6 Best Oahu Sunrise Hikes & Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by Tori’s VA

With many incredible hikes on all of the Hawaiian islands, it can be difficult to pick ones to do on your vacation. Here are the 5 best Oahu sunrise hikes to explore on your next Hawaiian vacation.

Planning a perfect trip to Hawaii? Check out my other Hawaii posts including the best things to do on Oahu.

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Explore the Best Oahu Sunrise Hikes

Hawaii seems like the ultimate relaxation destination to many. But with beaches and resort-style pools located all over the continental U.S., why fly all the way to Hawaii just to sit in a chair on the beach? Instead, explore every inch of the island, learn the history, see the landscapes and meet the people.

Sunrise and sunset are obviously amazing times to go on a hike. The stunning views are only more incredible as the sky changes colors. Normally, sunrise sounds a little less realistic as getting up early enough can be hard. But if you’re from the continental U.S., this will be made much easier in Hawaii! Your body will take a while to adjust to the time change and you’re likely to wake up long before sunrise anyways. So, get up and head to one of the best Oahu sunrise hikes, since you’ll be up anyway!

The other benefit of sunrise versus sunset, is that the crowds are usually much smaller during sunrise. You’ll have a lot of the hike to yourself and won’t have to fight for a spot at the top.

Additionally, most of the best Oahu hikes are on the east side of the island. This means that sunrise will be over the ocean and sunset will be over land. Sunset is still beautiful, just not like the beautiful way it looks with the light bouncing off the water.

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Safety on the Best Oahu Sunrise Hikes

Generally speaking, Oahu is very safe. Going on a sunrise hike means you will be out while it’s still dark so make sure to take precautions and be smart. While sunrise hikes are at your own risk, here are a few tips I have to help stay safe on the best Oahu sunrise hikes.

Parking

Park in a place that is lit. Either a lit parking lot or a street with street lights. Then, do not leave any valuables in your car. It’s best to leave valuables at the hotel, but if you didn’t then you must take them with you. While the island is very safe, car theft is a problem especially with rental cars. Many people recommend that you leave the car doors unlocked to prevent thieves from shattering your window.

Light

Since you will be hiking up in the dark, it is absolutely mandatory that you bring a headlamp so you can see. It will be pitch black on the trails and they are full of steps, roots and rocks that you will trip over if you can’t see. A flashlight is not sufficient as you will likely need your hands on the trail, or will need to hold your water bottle at times. This is the headlamp that we use. They’re inexpensive and very bright to see long distances. This is the one I use, it’s cheap and works well.

AllTrails App

To stay safe when hiking, you’ll need to download the AllTrails App.  It’s a free app that has information on virtually every hiking trail around the world. The platform gives detailed information and allows others to leave reviews on the trail.

The safety component is that the app allows you to download the map of the trail before you begin. From there, it tracks your location and lets you be sure that you are following the right path the entire way. This will prevent you from going off trail by accident and getting lost.

Things You Need for the Best Oahu Sunrise Hikes

Headlamps

As I mentioned above, headlamps are the most important thing to bring with you on the best Oahu sunrise hikes. It will keep you safe and allow you to see before the sun rises. You don’t need anything expensive; this headlamp is the one I have and it works great.

Hiking boots/shoes

While you can probably get away with sneakers on any of these trails, it is highly encouraged to wear hiking shoes or hiking boots. They will provide you with a better grip to the ground and to steps. The island sees a lot of rain and moisture with the ocean surrounding it on all sides. This means the trails are frequently muddy and slippery, so hiking shoes will come in very handy to prevent falls. These are the hiking shoes and accompanying hiking boots that I have and adore them. They took zero time to break in, are incredibly comfortable and have a lot of traction. And the bonus; they have cute colors!

Hiking Backpack

While you don’t need a backpack, you might if you want to bring anything along with you. Many will want to bring their camera, a tripod, extra water, something for protection or a blanket to sit on at the top. So, you will need a great hiking backpack that has a strap across your chest to distribute the weight. I personally love this backpack and think it’s great for the average day-hiker. It’s got the weight distribution straps, a water bladder included for hands-free hydration and a rain cover.

Water Bottle

If you don’t get the backpack above with the included water bladder, then I highly recommend you buy a water bladder to add to your current backpack. It’s incredibly useful and convenient while hiking, and honestly will make you drink more, therefore staying more properly hydrated on your hikes. I have this water bladder and love it.

If you prefer to have a bottle, get a great insulated one like this. I recommend a water bottle pouch to carry your water bottle as well so you can keep your hands free should you need them on the trail.

Camera & Tripod

For some your phone will do just fine, but if you’re like me then you’ll want to bring along a nicer camera. I currently use this one. And for some awesome shots with you in the photo, bring a small portable tripod.

What Time to Start the Best Oahu Sunrise Hikes

Look up the exact sunrise time for the day you plan to hike. The sunrise changes every day so it’s important to look at the correct date. Once you know the sunrise time, subtract the amount of time that is expected it will take to get to the top of the peak/crater. Then, always add more time, at least 30 to 60 extra minutes to account for any delays you might have.

This could include snoozing your alarm, taking longer to get ready or to get to your car. It could take longer to drive to the trailhead. Or of course, it could take you longer to hike than you expected. Everyone hikes at different speeds, and you don’t want to be in a hurry and then get hurt. And then, if you end up having extra time, you can sit at the top and just enjoy the show.

The 6 Best Oahu Sunrise Hikes

This is easily the most unique trail on the island, and why I put it on the top of the list for the best Oahu sunrise hikes. The Koko Crater tramway trail runs along the tracks of an old unused tramway that once carried supplies to the military fort that used to sit at the top. Now that the fort sits unused, so do the tracks up the side of the crater. The hike is .8 miles to get to the top, but is practically straight up. Locals refer to this hike as “Nature’s Stairmaster” for good reason. You’ll climb the wooden railroad ties just like a set of really, really tall stairs.

The hike is very hard for the average person, but take it slow and break often to catch your breath and you’ll make it no problem. I love hiking but am not necessarily in amazing shape, and I handled it with lots of stops and water!

The sunrise from the top is outstanding. The crater is located on a point in the island where there’s water on almost three full sides. The sunlight glistens against the water as the sky changes all sorts of colors. Look around at the land below and you might be able to pick out some spots below! We found Hanauma Bay!

Pro tip: Visit Koko Head Cafe after the hike for breakfast. But be sure to check the website and get on the waitlist early as they fill up fast. The restaurant is owned by award-winning chef Lee Anne Wong, a famous contestant from Top Chef. The food is unique and out of this world. A great reward for a completed hike. Have more time? Head to Hanauma Bay to go snorkeling on Oahu and cool off!

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

When you start at the parking lot, choose the path that heads up the hill on the left. The one that leads down on the right will take you to the beach. Don’t worry, you can go there after the hike.

This trail is by far the best option for people visiting with kids or people who have mobility difficulties. The entire path is paved and the inclines are not too dramatic. However, there is enough of an incline that I would bring a stroller for young kids.

Since the trail is paved, it’s easier on your legs and knees and is the only trail that I would recommend you do in sneakers or hiking sandals rather than hiking boots. The entire trail hugs the coastline, so if you’re running late you can watch the sunrise the entire way up. And, it will provide gorgeous views through the walk back to the car.

If you’re visiting in the winter, keep your eyes peeled as it is common to see whales from the trail. This is a great trail to hike on Oahu in February.

At the end of the trail you will find stunning views of the ocean and the jagged mountains around you. And, there’s a little lighthouse that sits on the cliff below. An added treat for your beautiful sunrise photos.

This view was the best for turquoise blue waters once the sun came up. So be sure to stay long enough to experience the shades of bright blue in the water below.

Diamond Head

Miles: 1.9 mi total
Elevation Gain: 524 ft
Expected Time to the Top: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (plus time to watch the sunrise at the top)
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Distance from Waikiki: 12 minutes
Where to Park: When you pull up to Diamond Head Crater, you will first show your reservation to enter the parking lot. There will be ample space to park right where the trail begins.

Diamond Head is a state monument and has more restrictions than the other trails. For starters, non-Hawaii residents must pay an entrance fee of $5 per person plus $10 to park per car. As of 2023, reservations are required to be made in advance, and you will select your date and time slot before you go. They do sell out, so try to book at least a few weeks in advance.

The other thing to note is that Diamond Head opens at 6am. Sadly, this means that you cannot make it for sunrise all year long. During much of the summer the sun is already up by the time the gates open. However, in the winter you will have plenty of time to get up to the summit if you arrive right at 6am when they open.

When we first visited Oahu it was September and I chose not to hike Diamond Head for this exact reason. However, when I realized that the sun rises after 7am in February during our most recent trip, I was so excited and made our reservations right away. This is the best Oahu sunrise hikes to add to your itinerary if you go in February to Oahu.

And for some perspective, I hiked Diamond Head 26 weeks pregnant with a serious breathing condition…it was hard but you better bet I made it to the top for sunrise! It’s so close to Waikiki that I’ve included it on my list of the best things to do in Waikiki!

Kaiwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillboxes)

While any sunrise view over the crystal waters from Oahu is gorgeous, this one makes the list of best Oahu sunrise hikes for its unique (and quite famous) location on the island. Ever seen the iconic photo of Hawaii with the two picture-perfect islands sitting just off the coast? That was taken from Lanikai beach, or the trail that sits on the ridge right above.

The hike is rated as hard due to the fact that some scrambling is involved. Otherwise, it would definitely be more of a moderate trail. The elevation gain is steep but not quite as dramatic as Koko Crater.

But the reason you come here is for the views of the sun rising over the two beautiful islands off the coast. It’s postcard ready and you’ll never want to leave that spot.

While you’re at the top of the ridge you can also check out the “pillboxes” where the old military lookouts used to be. Now they have turned into a spot for locals to leave their own mark adding beautiful art and some graffiti to the cement structures. The pillboxes provide a great spot to rest and watch the sun come up over the horizon.

Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail

The longest hike on the list of best Oahu sunrise hikes is Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail. It’s located very close to Waikiki, and is rated as moderate. Since the hike is considerably longer, you will have to start this one earlier than the rest, so take that into consideration when making your plans.

This hike is set back from the water a ways and sees more green foliage than the previous hikes. From the peak you’ll get to enjoy the stunning sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, and better views of the green mountains around you. Off in the distance you can spot the famous islands off of Lanikai Beach!

This trail can get very muddy so hiking shoes or boots are a must. The first half of the incline is switchbacks, followed by steep stairs for the second half. There is a second peak at the very top, with ropes to assist you in getting up. Please climb at your own risk and only do what you are comfortable with. The first peak offers beautiful views if you want to stop there.

Olomana Trail

The Olomana Trail is difficult but incredible for the landscapes alone. The sunrise views from the top are an added perk here, because the ridge you are climbing holds all of the glory for this hike.

You’ll be on a trail that crawls along the spine of a ridge, just look at these pictures to see how unique this is!

While the trail is very challenging, there are three peaks so you don’t have to do all three. The first one offers the best views, so you can rest easy knowing you saw that should you decide to head back. Take the trail slow, take breaks as necessary and wear hiking boots to help prevent slipping in any muddy spots. But be prepared as this is the most difficult of the five hikes, and best to avoid if it has rained recently.

There’s a new beautiful sunrise for you to enjoy each and every day. Just remember to be safe, and always be respectful. If you’re parking in a neighborhood, be quite and courteous. Never leave trash on the hike, bring back everything you brought!

Now get out there and see as many as you possibly can from the best sunrise hikes on Oahu. And after you finish your hike each day, make the rest of the day great by enjoying some of the best things to do on Oahu.