The best walks and hikes in Hickam Air Force Base

The Nimitz Bike Path offers a unique urban hiking experience in Honolulu, blending historical views with surprising pockets of greenery. As you walk this easy 3.6-mile (5.7 km) multi-use path, you'll enjoy shoreline vistas of Pearl Harbor and its Middle Loch, potentially spotting mothballed battleships. Despite passing industrial areas and being shadowed by the H-1 Freeway viaduct in parts, the route also features stretches shaded by kiawe trees and small farms growing taro and watercress, making for an interesting and varied journey.

Planning your visit to the Nimitz Bike Path is straightforward; it's an accessible trail suitable for all skill levels, with a minimal 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain over its 1 hour and 27 minutes duration. Parking is generally available in the urban setting, and the path is dog-friendly, provided your furry friend is on a leash. It's a great option for a relaxed walk or jog when you're looking for an easy outing without the need for extensive planning.

This path stands out for its blend of historical significance and urban accessibility, offering a different perspective of Honolulu compared to more traditional Hawaiian trails. It provides a convenient way to experience a piece of local history and observe the unique mix of industrial and natural landscapes. While primarily a bike path, it serves as an excellent beginner hike or a casual stroll, connecting you to the local environment and offering a glimpse into the area's past.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike along the Hickam Waterfront offers continuous, flat paths with lovely views of the Pearl Harbor channel. You'll pass mature monkeypod trees and lush landscaping, with the distant Wai'anae Range providing a dramatic backdrop. The route, which takes about 57 minutes to complete with only 27 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a leisurely walk and culminates at the moving Missing Man Memorial.

Planning your visit requires U.S. military base access, as the trail is located within Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. There are no permits or fees, but proper identification is essential for entry. This is a great option for a relaxed outing any time of year, though mornings or late afternoons might be cooler.

The trail is part of the larger Hickam Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour of historical landmarks. The Missing Man Memorial itself is a poignant tribute to fallen U.S. Air Force personnel, depicting the "Missing Man Formation" with aircraft facing skywards at Bishop Point, a sharp promontory at the entrance to Pearl Harbor.

The Moanalua Ridge Trail – Kamananui Valley Trail loop offers a dramatic shift in scenery and challenge on O'ahu. You'll start with a peaceful walk through the lush Kamananui Valley, following an old carriage road past historical sites and stream crossings. As you ascend the Moanalua Middle Ridge, the terrain transforms into a steep, narrow ridgeline with exposed tree roots and potential for very muddy conditions, rewarding your effort with increasingly expansive valley views and eventually panoramic vistas from the Ko'olau Summit Trail.

This difficult 10.2-mile (16.3 km) hike involves a significant 2498 feet (761 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 5 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Starting early is crucial due to the trail's length and demanding nature, especially the exposed and potentially slippery ridge sections. Accessing the route from Tripler Army Medical Center provides a convenient starting point for those with base access.

What makes this loop particularly notable is its status as a primary legal route to reach the summit overlooking the famous Haiku Stairs, offering a unique perspective on the iconic 'Stairway to Heaven'. The combination of historical valley exploration and the intense physical challenge of the ridge makes it a truly unforgettable experience for well-prepared hikers seeking one of the best loop trails near Tripler Army Medical Center.