Hawaii Hiking Trails
Popular Hawaiian Hiking Trails Guide
Prepare to discover Hawaii's most enchanting paths with our comprehensive guide to the islands' top hiking trails. Each Hawaiian island is an adventure playground filled with stunning vistas, lush rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and rugged coastlines - all waiting to be explored on foot.
Whether you are an avid hiker or a casual wanderer, there's a trail for you. From the challenging cliffs of Kaua'i's Na Pali Coast to the mesmerizing lava landscapes on the Big Island, from the panoramic views atop Maui's Haleakala Crater to the historical trail of Oahu's Diamond Head, every hike offers a unique encounter with Hawaii's natural beauty.
Dive in, choose your island, and step into a journey that will take your breath away. The magic of Hawaii is truly found off the beaten path, so lace up your hiking boots and let's begin!
HawaiiGuide's Best Hikes in Hawaiʻi
Our editorial ranking of the best hikes and trails across all four islands — chosen by our team, not crowdsourced.
Ranked by John Derrick · covering Hawaiʻi since 2002
easy link: hawaiihikesguide.com
Kilauea Iki Trail
Big Island
#2 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
As you stand at the Kilauea Iki overlook you can see a lightly-etched trail stretching across the crater floor. From your 400 ft high vantage point you might be able to see little specks walking the path: those are people!
Kilauea Iki is an approximately four-mile loop that takes 2-3 hours. It skirts the rim of the crater, dips down and across the floor and back up to the overlook. The portion of Crater Rim Trail that runs along the rim is a dense high-elevation jungle populated with flowering ohia trees and graceful ferns.
Pipiwai Trail
Maui
#3 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The Pipiwai Trail is located at the Oheo Gulch (7 Sacred Pools), in northeast Maui. This four-mile (round trip) trail takes you through some incredible sights, including a mysterious bamboo forest that’s sure to delight, and concludes at the impressive horseshoe-shaped valley with 400’ Waimoiku Falls cascading down the walls before you.
Be sure to take your camera or phone, it’s not every day you’ll get a sight this impressive. Best of all, Waimoku Falls is usually flowing, even when it has been dry on Maui – so it’s always worth the hike.
Diamond Head (Leahi) Trail
Oʻahu
#4 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The trail to the summit of Diamond Head (Hawaiian name Le’ahi), near Waikiki, was built in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Artillery defense system.
From the trailhead to the summit of Diamond Head Crater, it is 0.8miles (1.3km) one way, and it is a 560 foot (171m) climb from the crater floor. Allow 1.5-2 hours for a safe and leisurely round-trip hike. The trail follows an uneven and at times steep terrain, and caution as well as appropriate footwear are required.
At the top, there are extensive 360-degree views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and the surrounding area. From here you can clearly view the bunkers situated along the crater rim that was built in 1915. There are also sweeping views of the southeastern Oahu coastline towards Koko Head and the offshore islands of Moloka’i, Lana’i, and Maui. The elevation at the summit is 761 feet (232m).
Effective May 12, 2022, reservations are required to visit, and all visitors parking vehicles in the crater will be required to book in two-hour time slots beginning at 6 a.m. (two consecutive slots can be booked). Walk-in and drop-off visitors will be subject to one-hour entry time slots. Arrival and exit times will be enforced to assure adequate turnover to allow for later arrivals. Park hours and visitor entrance fees are available at Hawaii DLNR.
Hanakapiʻai Falls Trail
Kauaʻi
#5 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
After the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail bring you to Hanakapiʻai Beach, a side trail turns inland and climbs about two more miles up the valley to Hanakapiʻai Falls — a 300-foot ribbon pouring into a boulder-strewn pool deep in the Na Pali interior.
It's a fairly strenuous day — roughly 8 miles round trip with multiple stream crossings and about 760 feet of gain past the beach — but the payoff is one of Kauaʻi's great waterfalls. Start early, and skip it entirely if the streams are running high; flash floods here have turned deadly, and you should never cross fast-moving water.
Keoneheehee - Sliding Sands Trail
Maui
#6 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The Sliding Sands Trail is located atop Haleakala Volcano in Haleakala National Park. You’ll want to dress warmly for this hike, as it can get quite chilly.
Also, be sure to prepare yourself for jaw-dropping views into the Haleakala volcano. It may look big from the summit lookout, but to really appreciate just how BIG this volcano is, you’ll want to hike down into it a bit. Go as far as you feel comfortable because it’s going to be some work physically to get back out. The elevation loss/gain is pretty consistent, so even if you only hike the first half or full mile in, it won’t be bad hiking out.
Be sure to stay on the trail, you don’t want to damage the rare and native Silverswords that grow near and around the trail. The contrasts of colors as you go along the trail are incredible, and the Martian-like landscape is pretty amazing to view in person – photos just don’t do it justice.
Koko Crater Railway Trail
Oʻahu
#7 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The Koko Head Hike railway “stairs” is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. However, if you’re up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit.
Although it is a short hike of 1.4 miles, it is grueling with an extreme incline that will have you doubting you can ever reach the top. A relic of World War II, the military constructed Koko Head Railway to transport supplies and soldiers. The site has had many functions until it was finally passed onto the City of Honolulu and became Koko Head Regional Park in 1966.
The trail heads up 990ft at a very steep incline, and the views at the Koko Head Crater summit are 1208ft above sea level. There are 1,048 railroad ties to climb and then 30 feet to the lookout.
Pololu Valley Awini Trail
Big Island
#8 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
If you take the time to drive all the way to Pololu Valley at the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! Take the time to explore.
The trail sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach (Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike.
Waihee Ridge Trail
Maui
#9 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
Waihee Ridge Trail, located in northwest Maui, takes you along a journey up the spine of Waihee Valley, and while it can be quite a climb (especially at first), the journey is very Kauai-esque if you ask us. Kauai is the oldest and westernmost major island in the chain, and this hike has scenery we feel resembles that island.
If it’s clear of clouds when you reach the top, the views are surreal. Even if the clouds do sock you in, it’s a mystic experience to sit there in the silence and focus on the energy of Maui.
This is one of our favorite hikes, and if not for the steep incline at the beginning of the trail (and it is really steep) we think this trail would be a lot more popular.
Kuli'ou'ou Ridge Trail
Oʻahu
#10 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The Kuliouou Ridge Trail is about 4.4 miles round trip and takes a good three to four hours to complete. Less then half an hour from Waikiki, the trailhead is located at the end of residential Kalaau Place.
It is moderate in its challenge and features some stairs that make the climb easier. It is a pretty rocky terrain on steep inclines with many local varieties of plants and trees. The trail travels through several different environments showcasing the diversity of the Oahu landscape.
The trail continues through an interesting archway of banyan branches, to an even more breathtaking view from the ridge. Stairs make it easier to reach the final plateau where you will thank your lucky stars for persevering when you see the overwhelming views of beautiful East Oahu.
Nualolo Trail
Kauaʻi
#11 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
If you want sweeping views of the NaPali coast, along with up-close views into some of the valleys that grace this beautiful stretch of coastline, then this trail is for you. In our opinion, it's best done as a loop trail combined with Awa'awapuhi Trail.
It's not for the faint of heart; however, as it's a full-day hike that will push your endurance. My wife and I took my parents on this hike once (they were in their late 50's at the time) and it was a little too much for them. But it is certainly a trail we love because it offers amazing views of the NaPali Coast you won't get anywhere else.
Akaka Falls State Park
Big Island
#12 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
Akaka Falls State Park, along with the northeastern Hamakua Coast, is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery to delight visitors.
The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. After taking a short set of stairs, turn left and follow the paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams. You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. Just as you round a corner, you'll catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 ft. through a green-lined gorge.
Makapuu Point & Lighthouse Trail
Oʻahu
#13 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
If you are seeking a great view of Oahu’s southeastern shoreline - with tall sea cliffs and an azure blue ocean - Makapu’u Point is the location for a panoramic view of the coast.
Situated on Kalanianaole Highway on the southeastern tip of the island, Makapu’u is on the right side of the highway about 12 miles east of Honolulu, past Koko Head, Hanauma Bay, and Sandy Beach Park. Makapu’u is a remnant of a volcanic ridge that rises over 600 feet from the ocean. It is the easternmost point on the island of Oahu.
From the lookout, panoramic views of Manana Island and Black Rock Island can be seen as well as the expansive blue ocean. On clear days you can see the entire eastern shore of the island and sometimes you may be able to spot the islands of Molokai and Lanai. This is an ideal place to whale watch in the season. Look for old WW11 bunkers on the cliff edges – some of the many relics from the war that still exist on Oahu.
Waikamoi Ridge Trail
Maui
#14 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The Waikamoi Ridge Trail loop is located along the Road to Hana Highway, in northeast Maui.
It’s a short loop, or you can take the extended path up to the picnic area further up the ridge. This is a great short hike in the 'jungle' for families along the Hana Highway.
Pihea & Alakai Swamp Trail
Kauaʻi
#15 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The start of the Pihea Trail skirts the back of Kalalau Valley offering views into the valley that are incredible. The trail dives into the Alakai Swamp, and eventually intersects the Alakai Swamp Trail.
We recommend taking the Alakai Swamp trail to the end of the boardwalk (which will feel like a lot further than it is) to the Kilohana lookout. Weather permitting, you can see all the way back to Hanalei.
This is a great trail for those looking to really get into the thick of the beautiful Alakai Swamp.
Papakolea 'Green Sand' Beach Hike
Big Island
#16 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
One of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakolea, or Green Sand Beach, is named for the presence of a greenish, semi-precious stone named olivine, which has been extracted out of the base of the Pu'u o Mahana cinder cone and deposited on the sand by the ocean’s waves.
This very secluded beach is located near Ka Lae (South Point) in the Kau district of Hawaii. The hike is a rugged 2-mile dusty labyrinth of ruts that eventually lead to the beach.
Hikes
Ka'iwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillbox Hike)
Oʻahu
#17 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The Kaiwa Ridge Trail, also known as Lanikai Pillbox Hike, is an intermediate hike that will take you to some of the most stunning views on Oahu’s windward side. Sitting above Lanikai Beach, Kaiwa Ridge Trail has a steady steep grade throughout the climb.
However, if you’re up to it, you will enjoy unbeatable views of the Mokulua Islands, Kailua Beach, and Lanikai Beach when you reach the top. It takes about an hour to 90 minutes roundtrip and you can choose how far up you wish to go.
The scenery along the trail offers breathtaking views whether you choose to complete trial another hour along the ridge or not. The trail ends at A’alapapa Street, about a mile from the trailhead.
Iao Valley State Park
Maui
#18 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
While not necessarily a traditional 'hike,' the Iao Valley offers a great place to walk around and explore incredible scenery. Nestled in the lush greenery of the 'Iao Valley is the natural rock formation called the 'Iao Needle.
The green-covered stone protruding from the valley floor is actually an old basaltic core (volcano remnant). The 'Iao Needle is 2,250 feet above sea level, or 1200 feet tall from the valley floor.
The 'Iao Needle is surrounded by a very lovely walkway and garden of lush tropical plants. Surrounded on all sides by the Pu'u Kukui Crater, it was the site of one of the most famous battles in Hawaiian history.
Awa'awapuhi Trail
Kauaʻi
#19 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is the first trail from Kokee State Park to make our list, but it won't be the last. The Awa'awapuhi trail involves a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes, but the journey is worth it - at the end, the trail offers sweeping views of several valleys along the Na Pali coastline.
Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet; so be prepared for the climb out.
Makalawena Beach Hike
Big Island
#20 Best Hike in Hawaiʻi
Like anything worthwhile, Makalawena Beach makes you work a little bit to enjoy it. This secluded white sand beach is a crescent broken up by rocky lumps of lava. Palms and other trees rim the dunes near the northern end where you are greeted with picnic tables and some wild chickens.
To reach Mak Beach, as it's sometimes called, start at the far north end of Kekaha Kai's Mahai'ula Beach and find the rocky a'a path near the clump of palm trees. It's about a 20-minute walk across the lava to the beach.
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