Check out some hiking suggestions, as well as some special hiking experiences, shared by BYUH students and a professor
Stepping out in nature and hearing the stillness of the surroundings heals and calms the mind and soul, said Rebekah Strain, an adjunct faculty member in the Faculty of Religious Education and a Title IX investigator. She said after completing a challenging hike, she always goes home “feeling so much better, rejuvenated, mentally calmed down and quieted.” Strain suggested before going on a hike, students should bring a buddy, consult other people and do their research.
Ke Alaka’i learned about hikes of varying difficulties from students, alumni, faculty members and sources like oahuhike.com, alltrails.com and tripadvisor.com.
Easy Hikes
Lanikai Pillbox
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 mile
Time: 30 minutes to an hour
No restrooms available
“It was quite challenging to go up because [there were] no shaded spots, but when we got to the top, we were able to feel the cool breeze and relax with the beautiful view of the ocean. I could see lots of cars and the tiny houses below us and the blue sky above us."
- Jimin An, a BYU–Hawaii alumna from South Korea.
Ehukai Pillbox or “Sunset Pillbox”
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Time: 30 minutes to an hour
Restrooms available
Koko Head
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Time: 30 minutes to an hour
Restrooms available
Dogs are not allowed
“I like the Koko Head hike because it is challenging. Also, when I do it with friends, it is exciting because we tend to be competitive when going to the top.”
- Kristian Galang, a business management junior from the Philippines
“My favorite hike so far has been the Koko Head. I would say the view up there was worthwhile. The hike wasn't overly difficult nor too easy. The trail consists of stairs and steps, making the climb manageable.”
- Hak Kim, a freshman from Cambodia majoring in business management
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 miles
Time: One to two hours
Fun fact: It is an awesome location to whale watch
No restrooms available
Manoa Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles
Time: An hour and 10 minutes
Restrooms are available in a nearby shopping area
Hau’ula Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.6 miles
Time: An hour and 40 minutes
Restrooms are available at the Hau’ula Beach Park
“I like Hau'ula Loop trail because it has nice scenery and it’s not too difficult. It’s through the forest, so there’s lots of shade!”
-Mālie Leung-Wo Basulgan, a BYUH alumna from Maui
Intermediate Hikes
Pu’u O Hulu Trail or “Pink Pillbox”
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 1.6 miles
Time: 30 minutes to an hour
No restrooms available
“My favorite hike is the Pink Pillbox because I love the view when I [reach] the top. Seeing all the clean water with different color gradients and beautiful coastlines just reminds me of how lucky I am to be in this beautiful place with my friends.”
-Lan Xi Lin, a senior from Taiwan majoring in graphic design
Likeke Falls Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 2 miles
Time: about one to two hours
No restrooms available
Wailele Falls
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 3.9 miles
Time: One to two hours
No restrooms available
“It was a really pretty and easy hike, not too muddy. You should bring shoes and water.”
- Jamis Schriner, a freshman from Colorado majoring in business management
“I love Wailele Falls! It’s short and the whole way up feels so peaceful and quiet. It’s beautiful and a great hike to just take your time with. I love the stream crossings. The waterfall is also so pretty and the pool of water is nice even if there isn’t enough rain for the fall. It’s a healing hike for me. It's so good for a reset!"
- Annette Shin, a intercultural peacebuilding senior from New York
Waimano Falls
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 3 miles
Time: Two to three hours
No restrooms available
You need a permit for hiking and camping
Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 1.5 miles
Time: Two to three hours
Public restrooms are available at the Kuli’ou’ou Beach Park
You need a permit for hiking and camping
Mt. Olomana Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult
Length: 2.5 miles
Time: Two to three hours
No restrooms available
There are three peaks on this hike, but second and third peaks are not recommended for inexperienced hikers
“My favorite hike is the Mt. Olomana Trail, or three peaks. It is an intense hike with a beautiful sunset on top of the second peak. The hike on the third peak is pretty much rock climbing. I think it’s my favorite because it’s a long hike and hard. You struggle a little but it’s worth it … It’s beautiful on the last peak and you get the satisfaction of accomplishing that insane hike.”
- Stephen John Pecaoco, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in psychology
Difficult Hikes
Manana Ridge Trail to Ko’olau Summit
Difficulty: Very difficult
Length: 9.8 miles
Time: Takes about five hours and 30 minutes or more
No restrooms available
“It takes a lot of work and some practice, but once you get up there, it’s just a magical, beautiful, quiet world. And the views… You can see all of the islands. I love it!”
- Rebekah Strain, adjunct faculty member from the Faculty of Religious Education and Title IX investigator
Before you try out one of these hikes, make sure to pack these hiking essentials:
- Hiking gear
- Bug repellant
- Waterbottles with water
- Snacks
- First-aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Map
- Phone
- Proper hiking attire and shoes
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