Honolulu is Hawaii’s capital city, famous for its incredible beaches, hotels, and nightlife. But it’s also home to glistening turquoise waters, mountains carpeted with lush greenery, and fascinating biodiversity. Basically, it has it all. So, if you want a break from the city, you’re never far from a beautiful walking trail. Whether you’re in Honolulu as a tourist or live here as a local, getting outdoors and enjoying the scenery while working up a sweat is one of the best ways to explore it. Be it hiking up the ridge of a mountain, walking along the coastline, or trekking through a rainforest, there’s a walk for you. Here are 7 of the best walks in Honolulu.

Best Walks in Honolulu

1. Diamond Head Crater Hike

Length: 4 miles
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

For stunning, wide-spanning views of Honolulu, this walk is up there. The path starts off from inside the crater itself and is fully paved with barriers on each side, so it’s a safe and accessible walk – just keep a lookout for loose gravel. It takes about an hour to reach the summit, which is at 650 feet elevation. When you get there, you’ll be able to look into the crater and out towards the neverending ocean, as well as clear views of Waikiki Beach and the city of Honolulu. For a relatively short walk, there’s certainly a big reward.

2. Koko Crater Railway Trailhead

Length: 1.6 miles
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

This is one of the most popular walks in Honolulu and it’s certainly unique. Visitors climb over 1,000 of ‘steps’, which actually used to be train tracks. These tracks are remnants of what was built during WWII to transport soldiers and cargo – you get a combination of history, nature, and views. It’s a steep incline to the top, you’ll want to pack water and you may need to take breaks along the way. But once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Koko Head Crater and the east Honolulu shoreline.

3. Moanalua Valley Trail

Length: 10.4 miles
Duration: 6 hours

If you liked the steps along the Koko Trailhead, you’ll love the Moanalua Valley Trail for its famous Haiku Stairs. It must be said this trail is for seasoned hikers, it’s a tough walk and definitely not suited to someone that’s scared of heights. Also, check the weather conditions, because it can get dangerous if it’s windy. That being said, it’s one of, if not the not, the most spectacular walks in Honolulu. Hikers traverse through a forest, a mountain ride, and of course, the Haiku Stairs. The stairs are commonly known as the Stairway to Heaven, and the sweeping view from up there is breathtaking.

4. Kuliouou Ridge Trail

Length: 4.7 miles
Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes

This walk takes you through a forest dense with fall, thin trees, before ascending the mountain on the ridgeline. It’s a challenging walk, gaining an elevation of around 1,800 feet, but the views are worth it. Bear in mind that when you reach the top, you’ll be met with some stairs! Keep going, the view across the Kuliouou Valley, East Oahu, the farmlands of Waimanalo, the Kailua coastline, and the Koko Crater all make it worth it. Be sure to check the weather beforehand – it can get very slippery after it’s rained.

5. Manoa Falls Trail

Length: 1.7 miles
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Forget beaches and ocean views for a while, welcome to Manoa Valley – Hawaii’s rainforest. This microclimate offers something so different from the rest of Honolulu. Don’t be surprised if you start to feel a drizzle despite it being hot – it’s a tropical rainforest, after all! It can get a bit muddy because of the rain, so make sure to wear suitable shoes. The walk is absolutely captivating as you wind through luscious greenery and native wildflowers. The rainforest is so beautiful, it was actually a filming location for Jurassic Park and the TV series LOST. While it’s a relatively easy walk, you’ll be met with the Manoa Falls, a stunning 150-foot waterfall.