We love traveling and exploring new places whether it be our backyard or foreign country. We try to fit in a family hike at least once a month and from all of the hikes we’ve done, we have narrowed it down to our five favorite ‘kid-friendly’ hikes on Oahu.

LANIKAI PILLBOX TRAIL

On the wet side of Oahu lies our favorite hike as a family: Lanikai Pillbox Trail. This hike is a simple, safe, easily accessible, and overall, picturesque. The apex provides a view overlooking Lanikai, Kaneohe, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, and The Mokulua Islands (not visible in the above picture). This trail is great for sunrise and being on the Windward side, a cool breeze is constantly coming off the ocean for a less sweaty/overheated experience. As always, prepare for hikes by hydrating with water prior, during, and after your hike!

Trail Length: 2 miles round trip | 2 hours

Lanikai Pillbox Trail
Kaelepulu Dr.
Kailua, HI 96734

MAKAPU’U LIGHTHOUSE

A perfect starter for kids! Makapuu Lighthouse Hike is state-maintained, leaving the pathway well taken care of and most importantly, paved to the top. It’s great for those who have young ones still in strollers or those that love to bring their pets! The walkway offers great scenic views the entire time upward. There is very little shaded areas so make sure to apply sunscreen, bring a hat, and have water in hand as it can get very hot (especially with the hot asphalt reflecting the heat). We recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon.

Trail Length: 2 miles round trip | 2 hours or more if you stop along the way to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
Makapuu Lighthouse Rd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96825

MANOA FALLS TRAIL

Although Manoa Falls was not flowing to its full capacity, it was still a beautiful hike! We went during the summer time where it had rained very little. We suggest going a few days after it rains to experience the beauty of a full waterfall. Hiking to any waterfall can be muddy so make sure you wear appropriate shoes for the occasion and bring extra footwear so you don’t dirty the inside of your vehicle!
Pro tip for this hike: bring bug spray!

Trail Length: 1.6 miles round trip | 1.5 hours or more if you stop along the way to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Manoa Falls Trail
3860 Manoa Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822

WAIMANO FALLS AND POOLS

Definitely do not forget to bring your swimming clothes for this hike! This hike is recommended for children ages six and up, not for toddlers and definitely not a stroller friendly hike. Waimano Falls is a multi-tiered waterfalls complete with a deep swimming hole. Doesn’t that sound awesome? One of the best waterfall kid-friendly-hike on Oahu for sure!

Trail Length: 3 miles round trip | about 4 hours after hiking and enjoying the pools

Waimano Falls and Pools
Komo Mai Dr
Pearl City, HI 96701

DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT

Hike the most iconic symbol of Oahu: Diamond Head! The view at the very top of any hike is always worth it and Diamond Head does not fail. We went during midday and it was incredibly hot, so prepare appropriately! (sunscreen, hats, hydration with water) We suggest going early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not at it’s height. It was quite a long trail and at the end, there are literally about 200 steps of stairs which finally leads you to the top. Once you get to the top, it’s breezy and the view is amazing – overlooks Waikiki, Honolulu, all the way to Ewa Beach, and the Waianae Mountain Range.

Trail Length: 1.6 miles round trip | 2 hours

Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816

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