travel blog, minus the bull$hit

Checklist:

• Sunscreen and other sun protection
• Water
• Bug spray
• Anti-anxiety meds if needed

How you know you’re on a hike in Oahu: if at some point during the hike you fear for your life. If you don’t fear for your life, then it’s probably just a walk.

If you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore the island’s natural beauty, here are some hikes you should check out. But keep in mind I do also have a fairly bad fear of heights.

Diamond Head Trail

This is a moderate hike that takes you to the top of Diamond Head, an extinct volcanic crater.

Distance: 0.8 miles each way

Duration: about 1-2 hours

Personal fear rating: 6/10 was scared of getting tetanus from the spiral stairs…maybe bump that up to 7/10 because of the steep stairs

Manoa Falls Trail

This is a relatively easy hike that takes you through a lush forest to the base of a 150-foot waterfall.

Distance: about 1.6 miles each way

Duration: about 1-2 hours

Personal fear rating: 3/10 slippery when raining

Koko Head Crater Trail

This is a challenging hike that takes you up a steep, 1,048-step staircase to the top of Koko Head Crater.

Distance: 1.8 miles each way

Duration: about 2-3 hours (or under 1 if you’re built different)

Personal fear rating: 10/10 I am afraid of heights so going down was not it. I also tripped on the tracks and was convinced I was going to fall to my death.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

This is an easy hike that takes you to the top of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Distance: 2 miles each way

Duration: about 1-2 hours

Personal fear rating: 1/10 issa walk y’all but looking over a cliff is not my thing

Pu’u Manamana Trail

This is a challenging hike that takes you along a narrow ridge with steep drops on either side.

Distance: 3 miles each way

Duration: about 4-5 hours

Personal fear rating: 8/10

Wa’ahila Ridge Trail

This is a moderate hike that takes you through a forest and offers beautiful views of the city and the ocean.

Distance: 4.5 miles each way

Duration: about 3-4 hours

Personal fear rating: 1/10

Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox)

Distance: 1.7 miles each way

Duration: about 40 minutes

Personal fear rating: 14/10 I got LOST, did not know how to get my ass home, and genuinely feared I’d get kidnapped and never make it back home #IYKYK

Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

This is a challenging hike that takes you to the top of a mountain with panoramic views of the city and the ocean.

Distance: 4 miles each way

Duration: about 4-5 hours

Personal fear rating: 6/10