The Best Hiking in Hawaii

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 early-riser, this is a great hike to do just before the sun rises. The pillboxes offer panoramic vi...

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 gate. The first 2.9 miles are fairly straightforward with only 100ft of elevation each mile. The pa...

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 snacks before or after the hike.The trail is more of a gravel road than a trail, but it is about 10...

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 are near the beginning and the end of the trail. The middle of the trail is where the dangerous knife-like ridges are. To get there, travel 25 miles on the drive from downtown Honolulu. Take the Pali Highway to...

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 often muddy and slippery so wear sensible shoes (read: no sandals!), and be aware that flash floods may...

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 to the crater floor. The trip is gentler and more exciting if you take the Kilauea Iki Trail counter...

The trail, is roughly 3.2 miles and is a great option if you're in the Kailua area. You'll hike in a covered forest along the riverbank, which leads to an amazing waterfall and swimming hole. Many people like to jump from the waterfall into the pool below, and some with a bit more courage even climb higher to the side of the waterfall to jump further (try at your own risk).While on the trail, y...

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 came.) It takes about an hour-and-a-half to get to the top of the first peak, and, when compared with...

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 be aware of any potential rogue waves as you head near the ocean. Also keep in mind that you should...

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 beach down below. The first two miles of the trail are the busiest, as no permits are required to ...

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 food with you as there's nowhere to pick supplies up inside the park.For those looking for a real chall...

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 beach. This is the beginning of the Muliwai Trail. To visit Kaluahine Falls, which are located below the...

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 valley that gives you spectacular views of the valley. Follow a small path in the grass, or walk to the...

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 park is $15 which will get you a three-day pass, so if you plan on visiting Haleakala's summit, this ...

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 you get to the top, soak it in for a minute, and think about what you accomplished! You'll see amazin...

The short, makeshift hike to the falls is well worth the effort – this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island of Kauai.Look for a small path at the south end of the parking lot. You will have to hop over a cement barrier that is about chest high (there is no sign marking this area as off-limits).The path down is very steep, and has ropes tied to the trees to help you navigate dow...