The Hawaiian Islands are not only home to magnificent beaches, but world-class hiking as well. And with near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands. From short and sweet trails to multi-day hikes, the trails you’ll find in the Aloha State are positively enchanting, to say the least. There is no trail, however, as beautiful and underrated as the one we’re going to share with you today.
Nestled along Oahu’s often overlooked leeward coast is a small summit known as Mauna Lahilahi.
Lance Lincoln/AllTrails
A prominent geographic feature on the coast, Lahilahi translates to “thin mountain” in the Hawaiian language, an apt description for this tiny mountain nestled on a 11,000-acre peninsula. It is said that Lahilahi was sacred to Kane, the Hawaiian god of procreation and the father of all living creatures, and that another god named Ai’ai declared the area surrounding Mauna Lahilahi to be a prime fishing location.
Milton Campbell/AllTrails
It is near this tiny and fascinating mountain that you will find the incredible Makaha Trail.
Johnathan Sutton/AllTrails
Measuring in at just 1.3 miles, this moderately trafficked out and back trail is as easy as they come. The trail wraps its way around Mauna Lahilahi, through sand, over rocks, and past trees. The trail is accessible year-round, but depending on when you visit, you’ll find striking wildflowers.
Shannon Pagan/AllTrails
If you’re interested in a more challenging hike, you can climb to the top of Mauna Lahilahi, where you will find jaw-dropping views of the Waianae Mountains, the leeward coast, and the Pacific Ocean.
Marvin’s Imageries/Flickr
This is also the perfect place to try your hand at rock climbing. It’s easily one of the only trails on the island described as both easy and containing climbing.
Lance Lincoln/AllTrails
At the mountain’s eastern end, you will find a variety of petroglyphs as well as a few small stone platforms, shrines, and a possible heiau site.
Shannon Pagan/AllTrails
Mauna Lahilahi’s 230-foot summit once served as a lookout point, and still offers incredible views of the western shoreline and any approaching boats.
Lance Lincoln/AllTrails
Whether you stay close to sea level or tackle Oahu’s smallest summit, this is one hike you’ll never forget.
Valorie Farmer/AllTrails
Have you ever hiked this unique trail? To learn more about the climb to the summit of Mauna Lahilahi, click here. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit so you can check out Yokohama Bay after your hike.
Lance Lincoln/AllTrails
Milton Campbell/AllTrails
Johnathan Sutton/AllTrails
Shannon Pagan/AllTrails
Marvin’s Imageries/Flickr
Valorie Farmer/AllTrails
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