The best walks and hikes around Makaha Valley
4.4
(70)
823
hikers
9
hikes
Hiking around Makaha Valley, located on the leeward side of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, offers diverse landscapes ranging from rugged mountains to coastal environments. The valley is nestled at the foot of the Waiʻanae Mountain Range, extending towards the Pacific Ocean. Trails often feature lush forests, cross the Makaha river, and provide views of Mount Ka'ala, Oʻahu's highest peak.
Best hiking trails around Makaha Valley
- The most popular hiking route is Pink Pillbox Hike/Puʻu O Hulu Trail to PuʻUʻOhulu Kai — Oʻahu, an easy 1.4 miles (2.2 km) trail that takes about 50 minutes to complete. This route offers panoramic views of the coastline and valley.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Sea arch at Kaʻena Point – Yokohama Bay loop from Mākaha Valley, an easy 4.5 miles (7.2 km) path. This coastal trail leads to Kaʻena Point, offering ocean views and opportunities to see tide pools.
- Local hikers also love the Mount Kaʻala Trail — Waianae Kai Forest Reserve, Oʻahu, a 6.7 miles (10.9 km) trail leading through the Waiʻanae Kai Forest Reserve, often completed in about 5 hours 55 minutes.
- Hiking around Makaha Valley is defined by dramatic mountainous terrain, lush valley floors, and coastal access. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain ascents.
- The routes in Makaha Valley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Makaha Valley's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.8
(12)
224
hikers
2.22km
00:53
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
68
hikers
10.9km
05:57
1,040m
1,040m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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9
hikers
4.40km
02:00
320m
320m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.9
(9)
175
hikers
1.84km
00:44
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
18
hikers
7.24km
03:30
580m
580m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Popular around Makaha Valley
Tips from the Community
This secondpillbox is an old WWII observatory point that feels like it's on the edge of the world. Being that this point is on the west coast, the sunsets are absolutely ludicrusly amazing!
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Once you reach the summit with its helipad, it's finally time to have a break and appreciate what you have achieved. Enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
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This is a narrow paved road heading up into the Waianae Kai Forest Reserve. The traffic you'll encounter will be hikers heading up to the trail. If you are really looking for a challenge, you can continue up Mount Kaʻala Trail that has some scrambling and steep sections.
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At the top of this trail is a pink pillbox that provides scenic views in real life, and some instagram worthy content. The pillbox provides some of the best views on this side of the island and being that it is west facing, is ideal at sunset.
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This is a narrow paved road heading up into the Waianae Kai Forest Reserve. The traffic you'll encounter will be hikers heading up to the trail.
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Puʻu Hapapa Summit Trail is the challenging part of your hike to Puʻu Hapapa Summit. It includes many tough inclines, rock scrambling and drop-offs that are not for you if you are afraid of heights. But on the other hand, this trail also offers great views, especially once you reach the ridge.
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Kolekole Trail is the first section of the hike to Puʻu Hapapa. It's a relatively easy hike without big inclines, and you don't need to have any experience in hiking (if you however want to continue to the summit, we're talking about much more inclines and more demanding trails!). As the trail is located on military land, make sure that you need a valid DOD card or a visitor pass to access the trail.
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Before attempting to hike along Mount Kaʻala Trail, please be aware that this might be one of the toughest hikes on the island. The hike includes almost 3,600 feet in altitude and there are many sections where you have to scramble over muddy boulders with the help of attached ropes (gloves might be useful). But if you're up for the challenge, you will love the views along your way, so get ready for a great adventure!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Makaha Valley?
Makaha Valley offers 8 distinct hiking trails. These routes vary in difficulty and length, providing options for different experience levels, from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain ascents.
What kind of terrain can I expect when hiking in Makaha Valley?
Hiking in Makaha Valley presents a diverse landscape. You'll encounter rugged mountainous terrain within the Waiʻanae Mountain Range, lush valley floors, and coastal paths that offer views of the Pacific Ocean. Many trails also cross the Makaha river, adding to the varied environment.
Are there trails suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy walk?
Yes, Makaha Valley has options for beginners. There are 2 easy trails available. For instance, the Sea arch at Kaʻena Point – Yokohama Bay loop from Mākaha Valley is an easy 4.5-mile coastal path, perfect for a relaxed outing with ocean views.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced adventurers?
Absolutely. For experienced hikers, there are 4 difficult trails. The Mount Kaʻala Trail — Waianae Kai Forest Reserve, Oʻahu is a strenuous 6.7-mile route with significant elevation gain, leading to Oʻahu's highest peak and offering breathtaking panoramic views.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to look out for?
Makaha Valley is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the Kaneana Cave, discover unique formations like the Heart-Shaped Rock Hole, or hike to the Mauna Lahilahi Summit and Overlook for epic views. The Heart-Shaped Rock Arch at Kaʻena Point State Park is another remarkable sight.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Makaha Valley?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic mountainous terrain, lush valley floors, and accessible coastal paths, as well as the diverse options for different ability levels.
Are there any loop trails in Makaha Valley?
Yes, there are loop options available. For example, the Sea arch at Kaʻena Point – Yokohama Bay loop from Mākaha Valley is an easy 4.5-mile coastal loop that offers stunning ocean views and opportunities to see tide pools.
Is there a specific trail that offers panoramic views of the coastline?
For panoramic views of the coastline and valley, consider the Pink Pillbox Hike/Puʻu O Hulu Trail to PuʻUʻOhulu Kai — Oʻahu. This easy 1.4-mile trail is a popular choice for its scenic vistas.
What is the best time of year to hike in Makaha Valley?
Makaha Valley, located on the leeward side of Oʻahu, generally experiences drier conditions compared to other parts of the island. While hiking is possible year-round, the cooler, drier months from November to May might be more comfortable, especially for longer or more strenuous trails. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
Are there any historical sites in or near Makaha Valley?
Yes, Makaha Valley is home to Kāne'āki Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple with significant historical importance. It originated as an agricultural temple and later became a luakini. While not a hiking trail itself, it's a cultural attraction within the valley that can be visited in conjunction with outdoor excursions.
Are there any trails that lead to a summit or viewpoint?
Several trails offer summit or viewpoint experiences. The Mount Kaʻala Trail leads to Oʻahu's highest point, offering expansive views. Additionally, the Mauna Lahilahi Summit and Overlook provides excellent vistas after a shorter ascent.
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