20 Best Sunrise Hikes on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
If you’re searching for the perfect way to start your day on Oʻahu, look no further than these stunning sunrise hikes located across the island!
This is a list of my personal favorite trails on all sides of Oʻahu, each making for the best sunrise hike in their own respective way.
My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
20 Best Sunrise Hikes on Oʻahu
While I may not have a sunrise photo from every location, I have hiked all of these trails for sunrise many times. But sometimes, I guess I’d rather enjoy the moment than snap a photo.
However, I have lived and hiked across Oʻahu for many years, which is exactly why I’m confident that these are truly the best sunrise hikes on the island!
1. Crouching Lion Trail
Distance (Roundtrip): 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
Crouching Lion is arguably the best sunrise hike Oʻahu because it’s such a short hike for such a rewarding view!
Both the sunrise itself, as well as the light that first hits Kahana Bay in the morning, easily make Crouching Lion one of the top sunrise trails on this list. However, if this is your first time hiking Crouching Lion, make sure to read my separate post about the different trails leading up. If you begin at the wrong trailhead, which is very easy to do in the dark, you won’t end up at the best and most iconic viewpoint.
Read My Separate Post: Crouching Lion Trail
2. Puʻu Piei Trail
Distance: 1.0 - 3.5 miles / 1.6 - 5.6 km
Located directly across Kahana Bay from Crouching Lion is a much less-known hike known as Puʻu Piei.
Puʻu Piei may be one of the most rewarding sunrise hikes on this list, but even finding the trail, especially in the dark, is a challenge on its own.
If you show up in the dark and get lost just trying to find the trailhead, you’d probably hate me for suggesting this trail. Believe me, even in the daylight, finding the right trail on Puʻu Piei is tricky!
Puʻu Piei is also challenging because there are a number of different routes that you could possibly take to the top. Some are extremely technical, but for the purposes of a sunrise hike only, focus on the North Ridge and the North Ridge only!
If you’re going to attempt Puʻu Piei, be sure to study the main access point for the North Ridge in my separate post. All said, the rest of the hike past the trailhead is steep but should be more straightforward.
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu Piei Trail
3. Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail
Distance: 4.7 miles / 7.6 km
Kuliʻouʻou Ridge easily makes it as one of the top five sunrise hikes on Oʻahu!
The Kuliʻouʻou Trail, which begins in east Honolulu, climbs steeply up a number of switchbacks in the back of the Kuliʻouʻou Valley before reaching one of the most beautiful and panoramic sunrises that you can imagine.
Sunrise is exactly when the photo below was taken.
Read My Separate Post: Kuliʻouʻou Ridge Trail
4. Mt. Olomana (Three Peaks) Trail
Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km
Without a doubt, Mt. Olomana is one of the best sunrise hikes on Oʻahu, but that’s not without saying that accessing the trail prior to sunrise comes with it’s own challenges.
You need to start early, and I mean earlier than you think might need to. This is not only for the steep trail, but also because the golf course security where the trail is located may turn hikers away if you don’t begin before they arrive.
To learn more about this and the entire trail, read my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Mt. Olomana Trail (Three Peaks)
5. Pali Notches Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
The Pali Notches is one of the best all-around sunrise and sunset hikes on Oʻahu!
That being said, the Pali Notches Trail is not the easiest trail to navigate in the dark, especially the lower sections of the trail before the more defined ridgeline near the top.
To learn more, I highly recommend reading my separate post if you're planning on hiking Pali Notches for the first time, but know: the Pali Notches hike is NOT an established or maintained trail, and you accept all potential consequences should you choose to hike a closed trail.
Read My Separate Post: Pali Notches Trail
6. Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail (Digging Hill)
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
The Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail, also called the Digging Hill Pillbox, is one of the best uncrowded sunrise hikes on Oʻahu!
From the old WWII bunker at the top, you get panoramic views of Mt. Olomana to the south and Kualoa Ranch/ Mokoliʻi to the north.
To learn more about the trail, including the unique parking and trailhead access in a very unsuspecting location, I encourage you to check out the details in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Puʻu Māʻeliʻeli Trail (Digging Hill)
7. Lanikai Pillbox Trail (Kaʻiwa Ridge)
Distance: 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
With the stunning turquoise blue waters of east Oʻahu located directly offshore, the Lanikai Pillboxes make for a beautiful hike at any time of the day!
However, none is better than watching the sunrise come over the two Mokolua Islands located just offshore.
To learn more about the hike and to learn about kayaking to the two offshore islands, check out all the details in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Lanikai Pillbox Trail
8. Koko Head Stairs
Distance: 0.9 miles / 1.4 km
Elevation Gain: ~930 ft. / 283 m
The Koko Crater Stairs may be the most challenging sunrise hike on this list thus far, but that is almost exclusively the reason why so many locals choose to do the stairs this early in the morning!
Hiking the Koko Head Stairs while it’s still cool out is arguably the best morning workout you can find on Oʻahu, and I personally love following up Koko Head with coffee at Island Brew located just minutes away from the trailhead!
Read My Separate Post: Koko Crater Stairs
9. Koko Crater Arch
Distance: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
The Koko Crater Arch is one of the easiest sunrise hikes on this list!
However, if it’s your first time, know that finding the trailhead can be a bit of a challenge in the dark, which is why I recommend reading my separate post before going.
Read My Separate Post: Koko Crater Arch Trail
10. Kahekili Ridge Trail (Pillbox)
Distance: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
The Kahekili Pillbox is just as good, if not better than Crouching Lion listed above.
Both Crouching Lion and Kahekili Ridge are sister hikes, but the Kahekili Pillbox is far less visited, meaning that you’re likely to be the only group on the trail should you choose to hike for sunrise!
Read My Separate Post: Kahekili Ridge Trail
11. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km
The Makapuʻu Lighthouse is one of best sunrise hikes on Oʻahu because it’s one of the easiest sunrise hikes on Oʻahu!
From the parking lot to the viewpoint at the top, the entire trail is paved, making the Makapuʻu Lighthouse the easiest and most straightforward sunrise hike on this list!
Read My Separate Post: Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
12. Kahuku Point
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
If you’re staying somewhere on Oʻahu’s North Shore, the Kahuku Coastline Trail to Kahuku Point is one of the best Oʻahu sunrise hikes that you can find!
While the entire Kahuku Coastline is 5.5 miles (8.9 km), I only recommend hiking as far as Kahuku Point, located 1.0 mile (1.6 km) away from the trailhead.
However, if you’re curious about the full hike along Oʻahu’s most remote stretch of coastline, I highly recommend reading through the entire separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Kahuku Coastline Trail
13. Pride Rock Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Pride Rock Trail is one the least-trafficked sunrise hikes on Oʻahu!
That being said, Pride Rock is absolutely a local trail, and negative attention does not need to be brought to this small community.
Please do you part to be quiet and respectful in the neighborhood, especially when residents are sleeping prior to sunrise!
Read My Separate Post: Pride Rock Trail
14. Maʻakua Ridge Trail
Distance: 3.7 miles / 6.0 km
While the full Maʻakua Ridge Loop is definitely not a sunrise destination, the Maʻakua Ridge overlook in the photo below is!
The distance above reflects the full loop trail, but to reach this scenic viewpoint, you only need to hike 0.6 miles (1.0 km) from where the first sign is located, which you can read more about in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Maʻakua Ridge Trail
15. Pali Puka Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.1 km
Just across the parking lot from the famous Pali Notches is the Pali Puka Trail.
Both hikes would equally make for a great sunrise vantage point, but I would expect the Pali Puka Trail to see fewer hikers, if any, compared to the Pali Notches.
This photo below was taken closer to sunset, but I’m sure you can imagine how the sun lights up this spot when it hits from the opposite side at sunrise!
Read My Separate Post: Pali Puka Trail
16. Makapuʻu Tide Pools Trail
Distance: 1.9 miles / 3.1 km
There’s honestly no better way to start the day than a sunrise hike and swim down in the Makapuʻu Tide Pools!
That being said, the steep and loose trail that leads down to the pools is not for all people of all abilities. The difficulty of this trail should not be compared to the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail, which is why I recommend learning more about this adventure before attempting in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Makapuʻu Tide Pools Trail
17. Secret Beach
There’s not much to know about Secret Beach, except where to park.
Secret Beach essentially starts at the very end of Kualoa Regional Park, where the last campgrounds are located, and continues down for about a 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to a little remote stretch of sand that is inaccessible by vehicle.
Before going, know that the beach is entirely public property, but some of the pavillions and other structures within the trees are considered private.
Google Maps Directions: Kualoa Campground (Secret Beach)
18. Kaʻena Point Trail & Pillbox
Distance (West Side): 2.1 miles / 3.4 km
Distance (North Shore): 2.4 miles / 3.9 km
The Kaʻena Point Trail is not the typical sunrise hike you’ll find on this list, but sunrise and sunset are the two best times to hike to Kaʻena Point.
I say this because both sides of Kaʻena Point State Park are entirely exposed, making an early morning hike—either at or shortly after sunrise—not only the coolest time of day but also one of the most beautiful!
That said, both the North and West Kaʻena Point Trails are very similar coastal trails, but in many ways, they could not be more different from one another. Therefore, I highly recommend reading my side-by-side comparison at the beginning of either article linked below to learn more about which route sounds most interesting to you.
Read My Separate Post: Kaʻena Point (North Shore) / Kaʻena Point (West Side)
19. Stairway to Heaven (Haʻikū Stairs)
I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the infamous Stairway to Heaven. It’s no secret, and many people attempt the stairs every day, so here are some honest thoughts.
First, regardless of your choice in picking an access point, all routes begin in residential neighborhoods, and all access points to the stairs specifically are illegal. If you’re in either of these two residential areas prior to sunrise, there’s no hiding what you’re up to if someone sees you. Sunrise is also the easiest time of the day to enforce because the police don’t have much else going on at that hour.
Second, there is no longer a guard, but the residents and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) are the real concern anyway. Residents may confront you and call HPD at any time. This includes when you can’t see them because they’re calling from within their homes.
Overall, I have not and never will provide a how-to access guide for the illegal Stairway to Heaven, but I know some thoughts needed to be shared because of how popular this hike is. To learn more about the Stairway to Heaven on Oʻahu and the most up-to-date information regarding the trail, check out my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Stairway to Heaven (Haʻikū Stairs)
20. Stairway to Hell (ʻAiea Ridge)
Distance: 11.6 miles / 18.7 km
This is the opposite side of the Haʻikū Valley as the Stairway to Heaven listed above.
On the surface, Stairway to Hell is not a typical sunrise hike. However, it is possibly the best overnight backpacking trip in the Koʻolau Mountains that span across Oʻahu, which is why I wanted to end this list here.
Watching the sunrise from Stairway to Hell is easily the most beautiful location to see it on Oʻahu, but come prepared! I can promise you that the 5.8 mile (9.3 km) one-way distance is nowhere near the same difficulty as 5.8 miles (9.3 km) on any mainland trail.
Read My Separate Post: Stairway to Hell (ʻAiea Ridge)
Best Sunset Hikes on Oʻahu
If you’re interested in reading more, I wrote a very similar list about the best sunset hikes across Oʻahu in an entirely separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Best Sunset Hikes on Oʻahu
Native Hawaiian Plants on Oʻahu Trails
Since this is a subject that is close to me, I want to always encourage that you do your part to minimize your impact when hiking on any Hawaiʻi trail.
So many of our forests and our native plants are presented with challenges as a result of invasive species, and I want to ask that you do your part on all trails.
This plant particularly can be seen when hiking the Kaʻena Point Trail.
If this is a subject that interests you, click below to learn more about native Hawaiian plants found across the islands.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
More Oʻahu Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Oʻahu adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Hotels & Restaurants in Waikīkī
If you’re trying to decided where to stay on Oʻahu, check out my top 10 list for the best resorts and restaurants in Waikīkī.
I break down what makes one hotel a better choice over another, so that you can find the best fit for your stay on the island.
Read My Separate Post: Best Waikīkī Hotels & Restaurants
Waikīkī
HNL Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Prices on ride-share apps like Uber/ Lyft cannot beat the price of booking your hotel shuttle prior to arrival. I say this because there are additional fees for ride-share airport pick-ups at Honolulu Airport (HNL), which is why I recommend booking your transportation in advance using the options below.
Additionally, the last option below will go as far as the Ko ʻOlina Resorts on the West Side and Turtle Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore!
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Oʻahu
Visiting Other Islands
If you are visiting Oʻahu or heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in these separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
The weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year, but in my experience, there is a lot more to consider when planning what time of year to visit the islands, such as what island you are considering, what sides of each island do you plan to stay, what activities are you most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have.
For these reasons, I highly recommend reading through my separate article to not only understand my thoughts regarding the best time of year to come to Hawaiʻi but also what you need to consider based on the time of year that you plan to visit.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
10 Best Tours & Excursions on Oʻahu
There are a lot of different tour options to choose from on Oʻahu, but to make it easier to decide, I made a list of my favorite tours because some things simply are better with a local guide!
Read My Separate Post: Best Tours on Oʻahu
Oʻahu
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
Disclaimer
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Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
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