Commitment Oahu Hikes
I was raised on O’ahu, but it was not until recently that I understood the appeal of hiking! 🙀 over the course of many years, I have internally curated a good many hikes that have a low commitment and HUGE payoff. I’ve done my share of half-day adventure hikes, but let’s be honest, sometimes you just want a quick and easy hike to start or end the day off with. I’m here to help! Here’s a quick guide to three hikes for those of us who are in the anti-hiking hiking club. 😆
Jump to:
hanauma bay ridge
This is one of the shortest hikes with the biggest pay-off—Located on the right side of the popular snorkeling spot, hanauma bay, in Hawai’i Kai. it’s so, so easy to stroll up the paths on the side of this steep hill and instantly get to the most beautiful view of Hanauma Bay! It is a very easy and fun way to see the secret side of a popular tourist destination.
BONUS: You have great views not only of the ocean but also views overlooking Hawai’i Kai. When the city lights up in the evening, it’s especially magical. there’s a longer, steep hike that you can journey through as well, but it is totally optional!
Map to Hanauma Ridge Trail | Find More Information About This Hike | The Hiking Experience
wa'ahila ridge
Going back towards town side, there is a beautiful park called St. Louis Heights. There is a big, long and wonderful hike you can adventure onto… Or you could just get out of the car and walk up to the trailhead—it’s just as beautiful and takes so little effort! This is one of my favourite places to take people, but also just to sit and reflect in the pines.
How to get here | More information about Wa’ahila | See the Wa’ahila Ridge view! | The CRAZY version of this easy hike
makapu'u lighthouse trail
Right down the road, we’re heading to Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. This one is well-frequented & has great options for parking. Though it’s a longer hike, it is not very strenuous at all. Makapu’u is a great place to meet bigger groups of people, especially to communally experience a sunrise or sunset together. Even so, there are timeless and beautiful places to explore on this hike for individuals as well! It’s a fun hike but also extremely versatile in terms of aesthetics.
How to Get Here | Most Recent O’ahu Updates for This Hike
one more! aiea loop trail
aiea loop trail is my personal favourite trail because it’s easy to access and quite a “choose your own adventure” as far as how much you want to hike. there’s the nature loop option around the paved parts, walking into the loop for an hour + walking back, doing the full loop, or adventuring out onto the ridge or down the valley!
Are you like me, fans of the easy payoff, or do you like to go the extra mile(s) for the mountain top? Tell me about it! Do you want to see more hikes that are beautiful & easy? Let me know! Tag me at @marisa.mizunaka if you try out any of these beauties!
marisa
