You are PCSing to Oahu, or maybe you just got here! CONGRATULATIONS! There is a lot to explore. After all the stress that comes with a PCS to Hawaii, it will all be worth it when you can spend your weekends exploring the island and having fun! In fact, we bet you are dying to show your friends and family on the mainland how awesome island living is! There is no better photo opportunity than a gorgeous sunrise over the Pacific Ocean on top of a mountain in Hawaii. A sunrise view is the ultimate reward for waking up when it is still dark out, making it to the top of a mountain and enjoying the view. The only thing better is breakfast afterwards (which is a blog post in itself). Whether you are looking for a sunrise hike for the photo opportunities, a nice family activity or you are just looking for some good morning PT, we have a list of some of the best sunrise views.
Lanikai Pill Box Hike
A relaxing hike with an incredible pay-off! This hike is one of the more family friendly hikes, you can do with the kids at any age, and you can even take the family dog with you! It is a very small up hill hike toward the first pill box and the first view. You can get everyone in your hiking party up hill in about 30 minutes or less. The hike does not have to stop there, though! You can travel along the ridge to the next pill box and get an even better view of the sunrise as it peaks over the Mokalua island in the distance. A round trip at a moderate pace will take about 2 hours total!
Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
Easy and safe but you get to enjoy the sunrise experience! Okay, so maybe you want the pictures and you are looking for a workout but dirt trails and mud are not your speed. Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail is perfect for you! It is a paved road trail all the way to the end of its 1.5 mile trail. The sun rising over the ocean is gorgeous and you can get and you can get some amazing views of the Polynesian mountains along the east coast of the island. If you are and expert hiker do not let "easy hike" deter you, because the view itself is worth checking out!
Koko Head Crater Trail
A challenge with an incredible reward! This one might have the best view in our opinion, but the hike up can be very intimidating for some! You have probably heard some things about the hike already: the infamous 1,048 steps to the top! Do not let it deter you though, this is a hike you can still take the family on at your leasure. The trail is a straight path of stairs to the top. It is a great leg work out and will have you seriously sore. The biggest challenge is pushing to the top! When you finally do make it to the top, it is all worth it because the sunrise is FANTASTIC! This is the perfect sunrise experience in Hawaii.
We would LOVE to know, what is your favorite sunrise hike? Have you tried and of these? Comment below and let us know! We want to hear from you!
If you love these hikes and want them in you back yard, check out some homes in the area HERE!