These cold winter days have me thinking about summer so here are some of my favorite hikes on Oahu. It's so hard to choose which one's to list but many of the trails on the island link on to each other if you're interested in an all day excursion. Don't forget sunscreen and proper hiking shoes!
Lanikai Pillboxes
A short distance but an all uphill climb. This hike may not be the best for beginners but it's doable. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes as the trail is very rocky and at some point, you have to pull yourself up either by the chain link fence, or ropes tied to trees. Once you reach the top, you should be able to have a nice view of the Mokes and surrounding beaches. There are three pillboxes (old WWII bunkers) you can reach on the trail. Don't forget sunscreen and lots of water! (Parking tip: while there are a few parking spaces near the entrance, they often fill up fast. Try to park on a public street or have a friend drop you off. Stay away from residential streets or you may end up with a ticket).
Manoa Falls
One of the more popular waterfalls on Oahu because of the easy access to reach it. Located in Manoa Valley, a trail through jungle-like elements leads you to a waterfall that's perfect to cool off in after a hot hike. It's usually raining so I'd suggest wearing clothes and shoes you don't mind getting muddy. The trail is easy to get to by bus or you can park in the neighborhood, although it is $5.
Koko Head Crater
Yet another steep hike that takes you to an amazing view of Honolulu. This is a 1.8 mile trail that is definitely not for beginners. A majority of the trail is old railroad ties - meaning you're basically hiking a staircase of 1000+ stairs. When it's clear, you may be able to see three other islands.
Makapuu Lighthouse trail
While some may not consider this a very hard hike, or even a hike at all, the path leads to a beautiful lookout of the island and ocean. The paved path is 2 miles roundtrip and all uphill. It's best to go in the mornings as parking can become a problem. On clear days you may be able to see neighboring islands such as Molokai or Maui.
Diamond Head
You often see shots of this volcano on postcards but you can hike it too! This is one of the most popular hikes and gets crowded early on. I made the mistake of trying to hike it on Christmas day and there were not parking spots left. If you can't find parking, you can park below at the community college and walk up. Be prepared to pay $5 to park a car in the park lots, or $1 for walking in. It's a short hike to the top, mostly uphill, but the view is worth it.
