Anyone who has hiked Oahu, as with all the Hawaiian Islands, will comment
wholeheartedly of the experience. The physical strains are rewarded with a
plethora of ocean blues, forest greens, earthly browns, and heavenly whites.
Something magical happens to you as you gaze upon Oahu's distinct ridge lines as
they meet with the curls and curves of the ocean. Like staring into the
deep-blue rapture of a lover, the Pacific's hues stir heartbeats and memories
forever. There are few places on Earth which afford such spectacular vistas of
land, sea, and air, exotic flora, fauna, and inviting temperatures all in one
moment. It is of the stuff no picture, no painting can capture. Oahu is an
absolute in these respects!
Oahu's Hiking & Backpacking Trails
- The majority of hiking trails on the island involves climbing the mountains.
There are few trails which follow the shoreline or traverse the coastal or
central plains of the island. These mountain trails usually proceed onto and
along ridgelines or deep into valleys. All ridges and valleys eventually
summit at their respective range's crestline. Some valley trails reach the
head of the valley at the summit but most do not. Easier trails typically
remain within the lower elevations (under 1,500 feet) of these ridges and do
not approach the crest.
Oahu Hike Tales -
These are the latest hike write-ups I've done (most recent listed first and
date posted in parentheses). While I usually write about a hike soon after
completing it, at times I'll put pen to page about a particular trek or trail
some time afterward. Enjoy!
Na Ala Hele Trails and
Access - Select a trail you wish to explore. Click on the numbered button
to view a photo, detailed map and technical data for your trail. Or select a
trail from the pulldown menu below.
