Planning to do some epic hiking on Oahu? You won’t believe these amazing North Shore Oahu hikes for families. Scroll down to see them all!
This North Shore Oahu Hikes post was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning some hiking adventures on your Oahu trip?
The North Shore has some of the most gorgeous trails on the island, and I’m not just saying that because I’m obsessed with this area (though I totally am).
Look, I get it. You’re trying to figure out which hikes are worth your limited vacation time, which ones your kids can actually handle, and which ones won’t leave everyone cranky and exhausted.
As a professional tourist who’s spent way too much time researching Hawaii trails, I’m breaking down the best North Shore Oahu hikes that families will genuinely enjoy.
And here’s the thing about hiking on the North Shore: it’s not just about getting exercise.
These trails give you a completely different perspective of Oahu than what you see from the beach.
You’ll walk through rainforests, climb to old WWII bunkers, and catch views that’ll make your Instagram followers seriously jealous.
My Top Pick: Waimea Valley and Falls
If you only do one hike on the North Shore, make it Waimea Valley. This is hands-down the best family-friendly waterfall hike on Oahu, and I’ll tell you why.
The trail is only about three-quarters of a mile to the waterfall, it’s completely paved, and it’s flat enough that you can push a stroller the whole way.
But here’s what makes it special: you’re walking through an absolutely stunning botanical garden with over 5,000 different plants.
My kids actually stayed interested because there’s so much to look at.
At the end, you reach a 45-foot waterfall where you can actually swim (when conditions allow). They provide free life vests, and there’s a lifeguard on duty.
The lifeguards check conditions every morning at 9am and decide if swimming is allowed that day.
The Details:
- Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and college students, $15 for kids
- Open 9am to 5pm daily
- Takes about 30 minutes to walk to the falls (longer if you stop to look at everything)
- If someone in your group can’t handle the walk, there’s a shuttle for $10 one-way
Pro tip: Call (808) 638-7766 in the morning to check if swimming is allowed before you go. Also, bring bug spray. Trust me on this one.
This is genuinely one of the best Oahu waterfalls you can visit with kids.
Turtle Bay Resort Trails (Yes, They’re Free!)
Here’s something most tourists don’t realize: you can hike the trails at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay even if you’re not staying there. All the beaches and trails are public access by Hawaii law.
There are several trails to choose from, ranging from half a mile to three miles. Some are even stroller-friendly, which is rare for North Shore trails.
My favorite thing about these trails? You can combine hiking with beach time at Keiki Cove, which has super calm, shallow water that’s perfect for little kids.
One trail takes you to an old WWII pillbox right by the ocean. Another leads to this massive banyan tree that’s been in a bunch of movies. You can also hike out to Kahuku Point if you’re feeling ambitious.
Park in the public beach parking area and just tell security you’re heading to the trails or beach. It’s completely free, and you get to explore this gorgeous coastline without paying resort prices.
Kaena Point Trail: For the Adventurers
If your family is up for a longer adventure, Kaena Point is spectacular. This is about 5 miles round trip from the North Shore side, and it takes you to the westernmost point of Oahu.
Fair warning: there’s basically zero shade, so you need to start early or late in the day. Bring way more water than you think you need. I always pack at least one bottle per person, plus extras.
But here’s why it’s worth it: you’re walking along this dramatic coastline with tide pools, potential whale sightings (in winter), and if you’re lucky, Hawaiian monk seals hanging out on the beach.
At the end, you reach the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, which is a protected sanctuary for seabirds like Laysan albatross.
The trail is pretty flat, but it’s not stroller-friendly because you’re on an old unpaved road that’s pretty rocky.
Kids around 5 and up usually do fine, but younger ones might struggle with the distance.
Important Gear:
- Good hiking shoes (not flip flops!)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Multiple water bottles per person
- Hats and sunglasses
Looking for even more North Shore activities? Check out my Oahu Travel Guide for everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
Ehukai Pillbox: Sunset Views Over Pipeline
Want to watch the sunset from above one of the world’s most famous surf breaks? The Ehukai Pillbox hike (also called Sunset Pillbox) is your spot.
This is a moderately challenging hike that’s about 2.3 miles total. The first part is steep, and I mean really steep. There are ropes to help you climb up, which is fun for older kids but probably too much for anyone under 7 or 8.
The payoff? You reach not one but two old military pillboxes with absolutely insane views of the North Shore coastline.
You can see Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and on big wave days in winter, you can watch the surfers from above. It’s incredible.
The second pillbox (the lower one) has a peace sign painted on it and honestly has even better views than the first. Takes about 15-30 minutes to reach the first pillbox, then another 10 minutes to the second.
Where to park: Sunset Beach Elementary School parking lot or the beach parking across the street. Don’t park in the far lot that’s actually for the school.
Best time: Late afternoon for sunset, but bring a headlamp for hiking down in the dark.
This hike can get muddy after rain, so check the weather and wear shoes with good grip.
If you’re planning more time on the North Shore, definitely listen to my podcast episode Oahu’s North Shore vs. South Shore: Which Side Should You Choose? for tips on making the most of this area.
Kaunala Trail: For the Serious Hikers
If you’ve got older kids or teenagers who are in decent shape, Kaunala Trail is a gorgeous 5-mile loop through the Pupukea Forest Reserve. This one definitely earns the “moderate to challenging” rating.
Here’s the catch: it’s only open on weekends and holidays. But if you can time it right, you’ll hike through native Hawaiian forest, cross streams, and get panoramic views of the North Shore and Waianae Mountains.
It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete the loop. The trail starts near the end of Pupukea Road (look for signs near Sunset Ranch and Camp Pupukea).
There’s some elevation gain, and parts can be muddy and slippery after rain, so those good hiking boots are essential.
Know before you go: This is in a public hunting area, so wear bright colors and stay on the marked trail. Also, since it’s only open weekends, it can get busy. Go early if you want a more peaceful hike.
Quick Family-Friendly Options
Not every hike needs to be an all-day adventure. Here are some shorter trails perfect for families with little kids:
Kaiaka Bay Trail: This is a super easy half-mile loop right in Haleiwa. It takes you along a lava and coral beach, and it’s short enough that even toddlers can handle it. Perfect if you just want to stretch your legs for 20 minutes.
North Shore Bike Trail: This paved path runs between the road and the beaches, with tons of shade from trees and vines growing overhead. It’s stroller-friendly and great for walking from beach to beach. You can cover as much or as little distance as you want.
Kualoa Regional Park Trail: Another easy, flat trail that loops around the beach park. It’s about 2 miles total and completely stroller-friendly. The views of the Koolau mountain range are stunning, and it’s a nice way to get some movement without anything too strenuous.
What To Pack For North Shore Hikes
After hiking all over Oahu with kids, here’s what I always bring:
- Way more water than seems necessary (seriously, the heat is no joke)
- Reef-safe sunscreen and hats
- Bug spray (mosquitoes love the shady trails)
- Snacks to keep everyone’s energy up
- Small first aid kit with bandaids and antiseptic
- Swimsuits under your clothes (a lot of hikes end near beaches)
- Waterproof phone case for photos
If you’re planning to explore more of Oahu’s nature, check out these easy Oahu hikes and kid-friendly hikes guides.
Planning Your North Shore Day
Here’s my advice: don’t try to hike every trail in one day. Pick one or two hikes, leave plenty of time, and build in beach and food time too.
A typical North Shore day for families might look like:
- Morning hike (when it’s cooler)
- Lunch at one of the food trucks in Haleiwa
- Afternoon beach time
- Early dinner watching the sunset
If you’re driving up from Waikiki, factor in about an hour each way. The drive itself is gorgeous, especially if you take the scenic route up the windward coast.
Need help planning your whole Oahu trip? I offer Hawaii travel consultations where I can help you figure out the perfect itinerary for your family.
I’ve been visiting Hawaii over 40 times since I was 10, and as a Certified Hawaii Destination Expert, I know all the insider tips for making your trip amazing.
You can also grab my free email course How to Plan a Trip to Oahu for step-by-step planning help.
Getting There and Around
Most of these North Shore hikes require a car. While you technically could take The Bus up to the North Shore, it takes forever and isn’t practical if you’re on vacation with kids.
I always recommend booking a rental car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare all the major companies and usually find the best rates. Plus, you’ll need a car for exploring the rest of Oahu anyway.
If you want to do a guided hike instead, check out tour options on Viator or Get Your Guide. Some tours will pick you up from Waikiki and handle all the logistics, which can be nice if you don’t want to drive.
Capture Those Memories
You’re going to want photos of these hikes, trust me. The views are incredible.
If you want professional photos without the stress of taking them yourself, book Flytographer before your trip.
They’ll meet you at your hiking spot and capture your family in these gorgeous locations. You can save $20 when you book through my link.
Should You Hike the North Shore?
Absolutely. The North Shore trails offer something different from the typical Waikiki tourist experience. You get to see the real Hawaii, the lush forests and dramatic coastlines that make this island so special.
Just pick trails that match your family’s fitness level. Don’t feel like you need to do the most challenging hike to have a great experience. Sometimes the easy, paved path to a waterfall is exactly what you need.
If you’re still deciding between different parts of Oahu, my Oahu Travel Guide for Families covers all the major areas and can help you figure out where to spend your time.
Ready to plan your North Shore adventure? These hikes will give you the Hawaii experience you’re looking for, without the crowds you’d find at Diamond Head or other popular spots closer to Waikiki.
Pack that water, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready for some incredible views.
Looking for more Hawaii planning help? Join my free email course How to Travel to Hawaii Like a Pro for insider tips on making your Hawaii trip amazing