The Best Hiking in Hawaii

The ‘back way’ to the ever popular and still somewhat illegal Haiku Stairs, the Moanalua Middle Ridge hike brings plenty of beauty and even more challenges than the path down the Haiku Stairs. To get to the trailhead, park outside the Moanalua Valley Park and the trail begins just after the green...

The Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a family-friendly hike. The beginning of the trail is steep with loose gravel, but gets more manageable as you climb the trail. The hike is ~1.25 miles one-way and is an out-and-back trail with a 500ft elevation gain. If you’re an...

The parking area for the trail is right off of Hana Hwy. The lot may be packed which isn't surprising as a lot of people visit, but there aren't as many people once you start exploring the falls. From the lot, you will see a food stand beside the start of the trail which a great place to get some...

NOTE: as of April 2021, this trail is closed indefinitely. Please do not attempt to hike on closed trails.  This trail is not for the faint of heart or those easily scared of heights. The crouching lion trail is a 4 mile loop with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The elevation gains and losses a...

Located in close proximity to Honolulu, the 150-foot Mānoa Falls is accessible from the nearest road by a hike of approximately 1 mile (one way). The hike passes through a diverse array of ecosystems and feels like a true jungle, which makes it a great photo-zone. The path to the waterfall is oft...

The trail begins at the Kīlauea Iki parking lot on Crater Rim Drive. You may go either way from the trailhead. Going left will take you to the Thurston Lava Tube parking lot and then down to the floor of Kīlauea Iki. Going right will take hikers through the rain forest on the crater rim and down ...

Named Three Peaks for obvious reasons, this spine-tingling trail allows you to hike as far as you want (picture above is the view from the 3rd peak). Don't feel comfortable about continuing? You can turn around any time. (Just remember that there's no easy exit - you have to go back the way you c...

This hike departs from the Kpahulu Visitor Center and heads out along the Kuloa Trail. The trail will take you through a bamboo forest and past several pools and falls. Be sure to get there early as the later it gets in the day, the more crowded the pools get. Hike the route counter-clockwise and...

NOTE: The Na Pali Coast is currently closed indefinitely due to flooding This hike begins at the parking lot of Ke'e Beach at the Northern most point you can drive to on the island. This is where the Kalalau Trail begins. From there, you immediately start hiking upward, with great views of the...

From the parking area, walk down the narrow, crazy steep four-wheel drive road for 0.75 mile until the road levels. A few 4WD vehicles, either foolhardy (tourist) or knowledgable (local) may be inching up and down. Head to the right toward the beach for 0.45 mile and arrive on the black sand beac...

Head to Haleakala's summit for amazing views of the island and your choice of a stunning sunrise or sunset. Keep in mind that you are 10,000 feet up once you're at the summit, so be prepared with warmer layers. If you're planning to get there early for the sunrise, make sure to bring a little foo...

Park off the Old Pali Highway before the lookout in the dirt parking lot. There is an entry along the fence that will go through. The first part of the hike takes you through a bamboo forest. Most of the time it will be muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. This will lead you to an open grassy val...

Located in Haleakala National Park on Maui's southeastern coast, this trail is well maintained by the National Park Service and is quite popular with visitors. Like most popular hikes, it is advised you get there early and try to go on a weekday and in the offseason if possible. Entrance to the p...

While hiking up the Koko Head trail, don't get too intimidated, there are grandparents and young kids hiking up these tracks. Take a sip of water, muster your mental toughness, and put one foot in front of the other along the rail trail. Once you're moving, there's no way you'll turn back! When y...

If you're looking to get moving and get your heart rate up or want a place to snap great photos, start with hiking to Makapu’u Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1909 on a 600-ft cliff, which overlooks Makapu’u beach. The hike is more of an uphill walk and can be done in sandals unless you’...

The view from the Kuliouou summit is one of the most rewarding on the island and well worth your time. This diverse hike is somewhere between a beginner and intermediate level and takes 2-4 hours, depending on your pace. The trail is well maintained and very popular on the weekend. Start early to...