The island of O‘ahu comes in at the top of the list in the state for the number and variety of hiking trails. Logging in over 250 known trails, ranging from intense switchback hikes yielding panoramic views to secluded valley trails taking hikers into the heart of the island, it may seem daunting to choose the right hike for you. Following are some O‘ahu hikes that fly under the radar, each with its own unique payoff.

Named in honor of the Hawaiian deity who guards water sources, the Kalāwahine trail is part of a system of interconnected trails atop Tantalus Mountain known as the Honolulu Mauka Trail System which links eighteen different trails. This 2.5-mile, in-and-out trail is moderate with some slight hills and muddiness after rain being the biggest consideration. The trailhead starts at the junction of Tantalus Drive and Telephone Road (a private road) and takes hikers along a path that embraces the contours of the mountain. Dense vegetation provides shade from the sun along the path. Along the way, spot mamake shrubs, a Hawaiian medicinal plant used in teas to ease sore throats and as a tonic for those feeling “run down.” Ginger plants also grow along the path providing a gentle fragrance for hikers to enjoy. A major draw of this trail is the native snail habitat located about halfway along the trail. Signs are posted notifying hikers of the area and warning them from cutting plants or collecting snails. Nearly extinct, these snails are just the size of pencil tips. To spot a native snail, gently turn over ginger leaves and search for these tiny treasures.

Located in the shadows of the majestic Ko‘olau Mountain Range are a collection of trails located within the Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens. The entrance to the gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with many visitors heading directly to the visitor’s center to walk along the main walking path. Another option is to drive past the visitor’s center and pull into one of the auxiliary parking lots which connect to well-maintained hiking trails that snake throughout the property, often connecting. Along the Lehua path, you can spot native Hawaiian plants including hala and lo‘ulu palms while the Kukui path offers different plants like kou trees, breadfruit and a bamboo forest. With easy paths to traverse, restrooms, picnic tables and ample parking, the trails of the Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Gardens offer a stress-free, family-friendly day of hiking options.

Many are familiar with the Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge hike which pushes the limit of many hikers along its 5-mile course but fewer know what the gem its little sister, the Kuli‘ou‘ou Valley trail, is. This 1.4-mile, in-and-out hike shares a trailhead with its more popular big brother hike. To access the trailhead, turn onto Kuli‘ou‘ou Road from Kalaniana‘ole Highway and drive through the residential neighborhood until you reach the cul-de-sac on Kala‘au Place. At the top of this cul-de-sac, you will see a bright yellow gate and signage provided by the State of Hawai‘i notifying hikers they are at the right place. For the first one-tenth mile, the two hikes share the same path, but you will see a fork in the trail where hikers opting for the ridge hike will head right, and those wanting to explore the valley will head left. Along this easy valley path, dense vegetation will greet you sprinkled with tiny waterfalls flowing over the side of the rocky mountain. The serenity of the trail is broken only by the sound of songbirds. Lucky hikers can hear the chirps and whistles of ‘Elepaio, an endangered endemic bird to the islands. Known to be the first birds to sing in the morning and the last birds to sing at night, the ‘Elepaio were praised by the Hawaiians as the birds who would lead canoe builders to the best koa trees.

An excellent, end-of-day hike is the path along the Ka‘ena Point Trail which takes hikers along the coastline for pristine views of sunsets along the western side of the island. This hike clocks in at 5.4 miles round trip with no elevation gain, and due to the isolation of this hike, you might encounter only a few other hikers or fishermen along the way. To access the trailhead, drive out past Mākaha, take Farrington Highway until it turns into a two-lane road, and then you will see a small parking lot appear on the right side of the road. From here, hop on the path which hugs the coastline from where you can see whales, dolphins and monk seals. As you stroll along, tidepools appear in the dark lava rock and an occasional blow hole can be seen when the surf is high. Trees and shade are two things not common on this hike so do not forget your sunscreen, hat and water.

O‘ahu is a hiker’s dream come true not only for the number of hikes the island offers but also for the variety of types of hikes. From scenic coastal hikes to trails that take trekkers deep into the valleys of the island, the right hike is out there waiting for you to explore it.