
hiking
Oahu
1.
Stairway to Heaven
hawaii kai | 11 miles | 7 hrs
This was hands down, the hardest and most rewarding hike I've done to date. We got to the base of the hike around 7am, brought a good amount of water, snacks, used the restrooms at the start of the trail and then began our journey up. 4 hours later, hiking through trails of tall skinny trees, climbing up steep rocky sections with the assist of a rope we made it to the top!
Plan for mud, wear layers, bring plenty of water and expect an insane view of the island. Rather than arriving at the base of the stairway, we approached it from the top, climbed down the stairs to a few other base levels, before turning around and climbing back up. The clouds come and go, so if you can wait it out you'll capture some great photos on the steps.






2.
Koko Arch Trail
hawaii kai | 4 miles | 3 hrs
There are a few ways to go about this trail. We ended up discovering it, and going down it after having climbed up the Koko Head trail steps. The trailhead originally starts you off by the Kalaniana'ole Hwy, where for us- it spit us out on the road when we eventually found our way down to the bottom. Depending on where you start, the very top of the hike becomes a wild skinny ridge to traverse, so stay low, go slow and mind the big gusts of wind. The Arch itself is a fun destination to reach, and the rest of the trail lends itself to a clear hike back down to the bottom.






3.
Koko Head Trail
hawaii kai | 1.4 miles | 1,048 steps
I have never hiked stairs quite like the Koko Crater Railway Trail. Holy cow, it's a workout and a half to get yourself up to the top, especially in the mid-afternoon sun. I admit to trying to shortcut my way back down by sliding on my butt down the railway tracks. But the heat, mixed with the friction ripped a hole right through them! haha. If you're ready for a challenge, and a huge feeling of accomplishment, this is another amazing view spot well worth the hard work to the top.






4.
Wiliwilinui Ridge
honolulu | 4.7 miles | 3 hrs
I've done the Wiliwilinui Ridge Hike twice now, and I'd pay it a visit every time I'm back on Oahu. Something about this hike feels absolutely rewarding and awe-inspiring. It's the perfect length hike to commit to the journey, and take in the view and the changing weather the higher you climb towards the clouds. It's situated amongst other craters and summits, leaving you with the most incredible view of both the ocean and the mountains. If you pick a more cloudy day, you're bound to get stuck in the haze when you reach the top!- Which is still pretty fun, and a nice way to cool off in the misty breeze at the top.