11 Alternatives to Oahu’s “Stairway to Heaven” Hike (Haiku Stairs)
The Haiku Stairs are going away, so many hikers heading to Oahu are looking for alternative hiking trails.
The Haiku Stairs have been illegal to hike for nearly 40 years, and as of 2024, they’re set to be dismantled completely.
You can still get to the same peak via the Moanalua Valley Trail (also known sometimes as the “Stairway to Heaven”). It’s a favorite of mine, and well worth it, but it’s a daylong trek!
**BUT** as of May 2024, even the longer, legal way to the peak is closed. The state closed the ridgeline trail, citing environmental concerns, erosion, and heavy equipment operating in the area over the staircase. It *might* reopen at the end of the summer.
So let’s go over a few other alternative hiking trails on Oahu, which also offer amazing views.
Oaho is definitely a destination where I always rent a car to get around. I usually use Discover Cars to find the best rates from the big rental companies, along with smaller, locally-based renters.
Oahu Hiking Tours
If you’re brand new to Oahu and feel more comfortable hiking with a guide, there are a number of different tour options that’ll take you to some of the alternatives to the Stairway to Heaven / Haiku Stairs:
➡️ BOOK: Oahu Hiking Guide for a Private Tour
➡️ BOOK: Hike: Ko’olau Waterfalls
➡️ BOOK: Oahu Tour + Waimea Waterfalls
Or, if you don’t have a rental car, you can book a shuttle to several Oahu hiking trailheads:
➡️ BOOK: Shuttle to Makapu’U or Diamond Head
Trail Map: Alternatives to the Stairway to Heaven Hike
You can zoom around on this interactive map to check out the trailheads, if you’re looking for hiking alternatives to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven) on Oahu. I’ll go more into detail on each one down below.
Maunawili Falls Trail
Maunawili Falls is a popular waterfall tucked away deep in the rainforest of Oahu. Travelers love this hike because it’s relatively short (less than 3 miles), and it is possible to cliff jump from the rocks above and swim under the falls!
- Trail Distance – 2.8 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain – 1007 feet
- Trail Difficulty – Moderate
Note: The hike to Maunawili Falls used to be one of the most popular trails on Oahu. It’s temporarily closed for realignment and restoration. The project was set to be completed by the summer of 2023.. but remains closed. Hawaiian officials have been unresponsive about a reopening date.
This photo shows the impact hiking has had on the trees and trail, and the need for the environment to heal itself:
Lanikai Pillbox Trail
The Lanikai Pillbox Trail is a moderate hike that treks across Ka’iwa Ridge. It’s a popular place to watch the sunrise in the Kailua area. The trail follows a ridge above Lanikai Beach, and delivers stunning views of the blue ocean water.
🌎 Jared’s Detours BLOG: Lanikai Pillbox Hike
Aside from its panoramic views, you’ll hike by a couple of old military pillbox bunkers at the top of the ridge.
I’ve sent my friends with children on this pillbox hike, and they’ve enjoyed it! The initial scramble up is pretty steep, but the hike gets easier.
- Trail Distance – 1.7 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain – 626 feet
- Trail Difficulty – Moderate
Koko Head
Koko Head is often compared to the Stairway to Heaven because they both include a staircase. However, Koko Head is much easier, and a better choice for people who don’t have time to spend an entire day hiking.
The Koko Head Trail has very little shade. Plus, 90% of the route is essentially a stair-stepper up the old Koko Head Tramway. The best advice is to start early and bring plenty of water!
- Trail Distance – 1.6 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain – 885 feet
- Trail Difficulty – Moderate
Koko Head and Stairway to Heaven are two of the steepest ascents near Honolulu. Each trail has stunning views of Oahu, and even the surrounding islands on a clear day.
The difference is: Koko Head is shorter, safer, and perfectly legal. The hike is just 1.6 miles and climbs just short of 1000 feet.
It takes most hikers about an hour to complete the Koko Head hike. It’s considered “moderately difficult” because of the steep steps involved.
If Koko Head is a better fit for your travel itinerary, you can easily reach the trailhead by following H1 east toward Hawaii Kai. The trailhead is at the Koko Head District Park recreation center.
Diamond Head
The most popular hike on Oahu is Diamond Head.
Also known as the Le’ahi Summit Trail, this hike is a relatively easy ascent up a paved trail to the top of a volcano crater.
- Trail Distance – 1.8 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain – 452 feet
- Trail Difficulty – Easy
Visitors can see the entire Honolulu Skyline and Waikiki Beach from the summit!
The hike is very busy and crowded with tourists. The best advice is to get there early to avoid the biggest crowds. There is an entry fee of $5 per person, plus a parking fee of $10 per vehicle.
You’ll get a great view of the water and Waikiki:
Note: Diamond Head State Monument currently requires reservations to enter. You can apply for a reservation here.
➡️ BOOK: Hiking Shuttle to Diamond Head
Makapu’U Lighthouse
The Makupu’U Lighthouse Trail is an easy hike located on the easternmost point of Oahu. Like Diamond Head, the entire trail is paved.
Makupu’U is very popular among tourists for birdwatching and whale-watching. November through May is the migrating season for humpback whales off the coast of Hawaii.
- Trail Distance – 2.5 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain – 505 feet
- Trail Difficulty – Easy
This trail is an excellent hike for families with small children. It’s also dog-friendly, as long as they are kept on a leash.
➡️ BOOK: Hiking Shuttle to Makapu’U
Nakoa Trail
You’ll find the Nakoa Trail at Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park.
The trail goes through the forest and lush vegetation in the area known as the wettest part of Oahu. That means: the trail will likely be muddy and lined with slippery roots and rocks. The streams that cross the trail have the potential for flash flooding during strong storms.
- Trail Distance: 2.5 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Most people take 2 to 3 hours to hike the Nakoa Trail, which is largely shaded by a tree canopy.
Be prepared to get your feet wet, since there are no bridges across the stream crossings.
Kapaʻeleʻele Trail
This trail is in Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana State Park, on the western side of Kahana Bay.
It’ll bring you to views of Kahana Bay and the historic Huilua Fishpod, which was built in the 1600s! You’ll spot the rock walls built to raise fish in 7-acres of ocean water.
- Trail Distance: 1.2 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain: 130 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
Most hikers spend an hour on the trail, which is mostly covered by the tree canopy.
It gets muddy, and I’d definitely bring mosquito spray along on this hike!
For access to the trailhead, part at the state park’s Orientation Center.
ʻAiea Loop Trail
You’ll find the ‘Aiea Loop in the Keaīwa Heiau State Recreation Area.
From the ridge, you’ll see views of southern Oahu, including Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, and Diamond Head.
The trail includes a stream crossing, and will likely be muddy. Most people take 2 to 3 hours to hike.
- Trail Distance: 5 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
We were there during a drencher one day, and you can see how muddy it can get! Still a beautiful trail.
ʻUalakaʻa Trail
The ‘Ualaka’a Trail starts at Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside.
This is a good one for the whole family (kids included!) since it’s short and easy. The trail is shaded, covered by the forest canopy.
- Trail Distance: 0.5 mile
- Trail Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
Crouching Tiger Trail
Crouching Tiger is a short but steep and somewhat challenging trail near Kahana Bay.
You can park at the nearby beach lots, which are about 45 minutes from Waikiki.
You’ll need to grab trees and roots to help boost you up the steep incline, but the stunning views of the water are worth it.
- Trail Distance: 2+ miles
- Trail Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Here’s the view from the peak:
Waʻahila Ridge Trail
The Wa’ahila Ridge Trail is a challenging trail, which is part of the Waʻahila Ridge State Recreation Area.
You’ll cross an open ridge and through the forest, as you climb up to the views of Manoa Valley, Honolulu, and the Ko’olau Range.
- Trail Distance: 2.5 miles
- Trail Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate / Difficult
On Maui: Hikes Along The Road to Hana
If you’re island hopping and heading to Maui, don’t forget to check out the hikes along the Road to Hana!
Wrap: Alternatives to the Stairway to Heaven Hike
I’ll be honest: the Stairway to Heaven (the legal way) will always be a favorite of mine! But again: it takes the full day to complete.
If you don’t have a full day to dedicate to a hike, or have people in your group who can’t tackle the physical challenge involved, these alternative trails to the Stairway to Heaven are all crowd-pleasers and will only add to your experience on Oahu!
