Oahu] The best trekking courses in Oahu! Enjoy trail hiking in the rainforests and mountains of Oahu!

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

When you hear the words "tropical resort travel," which place comes to mind first?

There are a variety of resort destinations, such as Okinawa in Japan and Guam and Saipan overseas, but Hawaii is one of the most well-known and popular among them.

Although Hawaii is part of the United States of America, it is a special place floating in the North Pacific Ocean, more than 3,000 km away from the mainland.

Although some people who are not familiar with the area may think of Hawaii as a single island, Hawaii is actually a place name that often refers to an archipelago consisting of more than 130 islands.

There are eight main islands: Kauai, Maui, Niihau, Molokai, Oahu, Lanai, Kahoolave, and Hawaii. Six of the islands are suitable for tourism except Niihau and Kahoolave.

All of the islands are surrounded by the warmth of a subtropical climate, making them very pleasant year-round resort destinations.

 

What is Oahu like?

Oahu is one of the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands.

It is the third largest of the six islands that can be visited, and Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located on this island of Oahu.

The presence of the very developed city of Honolulu makes Oahu the center of the Hawaiian Islands in all aspects: political, economic, and tourist.

Major tourist destinations such as Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head may sound familiar even if you have never been to Hawaii.

The image of glamorous Hawaii that many people have is actually not of the island of Hawaii, but of the island of Oahu here.

 

How to get to Oahu

As one of the world's leading tourist destinations, there are many flights from Japan to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, commonly known as Honolulu Airport, on the island of Oahu.

Direct flights are available from Narita, Haneda, Central Japan International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and New Chitose Airport.

There are numerous air routes, including not only major domestic airlines such as ANA and JAL, but also low-cost LCCs, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines.

Although there is a margin of error depending on the point of departure, it generally takes about 7 hours to fly from Japan.

Keep in mind that the return air trip will take about 9 hours due to the jet stream.

 

Attractions of Oahu

If one word were to describe Oahu's charms, the phrase "learning from the past" would be the perfect description.

Based on the unique culture and traditions cultivated by the indigenous people, new values and civilizations that have flowed in from the United States and other countries around the world have been added on top, and both have been sublimated without disappearing.

While there are many man-made landscapes of great beauty in the land of resort development, the island of Oahu also retains its old-fashioned natural beauty, which is a characteristic and a major attraction of the island.

Honolulu also has several huge shopping complexes, so there is no shortage of places to buy souvenirs.

Oahu's ability to meet the demands of any visitor is proof that Oahu is an excellent tourist destination.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

Now, no discussion of Oahu would be complete without mentioning Waikiki Beach, which boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The largest lodging area on Oahu is in front of this beach, and those who stay at the hotel complex here have a panoramic view of scenic Waikiki Beach.

The entire island of Oahu is also blessed with beautiful beaches, not only Waikiki Beach, but also several other beautiful ocean and sandy beaches scattered throughout the island.

The contrast of blue and white colors is like a painting, and the hearts of visitors could not be more excited.

The area is also rich in rugged terrain, including Diamond Head, where you can see beautiful cliffs and mountains, and the natural beauty of the area will give you the feeling of a great resort.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

The popularity of Hawaii and Oahu is not limited to Japan.

Oahu is one of the most popular destinations in the world and a seamless tourist destination in every aspect, including convenience, entertainment, and the balance between urban areas and nature.

The area is not too large and not too small, allowing visitors to easily spread out here and there.

The high rate of repeat business is evident in the news coverage of celebrities and professional athletes who frequent the facility during the vacation season.

As is typical of a resort area, activities are plentiful, and in addition to ocean activities, golf, horseback riding, trekking, and other activities that take advantage of the great outdoors are also popular.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

One of the best parts of a sightseeing trip is shopping and dining, and of course, Oahu has a great variety of these as well.

The Ala Moana Shopping Center, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, North Shore Marketplace, and other well-known commercial facilities are all located here.

At these facilities, the lineup of stores is just as diverse, with world-class luxury fashion brands available at relatively low prices and stores specializing in Hawaii's unique aloha shirts.

As a shopping center in a tourist destination, it also offers a wide variety of events, such as local traditional performing arts events, so no matter how long you stay, you will never get bored.

Oahu also offers a wide variety of gourmet foods, from Hawaiian favorites such as loco moco, poke salads, and garlic shrimp to international dishes from around the world.

For a slightly different kind of fun, it might be interesting to visit some of the famous chain restaurants from Japan that have also opened their stores.

The menu is not straight out of Japan, but has been Hawaiianized to be easily accepted by the locals, and is recommended for those staying for an extended period of time.

 

Trekking is popular on Oahu

As mentioned above, trekking is one of the most popular activities on Oahu.

Do you know about trekking?

Trekking is so-called mountain climbing and is almost synonymous with mountaineering.

One slight difference from mountaineering, however, is that trekking is not necessarily about reaching the summit.

In Japan, the word "mountain climbing" refers to mountaineering in general, but in English-speaking countries, mountaineering is divided into two categories: climbing for full-scale summiting and trekking for enjoying mountain hiking.

Trekking is often focused on enjoying the scenery along the mountain paths, and can be described as somewhere between mountaineering and hiking.

 

Trekking Attractions

The charm of trekking is its ease.

It is not necessary to climb steep mountains. It is enough if you can choose a mountain path that suits your fitness level and enjoy the walk.

The air in the mountains is clean and clear, and on a sunny day, one's mood is light and bouncy.

It is recommended to try various mountains for the purpose of enjoying the location as long as you do not overexert yourself.

 

The spectacular view from the top is inevitably impressive.

Although trekking is not necessarily about reaching the summit, you still want to make it to the top if you are going to climb.

The spectacular view from the top of the mountain, combined with the sense of accomplishment from the climb, is sure to be a heart-warming experience.

The mountains of Oahu in particular are blessed with scenic beauty, and you are guaranteed to experience a different kind of comfort from climbing mountains in Japan.

 

You can feel the great outdoors.

Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands are known for having some of the cleanest air in the United States, a land of vast and varied land conditions.

The mild climate nurtures an abundance of beautiful vegetation, and the island is surrounded on all sides by the blue ocean, which provides a pleasant sea breeze.

The island is also unique in that it is blessed with numerous mountain ranges, making it an ideal environment for trekking and enjoying the great outdoors.

 

Great views while trekking!

It is not hard to imagine that the views while climbing a number of mountains, notably the famous Diamond Head, are spectacular.

The mountains themselves are beautiful, and the scenery along the trails changes the mood of each mountain, so every time you climb, you will feel renewed.

And one unique and fascinating element is the rainbow.

Surrounded by the ocean, yet mountainous, Oahu is prone to rainbows due to atmospheric currents.

Regular rainbows can be seen quite often, and if you are lucky, you may even see a double rainbow, which is a rare occurrence.

When trekking, please be aware of the sky conditions.

 

What to wear and what to wear for trekking

Oahu is surrounded by a fairly mild climate regardless of the season, and even during the coldest months, the temperature remains comfortable, dropping only to about 23°C (73°F).

Therefore, it is not necessary to wear heavy clothing during the trek, and it may be a good idea to bring a change of clothes in case you get sweaty.

Even though there are many easy-to-climb mountains on Oahu, it is still mountain climbing, so be on your guard.

To avoid injury during your trip, be sure to prepare shoes that are comfortable to walk in.

Also, the sunlight in the Hawaiian Islands is considerably more intense than in Japan.

Keep in mind not to forget to apply the right sunscreen for your skin to avoid a painful sunburn.

 

Trekking can be enjoyed☆.
Popular Spots and Courses

Let me introduce some spots on Oahu where you can enjoy trekking.

All of these spots are attractive, so please take a look at them in order!

 

diamond head

Even if you have never visited Oahu, you have probably heard the name Diamond Head, the most famous landmark on the island, at least once.

Diamond Head is located in the eastern part of Waikiki.

The Hawaiian Islands were originally created by volcanic eruptions, and Diamond Head was once an active volcano.

However, the last eruption was 300,000 years ago.

Now an extinct volcano, it is safe and easy to enjoy trekking.

 

Recommendations

The greatest attraction of Diamond Head is the spectacular view from the top of the mountain.

Its vantage point is so good that it was once the site of a military battery.

Although there was no opportunity for actual bombardment, the remains of gun emplacements and other structures can still be seen on the mountain.

It offers a panoramic view of beautiful Waikiki and is widely loved as a trekking spot by tourists and locals alike.

The summit itself is not very large, but the location is perfect for enjoying the expansive view of the glittering island of Oahu.

The place is known for its strong magnetic field and is often called a power spot.

You may gain spiritual vitality along with beautiful scenery that is sure to captivate your heart.

 

Course Features

The Diamond Head trekking course is 1.3 km to the top, a distance that makes it a fairly easy challenge.

The path is well maintained and easy to climb, but it is not recommended that you wear flip-flops and the like as if you were taking a walk in downtown Honolulu.

There are 99 steps along the way, and although it is an easy climb, it is still strenuous, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

However, handrails are located throughout the entire area of Diamond Head, so children and the elderly can safely climb.

Incidentally, there is a $1 per person fee to enter Diamond Head.

It is not expensive, but keep in mind that you do not want to visit empty-handed and not be able to enter.

 

Access and Restrooms

There are three main ways to get to Diamond Head: The Bus, the Waikiki Trolley, and rental cars.

If you take The Bus, board the No. 23 bus bound for "Hawaii Kai Sea Life Park" from the bus stop on the Kuhio Street shore side.

After a 20-30 minute bus ride, you can get off at the Diamond Head Crater Entrance bus stop, and from there it is a 15 minute walk to the trailhead.

When riding the Waikiki Trolley, choose the Green Line of the "Diamond Head Sightseeing Course".

The train can be disembarked inside the crater, which shortens the walking distance.

The Waikiki Trolley runs every 35 minutes, making it easy to schedule a trip.

Since the Waikiki Trolley requires the purchase of a free pass, it is important to understand the system to avoid confusion when boarding the trolley.

If you are using a rental car, continue on Kalakaua Avenue, then via Monsarrat Avenue, and Diamond Head Road.

Around the chapel in the left hand direction, turn right without missing the Diamond Head sign on the right.

Once through the tunnel, you can safely reach the Diamond Head parking lot.

Note that the only restrooms are located behind the entrance ticket booth, so be careful not to feel the need to go while trekking.

 

Tantalus Hill

Tantalus Hill is one of the most scenic locations on Oahu.

Officially named Puu Ualakaa State Park, it is characterized by its topography, which was raised by volcanic eruptions.

This is a south-facing slope, and during the day, the warm tropical sunshine provides a beautiful view from the front.

And at night, this is the spot where you will encounter the night view, which is considered the best in all of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

The Tantalus Hills are also popular as a trekking course for its scenic beauty, and many people actively travel along the many well-maintained trail trails.

It may be interesting to enjoy Tantalus Hill in two stages: trekking during the day and savoring the night view at night.

Colorful neon signs are prohibited in Hawaii, so it is interesting to see an unusual night view of mainly orange and other warm-colored lights.

The unique beauty of the night view is impressive and different from the night views of other places, and it is a night view that will leave you gasping in admiration.

 

Course Features

When looking at the Tantalus Hills as a trekking spot, the variety of trails is a major attraction.

There are several courses set up to meet a wide range of needs, from beginner to advanced, so you are sure to be dazzled by the variety of courses available.

Along the way, there are clusters of tropical trees and flowers unique to Hawaii, and avocados are sometimes found lying on the road, creating an impressive sight that is different from that of Japan.

All of the courses are also very easy to find, with official State of Hawaii signs prominently displayed at the starting points, making them easy to recommend.

The paths are clean and well maintained, so sneakers or other athletic shoes will have no trouble walking through the area.

Since several trails join and branch off along the way, we recommend that those who plan to stay for a long period of time walk the trail several times to determine their favorite course.

 

Access and Restrooms

Although Tantalus Hill has all the good points, one of its drawbacks is its inaccessibility.

Neither of the two major public transportation systems, The Bus or the Waikiki Trolley, are available as they do not pass through the vicinity of Tantalus Hill.

The main means of access is by rental car, which can be found on either Punahou Street or Keaumoku Street.

Both roads are about 20 to 30 minutes from Waikiki, so you won't feel too far away.

However, the roads are quite winding, and those who are not confident in their ability to drive overseas may find the hurdle a little higher than they would like to aim for.

If you feel unsafe, don't take any chances and turn back.

Note that it is important to keep in mind that Tantalus Hill only has restrooms in the parking lot.

 

Manoa Falls Trail

One of the unique aspects of Oahu is its unique topography, with dense rainforest very close to the more developed Waikiki.

The jungle is located at the base of the Ko'olau Mountains, further away from the University of Hawaii.

Unlike Waikiki, which has the impression of being dry, sunny and glorious, this environment is characterized by rain and fog.

However, the accessibility is excellent, and such weather can be very adventurous.

The Manoa Falls Trail is a trekking course that takes you to Manoa Falls in Manoa Valley, located in this jungle, as its destination.

 

Recommendations

Although you may be defensive when you hear the word "jungle," the Manoa Falls Trail is one of the most famous tourist destinations.

The trail course is always crowded with tourists and is never lonely or scary.

In this spot, we want to focus on rain and humidity.

The humid air is not so favorable in Japan, but the rain that falls in the Manoa Valley is short-lived and foggy.

The area has a reputation for creating a unique landscape where the whole area appears hazy white and extraordinary beauty can be encountered.

When the rain stops and Hawaii's characteristic sunshine illuminates the canyon, the moisture in the air combines with the light to reveal a rainbow.

You might want to visit this spot with high expectations, as it is nicknamed "Rainbow City" or "Rainbow Valley," where you can see rainbows so frequently.

 

Course Features

The magnificent nature of the Manoa Valley is of course ideal as a trekking course.

The time required to reach the destination waterfall is only about 30 minutes, so you do not have to be enthusiastic about walking long distances like mountain climbers.

If you make it to the waterfall, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view that will beautifully add to the memories of your trip to Hawaii.

The course itself is very easy to walk and well maintained, even though it is a jungle, but it is the humidity that should be kept in mind.

Because the footing is often muddy, you want to choose shoes that are more comfortable to walk in than fashionable.

If you visit in sandals or other shoes, you may get your feet caught in the muddy water and have a rough time.

The jungle environment is also characterized by an extremely high mosquito population.

It is advisable to wear long sleeves to avoid bites and bring insect repellent to make trekking more comfortable.

 

Access and Restrooms

Manoa Valley is a popular spot and can be reached by many routes from Waikiki.

The most obvious route is to take The Bus.

Take the No. 5 bus from Ala Moana Center and get off at the "Manoa Valley" bus stop, the last stop, and from there it is a 10-minute walk to the trail course.

It takes about 20 minutes to get there, so you can easily travel there.

If using a rental car, take Kalakaua Avenue in the direction of the mountains, turn right at South King Street, and turn left at Punahou Street.

Eventually you will come to a road called Manoa Road, and if you follow it to the end of the road, you will arrive at Manoa Valley.

Parking in the canyon is on private property and costs $5 for parking.

Basically, you can pay the attendant at the parking lot, but if he is not there, you can pay at the concession stand in the parking lot.

This is definitely a point to keep in mind, as the car may be towed if you do not leave the receipt you receive visible on the dashboard.

Restrooms are also located here next to the store.

There are no restrooms on the trail, so even though it is only an hour round trip, make sure you use the restrooms.

 

Pink Pillbox Trail

Have you ever heard of the Pink Pillbox, the pride of Oahu's Insta-worthy spots?

The Pink Pillbox is a concrete position built during the war, also known as a tochka (......), which may sound martial, but it is not.

As the name suggests, it is a pink-colored box-like building, about the size of a small hut.

The pink coloring, reminiscent of Doraemon's Anywhere Door, is unique and lovely, but the location is at the top of a mountain, so opinions differ as to whether this is the only reason to visit.

The reason this is a popular spot is not the pink pillbox itself, but the view from there.

 

Recommendations

The summit where the Pink Pillbox is located offers a spectacular view of the beautiful towns along the island's west coast and the bright blue ocean.

Looking to the north, you can see the beautiful nature of the Wai'anae Mountains, and you can enjoy the ocean and mountains of Hawaii at the same time.

Pillboxes were originally built by the military as watchtowers to detect enemy attacks, so the quality of the landscape is endorsed by the military.

It is a most exhilarating location that makes the long climb up the mountain road worth it.

If you take a picture of the pink building against the blue sky and blue sea, you are guaranteed to capture a very photogenic shot.

You can even go inside the Pink Pillbox, which is painted pink all the way to the inside and is well worth a visit.

 

Course Features

Unlike the forested ones in Japan, the mountains where the Pink Pillbox is located are characterized by a wilderness-like landscape with low trees and a few scattered trees.

The scenery itself makes you feel like you are in a foreign country, and it is pleasant to walk around, but what is even more pleasing is that you have a great view along the way.

There are no tall trees overhead, so you can look back and see the beauty of Oahu at any time.

It takes about 30 minutes for an experienced walker.

The slope is not steep and the visibility is good, giving the impression that it is easy to walk, but be aware that the ground is dry and slippery with sand.

I would like to make sure to wear shoes that grip properly and are comfortable to walk in.

That, and the fact that your head is not covered, you will be exposed to direct sunlight all along the way.

Bringing your own beverages is essential, and it is highly recommended that you also bring a hat and sunscreen.

 

Access and Restrooms

This spot is basically not possible to travel by bus because the route is very complicated and time consuming if you try to travel there by bus.

Therefore, a rental car is a prerequisite.

Drive 10 minutes out of Waikiki and take the H1 freeway.

After 40 minutes there, you will enter the Farington Highway.

After about 10 minutes, turn right at a T-junction onto a road called Kaukama Road and continue on to reach the Pink Pillbox Trail.

However, there is no parking here.

You will have to park on the street, but be careful, the area where this spot is located is not very safe.

There have been stories of car break-ins, so never leave valuables in your car.

Especially since you are traveling abroad, you should definitely carry your wallet, passport, and cell phone, which are your lifeline.

For restrooms, it is recommended to rent those at Surfer's Beach Park at the base of the island.

 

Kaveridge Trail

Source:4Travel

The Kaiva Ridge Trail, which I will introduce next, is located in the southeast of Oahu.

It is a popular trail course and is widely enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

The Kaiva Ridge Trail is the official name of the trail, but these days it is often referred to as the Lanikai Pillbox Trail, which is probably better known.

Like the Pink Pillbox Trail mentioned earlier, this area is characterized by two pillboxes that used to be military watchtowers.

Of course, this one is also known for its spectacular view overlooking Lanikai Beach.

 

Recommendations

Source:4Travel

This trail course features two pillboxes, which are visited in sequence.

The second most popular location is from the pillbox, which is located at the tip of the cape and offers the most beautiful view of the ocean.

Although you need to be careful not to fall off, it is very popular among tourists to sit on the edge of the cliff and look out over the blue sky and sea.

It is also very photogenic, so you will want to take pictures that will look great.

Also, this pillbox is not pink, but the interior is painted with street-style spray art, making it very unique.

The way the former military installations have been painted to pop gives them an avant-garde, contemporary art feel.

We recommend that you take the time to enjoy the contrast between the serene nature and the vivid colors of the spray art.

 

Course Features

Source:4Travel

The trail course here takes about an hour round trip to visit two pillboxes while climbing up and coming back down.

The scale of the climb can be enjoyed without difficulty even by those who do not normally climb mountains.

The characteristics of the mountain are similar to those of the Pink Pillbox Trail, and you will want to wear good shoes to visit because of the dry and slippery footing.

It is useful to bring drinking water, as well as a hat and sunscreen.

 

Access and Restrooms

The primary means of access to the Kaiva Ridge Trail from Honolulu is by rental car.

It is possible to take The Bus, but it is not a popular means of transportation for Japanese tourists due to the need to change trains.

When traveling by rental car, first take Route 61 to Kailua Beach Park.

After parking your car at a parking lot near Kailua Beach, walk for about 15 minutes to a golf course called Mid-Pacific Country Club.

You will then see a prominent sign and arrive at your destination, the Kaiva Ridge Trail.

Please note that there are no restrooms on the Kaiva Ridge Trail.

The nearest stores are also quite a distance away, so if you plan to trek here, it is essential to use the restroom on the road or elsewhere beforehand.

 

Makapuu Lighthouse Trail

Trekking is one of the most attractive activities because of its low hurdles, but even so, it is not easy to challenge with children.

The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail, which can be enjoyed in the Makapu'u district in the eastern part of the island, addresses these concerns.

The trail here is a 4-km walk to the lighthouse at the tip of the cape, and the path is paved with concrete, making it easy to walk and not tiring.

What's more, strollers are allowed, making it easy for anyone to participate.

 

Recommendations

It is not steep, but the elevation at the end of the leisurely slope is 200 meters, so you will be rewarded with a wonderful view.

Along the way, you can walk with a view of the beautiful hills on your left and the sparkling blue Hawaiian Sea on your right, and the trekking is very comfortable with a refreshing ocean breeze.

The dryness of the region, with little rainfall, means that weather is not a concern, and it is also a great place to see cacti and other exotic locations.

In any case, it is well known for its scenic beauty, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority has selected this spot as one of the 20 most historic sites in Hawaii.

It is also a famous whale-watching spot, and if you visit during the winter and spring seasons, you may see humpback whales splashing about.

There are signs about whale watching and telescopes on the hills along the way, so why don't you stop there and take a rest while you devote yourself to searching for whales?

 

Course Features

The trail course takes about 40 minutes each way by adult foot.

Locals are often seen walking their dogs, and the idyllic mood of the area makes it an easy spot for families to visit.

The slope is gentle, so you will be able to walk up it without feeling any difficulty.

However, as with other trails, you need to be careful about the intensity of the sun, and on days with clear skies and warmer temperatures, you will expend more energy than the distance.

When walking with your children, be sure to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and take care to hydrate frequently.

 

Access and Restrooms

Take the H1 freeway from Waikiki and follow the road for 40 minutes.

On the way, the trail transitions to Kalanianaole Highway, and after passing Hanauma Bay, another 10 minutes or less will bring you to the vicinity of the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail.

There are no obvious targets on this trail, but with so many cars parked on the road in front of the entrance, you won't get lost.

There is no parking lot, so you should park your car on the street, but do not leave any valuables in your car.

At first glance, the black fence set up by the Coast Guard at the entrance may seem confusing, but there is no problem entering on foot.

Further along, there is another fence, and once you pass through it, the fun trek begins.

Note that there is no parking or reception area, and there are no restrooms in the vicinity.

 

Coco Head

So far, we have listed familiar trail trails, but the lineup may have been a bit lacking for those accustomed to mountaineering.

However, Koko Head, which I will introduce next, is said to be the most difficult course on Oahu and requires a great deal of physical strength.

Koko Head, like Diamond Head introduced above, is a spot with craters created by volcanic eruptions.

It is characterized by a distinctive path that climbs along the trolley tracks set up by the military to transport supplies.

 

Recommendations

The road to Koko Head is a difficult one, but the summit, which is reached after much hard work, offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view.

The view of Hanauma Bay, the coastline of Waimanalo, the city of Waikiki, and the lush mountainous terrain that is the pride of Oahu all at once will give you a sense of accomplishment that will be combined with the feeling of accomplishment from climbing to the summit.

There is a steel structure at the top that makes a great photo spot if you climb to the top.

Although caution is required due to the lack of fences, it is safe to say that its photogenic qualities are among the best on Oahu.

And while the mountain trail up the old railroad tracks is physically demanding, it is also a unique experience and may be very enjoyable for those accustomed to mountaineering.

 

Course Features

This course takes a little over one hour each way.

You may think it doesn't take that long, but the toughness here is more in the physical aspect than in the time.

What makes Coco Head unique as a trail course is that it just keeps going up the tracks.

What is tough about walking on the tracks is the steep gradients and steps.

It is not flat like the railroad tracks in Japan, but rather like a staircase, with each step being a step on a sleeper.

If I tell you that you have to climb up a steep mountain path with stairs, you can imagine how physically demanding it is.

The trek will be quite adventurous, as the footing is unstable in places.

This trail also has very little shade, so you will want to be prepared for sun exposure as described above.

Although it is not recommended to take this challenge lightly, the sense of accomplishment you will get is very great because of the high level of difficulty!

 

Access and Restrooms

Koko Head is primarily accessible by The Bus or rental car.

If using The Bus, take bus #22 in front of Royal Hawaiian Center.

After a 35-minute bus ride, get off at Kalanianaole Highway Hanauma Bay and walk 10 minutes to reach the Koko Head Trail.

If you are using a rental car, continue on Kalanianaole Highway and turn left at the intersection when you see the shopping mall on your left.

Go straight and turn right at the second corner, keep going and you will see the parking lot, Coco Crater Trailhead Parking.

Parking is free, so be thankful for it!

Note that restrooms are located in the parking lot, so be sure to stop by to prepare for the difficult trek.

 

Waimea Falls

Source:4Travel

Finally, I would like to introduce you to one more trail that will allow you to visit the beautiful waterfalls that Oahu is famous for.

Waimea Valley, where Waimea Falls is located, is a park on the North Shore, which has a strong impression of seaside and surfing.

Incidentally, the word Waimea is a Hawaiian word meaning "red water" and is derived from the valley's red soil.

The etymology of the word itself is not much of a concern, but it is important to note that there are many place names for Waimea in Hawaii, where there are many places with red soil.

Waimea Canyon State Park on Kauai, for example, is an equally popular spot, so let's not confuse the two when looking up information online.

 

Recommendations

Source:4Travel

Waimea Falls, the destination of the trekking trip, is a popular filming location for foreign dramas, and the beauty of the scenery is well documented.

Of the vast 7.6㎢ site, approximately 1.2㎢ is a beautifully landscaped botanical garden where visitors can see a variety of plants that are unique to Hawaii.

The location is a paradise, with lovely views of rare local birds and butterflies.

The canyon is also a place where you can see rugged and powerful rock surfaces, and the oddly shaped rocks that can be seen in the distance from the canyon are a must-see.

It is also known as a spiritual spot, and the sight of its power overflowing is guaranteed to energize you.

And the destination, Waimea Falls, is a large waterfall about 13 meters high and 9 meters deep, and is very popular among tourists and locals alike.

The lush green surroundings will help to heal your body and mind after a tiring day of trekking by cooling off while soaking up the negative ions.

You can also swim in the waterfall basin, so it is recommended to visit for that purpose.

The park also bustles with a farmer's market every Thursday at 2:00 p.m.

The sight of so many fruits and vegetables from the North Shore on display is sure to stir up your travel spirit.

It may be difficult to fit it into your travel schedule, but if your schedule allows, it would be interesting to visit on that day.

 

Course Features

Source:4Travel

The trail trail to Waimea Falls takes about 30 minutes each way and looks fairly easy to walk.

As mentioned above, the terrain is rich in nature, and there are many shady trees, so if you walk while enjoying the cool air and nature, you will be able to reach the waterfall without much difficulty.

It is fun to stop and observe the plants, and the variety of the landscape is such that one forgets to walk and just looks around.

This is a trail course that even beginners can try with ease, so you may want to start your tour of Oahu's trail spots from here.

 

Access and Restrooms

Access to Waimea Falls by bus is not recommended for sightseeing as it requires multiple transfers.

If you are traveling by rental car, first take the H1 freeway from Waikiki.

On the way, take the H2 Freeway and then Kamehameha Highway to Haleiwa.

At the entrance to Haleiwa, continue straight ahead in the direction of the bypass, passing Laniakea Beach, and you will soon reach your destination.

There are also a variety of facilities on site, including a store and café, as well as restrooms that can be used freely.

Because of its convenience, you can visit the area as if it were a tourist destination without being enthusiastic about trekking!

 

Recommended Tours

We have introduced a wide variety of trekking locations on the island of Oahu, but it is also true that trekking in a foreign country without familiarity with the land can be a hassle.

Therefore, we have picked out three tours below to make trekking easier and more enjoyable.

If you are considering a trekking challenge, why not consider joining a tour?

 

Diamond Head Sunrise Hiking Tour

On this tour, you will take on the challenge of trekking at Diamond Head early in the morning and enjoy a panoramic view of Waikiki, which shines beautifully against the morning sun.

Diamond Head is a land renowned as a power spot, so I don't need to tell you how fulfilling an early morning trek can be.

The time schedule, which allows you to descend the mountain by 8:00 a.m., is also attractive, and you will be able to make good use of the rest of the day.

A photogenic pineapple smoothie is also included as a complimentary service, making this tour a great Instagram-worthy experience!

 

Spectacular hiking tours
Pink Pillbox & Mermaid Cave & Ko Olina District

This tour will take you to the west coast area of Oahu and visit several spots, including the trek to the Pink Pillbox mentioned above.

Lunch at a much-loved organic farm is also included in the package, allowing you to fully enjoy the Ko Olina area, which is renowned for its beauty.

The West Coast is a great location and a must-visit area if you are on Oahu, but it is not the safest place to live.

In this respect, tour participation is highly recommended, as it allows visitors to enjoy safe and secure sightseeing without having to worry about security.

 

Manoa Falls Hiking Tour

Here is a tour plan that allows you to enjoy sightseeing in the jungle area and around Manoa Falls, which we introduced above.

Manoa Valley is not only a trekking course, but also a spot that should be firmly noted for its rich nature unique to tropical rainforests.

Since a guide will accompany you and show you the sights, you may enjoy the tour more than if you visit on your own.

The set also includes a popular lunch that uses plenty of local ingredients, so it is sure to be a very fulfilling trek!

 

summary

How about an introduction to trekking for a taste of Oahu's wilderness?

The environment, landscape, and everything else changes drastically when the country changes, and mountain climbing in Japan and trekking in Oahu have very different sensations.

Oahu is characterized by its abundance of easy-to-follow trail trails.

Even if you have never thought about mountain climbing before, we guarantee that once you experience trekking in Oahu, you will be addicted.

Why not take the opportunity of your trip to make your trekking debut?