Oahu – the third-largest and second-oldest island in Hawaii – impresses with its rich diversity, vibrant life, lush green landscapes and beautiful beaches. As the main island, with the capital Honolulu, it is the heart of Hawaii. We visit Oahu during all of our Hawaii trips and know the island very well, although it never ceases to surprise and fascinate us.

In this post, I share with you my insider tips and the most beautiful sights on Oahu and tell you what is really worth seeing.

In this post, you’ll find my ultimate raod trip itinerary for five days on Oahu – with the best beaches, sights, hikes, tours and numerous other Must Visit spots. As always, I’ve included a map at the end of this post, on which I’ve marked all the sights, insider tips and restaurants on Oahu, Hawaii.

When is the best time to visit Oahu, Hawaii?

Oahu – just like all Hawaiian Islands – enjoys a warm, tropical climate with daytime temperatures of at least 22 degrees Celsius. It rains more frequently in the winter months, but usually only briefly. Between April and November is the ideal time for swimming, snorkeling or chilling on the beach.

How many days to plan to see the best places on Oahu?

Ideally, you should plan 5 days so that you don’t miss any of the best sights on Oahu. Of course, you could also plan more days, but that way you still have enough time to combine your Hawaii vacation with the other islands. Have a look at my→ Hawaii island hopping guide to find out which islands are the best!

Oahu, Hawaii Itineray: The best sights and insider tips in five days

Oahu itinerary: Arrival in Honolulu

Landing in the bustling metropolis of Honolulu is the perfect starting point for your stay on Oahu. Here you are guaranteed to find the right hotel from which you can explore the city up close and enjoy a huge selection of restaurants and bars. Additonaly, Honolulu’s city flair is typically Polynesian: palm trees adorn the city center and you will meet locals in typical Hawaiian shirts.

With a rental car, you can reach all the best places to visit in Oahu quickly.

• Budget-friendly: → A la Moana Honolulu → Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
• Special: → Aulani Disney Resort
• Luxurious: → The Royal Hawaiian → Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani → Four Seasons at Ko Olina

If it’s not too late after your arrival, you should definitely watch the sunset from Tantalus Lookout – one of the most beautiful places on Oahu in the evening. You can easily reach it by car and will be rewarded with a fantastic view over the city. Tantalus Lookout is a popular picnic spot amongst the locals. Bring a small blanket or towel to sit on the grass and maybe some snacks too. Afterwards, numerous restaurants and bars await you in Waikiki, where you can relax at the end of the day.

Our insider tip: A visit to the Cheesecake Factory in Honolulu has become a tradition during our trips to Oahu – super tasty and everyone is guaranteed to find something on the extensive menu of this cult restaurant!

Oahu itinerary: Day 1

After your first breakfast on Oahu, you will take a road trip towards the east coast with its great beaches and viewpoints. At Lana’i Lookout , you can watch the surf crash over the washed-out rocks, creating wave-like formations.

The Halona Blowhole Lookout is located next to a small beach in Halona Cove and offers a very special spectacle: the incoming surf has washed a hole in the rocks and with every wave, water flows under the rock, which is then catapulted out of the blowhole as a fountain due to the resulting pressure.

One of my favorite viewpoints on Oahu is the Makapuu Lookout – without having to hike. However, if you feel like walking a little, there is a trail to the Makapuu Lighthouse around the rock by the sea. The trail starts before the entrance to the Makapuu Lookout parking lot.

Halona Cove

Until the afternoon, you can relax wonderfully on Waimanalo Beach – my favorite beach on Oahu and for me one of the most beautiful ones in the world. White sand and deep turquoise water await you here, just as you would imagine in paradise. As the beach is also very popular with the locals, here’s my tip: during the week, it’s significantly less busy and you can enjoy the dreamlike flair undisturbed. There are two parking lots belonging to Waimanalo Beach. → You can find out more in my blog post about the most beautiful beaches on Oahu.

In the late afternoon, you head off to the Diamond Head Hike – a crater that was formed around 300,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption and is one of the ultimate sights on Oahu. A road leads through a tunnel to the middle of the crater, where the parking lot is located and you begin the hike up to the crater rim. Once there, you will enjoy a gigantic view of Honolulu and the surrounding mountains. Important: Book your access online in advance, preferably a few days in advance. The cost is 10 dollars for parking and 5 dollars admission per person. In the late afternoon, the city is bathed in particularly beautiful light, which makes the view even more spectacular. Unfortunately, you have to leave the parking lot by 6 p.m. as it is then closed off – last entry is 4 p.m. It takes around 60-90 minutes to reach the summit. My insider tip: It’s worth staying at the summit until a guide announces that it will be closing soon. That way you’ll be the last one up. You can make the way back in 20-30 minutes.

For dinner, I recommend two good restaurant tips in Honolulu, which we of course tried out ourselves: An interactive Korean BBQ awaits you at Gyu Kaku. And you can get the best Pho on Oahu at the Vietnamese restaurant Pate – it looks rather unspectacular from the outside , but is extremely tasty and reasonably priced.

Oahu itinerary: Day 2

The second day of my Oahu itinerary starts in Honolulu with a sailing tour to snorkel with turtles. This experience is unique and will definitely enchant you. You will also be able to view the beautiful coastline from the boat. Make sure to book the tour online in advance.

At lunchtime, treat yourself with a walk along the beach promenade in Waikiki and stop for lunch. The Steak Shack on the beach only serves one, but incredibly tasty dish: freshly grilled steak or chicken with rice and salad – and at a reasonable price for Hawaii.

Visit one of the most important sights on Oahu in the afternoon – Pearl Harbor. The historical monument and open-air museum commemorates the Japanese attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in December 1941. It was through this attack that the USA became involved in the World War II. The Pacific War continued until September 1945. The coastal path is lined with signs explaining the course of the attack, after which you can explore the memorials and museums – a truly emotional and moving visit.

It’s time for another beautiful sunset. This time you drive along the west coast to Keawaula Beach, also known as Yokohama Beach, the last beach on the west coast heading north. The drive may take a little longer, but it’s worth every minute, especially at this time of day. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience until you finally hit the beach at sunset. You can find more information in → my guide with the most beautiful beaches on Oahu.

Oahu itinerary: Day 3

The day starts very early in the morning with a sunrise hike – the Lanikai Pillbox Hike. But it’s absolutely worth it, as you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the sunrise, Lanikai Beach, the surrounding mountains and two small islands in the sea. On the highest point is the ruin of a former World War II observation post – a popular photo spot as it appears as if you are sitting on the cliff, even though the hill is close below. The length of the hike from the starting point is about 1.4 km / 8.7 miles (there and back) and takes about 30-40 minutes each way. However, the nearest parking lot is an additional 15 minutes from the starting point of the hike. I have marked the exact location of the parking lot on my Oahu map. The path is very steep in some places and slippery after rain, so sturdy hiking boots are important.

Then it’s time for another road trip, this time from the east coast to the north coast, to the famous North Shore – one of the most beautiful places on Oahu and particularly popular with surfers. You can make a stop at the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden to enjoy the fantastic view with panoramic views of the “Jurassic Park Mountains”. Another stop worth making is the Byodo-In Temple, a Japanese Buddhist temple surrounded by a beautiful backdrop, nestled in an idyllic garden. It is a true-to-scale replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan, which is over 950 years old. For an entrance fee of 5 dollars, you can relax here and immerse yourself in a beautiful world.

Ka’a’awa Beach Park is also a spot not to be missed. With its fantastic backdrop for photos, it is probably the most photogenic beach on Oahu and also offers the opportunity to relax. → Check out my guide to the most beautiful beaches on Oahu to find out more.

Spend the late afternoon on the North Shore, followed by the sunset. At Sunset Point Beach, you can watch the surfers riding the waves. Unfortunately, the ocean is too rough to go swimming at this spot. Another beach you should definitely visit is Laniakea Beach. Here, turtles come out of the sea in the late afternoon to rest in the warm sand. Please note that you must keep your distance from them and remain calm. Disturbing or even touching the turtles is prohibited by law. You will often find contact persons from a voluntary organization nearby the animaly who will explain a lot about the turtles and make sure that they are not disturbed. Each turtle even has its own name.

My insider tip for today’s dinner on Oahu: In Haleiwa, a small town on the North Shore, there are many different food stalls and small, cozy restaurants offering pizza, pasta, burgers, fish and other delicious dishes – a wide selection where everyone is sure to find something for themselves. The best place to park is on Kamehameha Highway, on the corner of Amara Road.

Oahu itinerary: Day 4

Have you ever been on an early morning snorkeling tour? You should definitely try it out. I recommend Hanauma Bay (the curved bay) on Oahu – an extinct volcanic crater with a wonderful backdrop and one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Important: The bay is closed every Monday and Tuesday. An online reservation for 25 dollars per person is also required. The spots are fully booked several days in advance, which is why you should book as early as possible. It is definitely worth booking one of the early time slots from 06:45 a.m. to enjoy the peace and quiet. The fish are also most active in the morning and the water is still very cleat. Please remember to use coral-friendly sunscreen (as everywhere on Oahu). → You can find more snorkeling spots in my guide to the most beautiful beaches on Oahu.

One tour I recommend for the afternoon is the hike to the Crouching Lion – a short but relatively steep trail that initially leads through the rainforest and later requires rocky climbing. Sturdy hiking boots are also a must for this so that you don’t slip. Your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Kanana Bay and the rugged mountain landscape. The starting point is easy to miss – I’ve marked it on my Oahu map. You can directly park your car on the opposite side of the road.

If you want to end the day with another perfect sunset, there is another great option: on board a spacious catamaran. You simply have to experience the boat trip along the coast of Waikiki at sunset and let it work its magic on you. Alternatively, there is Ala Moana State Park, which I also consider to be one of the most beautiful places on Oahu. You can also watch a beautiful sunset from here. This place is also very popular with the locals at this time of day.

Oahu itinerary: Day 5

To start the last day of my travel tips for Oahu with a spectacular adventure, we head up to the North Shore once again. It is not only a popular spot for surfing, but also for swimming with sharks. Even large sharks, such as the Galapagos sharks, can be found here and the water is very clear. Dives and snorkeling tours with a shark cage are popular – a safe cage in which you can observe the sharks underwater from a safe distance. However, tours without a cage are also offered, as sharks are not at all bloodthirsty, as their bad reputation often suggests. No matter which tour you choose, it is an unforgettable experience to get so close to these elegant animals. Make sure to book this tour online in advance as its quite popular.

Until the afternoon, you could use the time to relax on the beach again, perhaps even at my favorite, Waimanalo Beach. But you can of course also visit one of the many beautiful beaches that you can find in → my guide to the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. Another insider tip from me: at Waimea Bay Beach, you can relax and end the day with a walk in the soft sand or a swim. You won’t find many tourists here either.

Afterwards, you set off to experience your last sunset up close at one of the most beautiful places on Oahu: on the crater of Koko Head, which is also an extinct volcano. The hike takes you up more than 1000 steps on an old railroad track. The difference in altitude is around 300 meters (984 ft) until you finally reach the highest point of the Koko Crater Head. Up here you will feel so infinitely free – and with a breathtaking sunset with panoramic views over the island. Early morning is also a good time for this tour. The ascent is more difficult at noon, as the hill no longer provides any shade and you would be walking in the blazing sun. The hike is also very popular with local athletes, but at the summit there is enough space to enjoy the view in all directions all to yourself. You should allow around two hours for the return journey, including breaks.

My map with the best sights for your Oahu itinerary:

For me, Hawaii is pure magic and Oahu is definitely part of every visit. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of the big city, relaxing on dream beaches, hiking to spectacular viewpoints, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing or simply strolling around Waikiki – Oahu makes everything possible that you imagine a dream vacation to be. There are so many fantastic sights and insider tips on Oahu that you simply cannot miss during your road trip. The question should therefore not be whether Oahu is worth a trip, but rather: When are you heading out to explore the beautiful island for yourself?

I hope my itinerary will help you plan your upcoming Oahu road trip and give you a big dose of anticipation along the way. If you want to combine Oahu with other islands, which I would recommend, take a look at → my Hawaii island hopping guide.

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Everyone who knows me also knows that Hawaii is the most beautiful place in the world for me! Especially because each island has its own special charm and is unique in its own way. In my opinion, Oahu should not be missing on any Hawaiian trip, because on the island you can find some of the most beautiful beaches, which I have ever seen. During the last years, I have explored Oahu many times and in this post I want to share the most beautiful beaches on Oahu with you, so that your own Hawaii trip will be unforgettable.

For a better overview, I have sorted the best beaches on Oahu according to their location and also rate them in different categories, so you can find the perfect beach for you quickly & easily.

Map with the best beaches on Oahu:

The best beaches on Oahu

The South

The densely populated and hotel-lined south side of Oahu offers less “secluded beaches” but also has its charms: these are the most beautiful beaches in the south of Oahu:

Waikiki Beach

Although Honolulu is in no way the definition of Hawaii for me personally, a walk on Waikiki Beach is a must on your list. Even though I’ve never laid down here to sunbathe & swim, Waikiki Beach is perfect for people watching, sipping a cocktail in the sun and watching the hustle and bustle.

→ Insider tip: The coolest beach access to Waikiki Beach is from Kalākaua Avenue via Surfboards Street (just after the Cheesecake Factory). The path is lined with surfboards and you’ll arrive right at the photogenic The Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

• Visitor volume: Very high – The most famous beach in Hawaii (or even the world?) is ALWAYS well visited.
• Accessibility: Easy on foot, but more difficult by car as parking is limited and expensive.
• Are there showers on site? Yes, but not yet in all places
• Is there the possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? Yes
• Suitable for swimming? Yes

Ala Moana Beach

You are in Honolulu, want to relax on the beach and Waikiki Beach is too loud and crowded for you? No problem! Only a few minutes away from Waikiki, there is a real insider tip in Honolulu: the Ala Moana Beach Park. Hardly any tourists ever come here, because there are no bars or souvenir stores, but the locals love it all the more. We first discovered this beach during our last Oahu visit and were immediately in love. Thanks to its location, you overlook the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head, as well as surfers in the water. In the evening you can also enjoy the sunset. Locals meet here to jog, work out, barbecue and sit together. It’s a great atmosphere and a great contrast to touristy Waikiki Beach.

• Visitor volume: Moderate to High – most visited during sunset, early morning (athletes) and weekends.
• Accessibility: Good on foot and very good by car, there is plenty of free parking.
• Are there showers on site? Yes
• Is there a possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? No
• Suitable for swimming? Yes

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in the Southeast

At the southeast tip is not only one of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu but also the most famous snorkeling spot on the island: Hanauma Bay! The bay is an ancient volcanic crater that protects the bay from strong currents and waves, making it the perfect location for corals, fish and turtles. Because of this uniqueness, Hanauma Bay is a protected area and strict entrance regulations apply:

• A paid reservation is required
• Cost: $25 per adult (children 12 & under free) + $3 parking.
• Closed Mondays & Tuesdays to allow the reef to recover
• Admission Wednesday – Sunday from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Closing time: 4 p.m., but you must leave the beach after 3:30 p.m.)

Hanauma Bay is incredibly popular and admission is strictly limited, so you should make your reservation several days before your planned visit.

→ You can find the link for the reservation here!

You’ll have the best snorkeling conditions during a Wednesday visit (after the bay has been closed for two days) as well as early morning!

• Visitor volume: Moderate to High – strictly limited and by reservation only.
• Accessibility: Good – there is paid parking. After entering, there is about a 15 minute walk. It gets a little more strenuous on the way there downhill and on the way back. However, there is also a shuttle on site for a fee
• Are there showers on site? Yes
• Is there the possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? Yes
• Suitable for swimming? Yes

Where else on Oahu is good snorkeling?

Alternatives to Hanauma Bay:

• Kahe Point Beach Park in the east. It is also called “Electric Beach” because it is located near an electric power plant. Therefore you should not expect a dream beach, BUT the underwater world is one of the most beautiful on Oahu.
• Kuilima Cove in the north. This spot is perfect for beginners due to its protected location. The beach belongs to Turtle Bay Resort, but is open to everyone for free.
• Waimea Bay Beach in the north. Both a gorgeous sandy beach and an impressive snorkeling spot. With a little luck, seals (Hawaiian Monk Seals) can also be seen here!

Book your Hotel on Oahu for the best price:

The East

Between dream beaches and secret spots – the east of the island definitely has the most beautiful beaches on Oahu to offer! These are my favorites, which you can’t miss:

Makapu’u Beach

Imagine white sandy beach with turquoise blue water, black lava formations and green covered mountains in the background! All this embodied in the small Makapu’u Beach. When driving around the island, you can’t miss the Makapu’u Lookout, just a few meters in front of it! It offers the perfect view of the beach and the entire dream scenery! This special view always takes my breath away!

• Visitor volume: Low to moderate
• Accessibility: Good – there is a free parking lot with a small number of parking spaces.
• Are there showers on site? Yes
• Is there the possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? No
• Suitable for swimming? Yes

Waimanalo Beach

My absolute favorite beach on Oahu and for me also the most beautiful beach in the world! Waimanalo Beach has a very special place in my heart. The endless sandy beach has a great spot for everyone and the waves are usually just right to swim in without fear of being pushed too far out.

On weekends, it’s a popular spot for locals for BBQ’s and get-togethers with friends and family. Some even drive their trucks right up to the beach. A visit during the week is therefore much more relaxed – as a vacationer you always have time

Although there are no coconut trees at Waimanalo Beach (which, by the way, are not originally native to Hawaii, but were only ‘brought in’), but the conifers typical for Hawaii, but the view of the green overgrown cliffs and the island of Lanikai is just paradise.

• Visitor Volume: Low to moderate during the week, higher on weekends
• Accessibility: Very good – there are a total of two different parking lots directly on the beach
• Are there showers on site? Yes
• Is there a possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? No
• Suitable for swimming? Yes, if you are a good swimmer. Children should be accompanied in the water because of the waves.

Ka’a’awa Beach

A small and cute beach on Oahu, which is probably the most beautiful photo spot on the island! Ka’a’awa Beach offers a dreamlike photo backdrop, which seems to have sprung from a paradisiacal postcard. The beach itself is very narrow and offers hardly any space to spread out a towel in the dry, but a side trip to K’a’awa Beach should not be missed during your Oahu trip! Once you see this place with your own eyes, you’ll know why!

• Visitor Volume: Rather low, many visitors only stay on site for a short time, as the beach doesn’t offer much sunbathing opportunities.
• Accessibility: Very good – the beach is right next to the road. If you park your car on the side of the road and open the door, you are almost standing with your feet in the water.
• Are there showers on site? Yes
• Is there a possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? No
• Suitable for swimming? Yes

→ Book the best tours on Oahu here:

The North:

The north of the island is known for its high waves and strong currents. Therefore, it is not the ideal coast for swimming, however, here you will find the best beaches on Oahu for watching surfers and admiring ‘locals from the sea’…

Sunset Beach North Shore

Sunset Beach, as the name suggests, is not only a beautiful place to admire the descending sun, but primarily known for watching surfers and the highest waves on the island! In winter, international surfing competitions are held at this very spot. But even if you miss this period, you will see talented surfers surfing here all year round. Really impressive! However, swimming can be life-threatening due to the high waves. So at Sunset Beach, you’re more likely to stay dry.

• Visitor Volume: Moderate (high during competitions).
• Accessibility: Very good – there is a big parking lot at the beach.
• Are there showers on site? Yes
• Is there a possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? No
• Suitable for swimming? No

Laniakea Beach

The best beach on Oahu for turtle watching is Laniakea Beach. Here you have, especially at sunset, daily an almost 100% certainty to meet the gentle giants while sunbathing and relaxing. Usually there is a turtle expert on site, who roughly marks out the area around the animals and answers questions from visitors. This way, the green sea turtles, which are unfortunately threatened with extinction, can recharge their batteries in peace and safety before they crawl back into the waves.

• Visitor Volume: Moderate
• Accessibility: Very good – there is parking on the opposite side of the road.
• Are there showers on site? No
• Is there the possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? No
• Suitable for swimming? Rather less, due to large stones in the water and strong currents.

The West:

Last but not least, the west coast must not be missing in this article with the most beautiful beaches on Oahu. In contrast to the south, the west is much less populated and there are no large hotels and shopping centers. When driving by car, to the western end of that road that leads around the island, you constantly see great sandy beaches. But most of them invite little to stop. But this is not because of the natural conditions, but because of the fact that there are alarmingly many tent colonies of homeless people settled here. It is hard to find a place which is not used as a campground… unfortunately, there are also garbage accumulations and the like to see… this I have never seen in Hawaii in this mass.

Nevertheless, a trip to the west side is worthwhile:

Keawaula Beach 

This beach has easily made it onto my list of the most beautiful beaches on Oahu: Keawaula Beach Park. Thanks to its location at the west end of the road, it’s the perfect spot to admire the sunset! Also the above mentioned colonies of tents are not to be found here!

But beware: Punctually at 7 pm, a ranger closes the barrier of the entrance to the parking lots. Who has not gone out before, must be until the next morning. however, there are some pitches on the roadside, which are still in front of this barrier and are accessible around the clock. So if you plan to visit Keawaula beach at sunset, you should definitely park your car there. You can enter and leave the beach on foot at any time – only the parking lot is closed off.

• Visitor Volume: Low, hardly any tourists
• Accessibility: Very good (parking possibilities see above)
• Are there showers on site? Yes
• Is there a possibility to buy snacks / drinks on site? No
• Suitable for swimming? Yes

→ Tip: Although the road ends at this point, the Ka’ena Point hiking trail begins at the end of Kawwaula Beach. This leads to exactly the same place where the coastal road ends on the north coast. This is 4.2 miles / 6.7 kilometers per route, for which you should plan about 1.5 hours. You can also just hike a bit along the coast and then return to your starting point. Worth seeing is in any case the Monk Seal Beach, which is only accessible via this hike and where you can most likely see seals on the beach!

The beaches on Oahu are so diverse that the island has the perfect beach for everyone! Whether you want to snorkel, relax, experience something or swim in the waves – among the best beaches on Oahu you will surely find your personal favorite!

Do you have any questions about the beaches on Oahu? Feel free to write me a comment or a message on Instagram

→ Book the best tours on Oahu here:

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The epic Haiku Stairs (or also called “The Stairway to heaven”) are on top of the To-Do list of most O’ahu visitors which love adventurous hikes! And justifiably so. Officially the trail is closed but each day several hikers climb up the stairs anyway to enjoy the insane views over the island.

After posting several pictures from our hike on Instagram my inbox has been full of questions about the security guard, the gear, how to find the Haiku Stairs and if they are dangerous!
In this post I’m answering everything you need to know before hiking up the Haiku Stairs in Hawaii!

DISCLAIMER: The government of Hawaii has announced to remove the stairs due to safety reasons.

Before you start…

What do you need to pack for the hike?

• sturdy shoes
• Enough water! The way to reach the stairs is already quite exhausting & the Haiku Stairs themselves are a sweaty hike!
• Light snacks
• Gloves – This might sound strange BUT they really help while walking down and holding on to the railings without hurting your hands
• Stamina – You don’t need to be a top athlete but please only do this hike if you feel fit and aren’t afraid of heights
• Mosquito repellent – Especially on the way to the stairs and back there are millions of mosquitos in the bushes
• A smartphone – The cell phone reception and GPS signal are available throughout the whole hike and are very useful in case of an emergency

Where do the Haiku Stairs begin?

The way to the entrance of the Haiku Stairs begins in a small village called Haiku. The inhabitants aren’t really happy that their little village is attracting tourists on a daily basis. They are especially annoyed by the hikers who trespass private properties to find the starting point of the stairs – which is very much understandable! But if you act respectful and quiet then probably nobody will complain.
The best time to start your hike is early in the morning which has two benefits: Firstly cause the temperatures are still low and secondly cause most villagers are still asleep during this time (but be aware that many of them have guard dogs)!

You can either take an Uber to the Preschool in Haiku or drive with your own car. But make sure you’re not parking right in front of a post box or fire hydrant to not get towed off. Walk around the school and after a few houses you will see a big wire mesh fence which you’ll have to pass. In case it’s closed you need to climb around it, through a bush and over a little hill. But no worries – you can’t miss the spot!

How do you find the entrance to the Haiku Stairs?

Behind the fence is a pathway which leads through the forest. Colorful bands on the trees are marking the right way though the bushes. Always watch the floor while walking cause sometimes there are holes in the ground or glass shards on the floor (maybe from the villagers?). For that reason I wouldn’t recommend to do the hike at night to watch the sunrise from the top. In my opinion the way is too dangerous to walk it in the total darkness.

After a while you will pass a bamboo forest and another fence. This one has huge holes in it so it’s easy to climb through it. The gravel road behind it leads directly to the stairs… but also to the guard who’s watching the entrance!

Is the Guard allowed to stop me?

No – the guard only fulfills the purpose to scare off hikers and to have an idea of how many people are currently on the trail. BUT the police is allowed to stop you and will most likely give you a ticket too! A police car is passing the entrance point of the Haiku Stairs in random intervals to check the situation.

That’s why you should not walk along the mentioned gravel road and only pass it to walk into the bamboo forest on the other side of the street. From here you have to climb up and walk all the way to the right to walk round the guard. Marker bands at the trees will help you to find the way. After a few meters you will walk below a highway bridge and the way leads downhill. From the top you can already spot the car of the guard and two fences – behind these the Haiku Stairs finally begin!

3922 stairs to the top..

Are the Haiku Stairs in Hawaii dangerous?

If the weather conditions are dry and you’re wearing proper shoes than you’ll have a good grip on the stairs and the hike is absolutely doable! But of course you’re putting yourself in some risk doing this trail. At some points the railways are loose or even broke off and some steps are unstable. Additionally the stairs are quite narrow which means that you have to give way to the people coming from the other direction.
I wouldn’t suggest this hike to anyone who’s afraid of heights cause at some points the stairs have a slope of 90% and rather reminds of a ladder with a big drop behind you! If you turn around you’ll see nothing but the deep green forest several hundred meters underneath you!

How much time should I plan for the hike?

Depending on your fitness level and on how many breaks you’re doing on the way up you will need around 2-3 hours to walk up the 3922 stairs and approximately 1-1.5 hours down. We made several breaks on all platforms along the way, spend one hour at the top and the hike took us 5.5 hours. We would probably have been faster without getting lost in the forest on the way back!

Do I have to take the same cumbersome way back?

Yes & No. The last stage around the guard can in abstract be skipped and you can actually pass him directly. From other hikers we heard that he’s actually quite relaxed and friendly. But you would also risk meeting the police…
That’s why we decided to take the exact same way back: through the bamboo forest, below the highway bridge and through the forest. to the big wire mesh fence and back to the car.

My Résumé after hiking up the Haiku Stairs in Hawaii

Is it really worth the risk?

For me it’s a 100% YES! It’s been one of the most adventurous hikes we’ve ever done and the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking. Of course everyone has to answer this question for themselves but the hike is really doable and if you follow my directions than the risk of meeting the police is almost zero!

Back at the car we couldn’t have been happier and more proud of ourselves that we did this legendary hike! Haiku Stairs in Hawaii ✓ CHECK!

Click here to plan your O’ahu Trip!

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