Hawaii

Looking for the best hiking in Hawaii? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Hawaii. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Hawaii

  • Honolulu, Hawaii

    Koko Head Crater Trail

    4.5
    1.6 mi / 961 ft gain
    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...
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  • Hāna, Hawaii

    Waianapanapa State Park

    4.7
    Just off the road to Hana before entering the town, Waianapanapa State Park is a great place to stop and explore along the drive. Wainapapa SP offers tent and cabin camping, there is a great black rock beach with access to snorkeling and other beach activities, and lots of short trails for explor...
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  • Honolulu, Hawaii

    Ka'au Crater Trail to the First Waterfall

    5.0
    2.5 mi
    Directions: From Honolulu, head east on the H1 towards Hawai'i Kai and take the 6th Ave exit. Turn left onto 6th, right onto Waialae, and then left onto 10th. You should see signs for the Buddhist temple; follow them onto Waiomao Rd. You will continue on this road until it ends at a private lane....
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  • Princeville, Hawaii

    Hike to Turtle Cave

    3.8
    0.75 mi / 62 ft gain
    Turtle Cave is located within a small bay on the Princeville side of Kauai. This hike requires swimming, repelling down a steep cliff and potentially high tides.  This particular access point is located on private property, so you should be staying in one of the rentals or traveling with a guest....
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  • Kula, Hawaii

    Pa Ka'oao (White Hill) on Haleakala

    4.5
    0.42 mi / 164 ft gain
    Haleakala means "House of the rising sun" and is a wonderful description of the mountain. Haleakala is a large dormant volcano that makes up ~75% of the island of Maui. On the slopes of Halekala are rain forests, pastures, endemic birds, the endangered but beautiful silversword, and a summit that...
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  • Kapaa, Hawaii

    Kayak the Wailua and Hike to Secret (Uluwehi) Falls

    5.0
    1.5 mi
    First, you need kayaks to get on the river. I bring my Oru Kayak with me everywhere, but we did have to rent one additional, and there are rentals everywhere - a quick Google search will get you tons of options. You can launch your boat from directly across the Wailua River Marina where you see t...
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  • Honolulu, Hawaii

    Koko Crater Arch via Halona Blowhole Lookout

    4.5
    0.92 mi / 371 ft gain
    Park at the Halona Blowhole lookout and carefully cross the highway.. Walk west, towards Hawai'i Kai, and in a hundred feet or so you will pass mile marker 15, the trail starts on the rocks just past this marker. Carefully make your way up the rocky hill and onto the ridge, here you will find a t...
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  • Wailuku, Hawaii

    Hike the Waihe'e Ridge Trail

    4.6
    4 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Waihe'e Ridge is a great hike for those looking for a hike to see waterfalls or to get a little exercise in. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on leash. Keep in mind there could be wet weather on the hike, so bring any necessary items (light waterproof jacket, hat, etc.). 
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  • Honolulu, Hawaii

    Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

    4.4
    3.62 mi / 1263.45 ft gain
    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’...
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  • Hanapepe, Hawaii

    Hike the Pihea & Alaka'i Swamp Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 1500 ft gain
    A strenuous 7 mile hike, depending on which way you start, that takes you from the world renowned Kalalau Valley from Pu'u O Kila lookout, through dense mossy forests, across a stream, up to the highest swamp in the world and ends in views of Kaua'i's north shore of Wainiha valley and Hanalei Bay.
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  • Kapaa, Hawaii

    Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail

    4.0
    5 mi / 488 ft gain
    Parking at the trailhead is limited to approximately four vehicles, so arrive early. If you are unable to park, continue down Highway 580 and you will find parking next to Kawi Stream. The beginning of the trail, an old fire road, starts with a gradual incline where you are exposed to a variety o...
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  • Naalehu, Hawaii

    Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

    4.9
    5.62 mi / 325.46 ft gain
    Papakolea Beach aka Green Sand Beach is situated in a bay cut into a side of a cinder cone that erupted thousands of years ago. The green sand is created by a silicate deposit (mineral deposit) of lava called, which stays on this beach because it is heavier than the other, lighter components of t...
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  • Honolulu, Hawaii

    Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 1600 ft gain
    Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail is an excellent out-and-back hike with stellar views of the pacific as well as other south shore highlights near Honolulu, on Oahu. 
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  • Kula, Hawaii

    Backpack the Haleakala Wilderness: Halemau'u to Sliding Sands Trail

    5.0
    19 mi / 3643 ft gain
    Day 1, the trailhead begins just off the highway at 7,990 feet elevation and takes you to the north and east to an opening in the ridgeline. After 1.1 miles, you will begin your 2.6 mile descent from the crater ridge south, into the heart of the wilderness area and where you will arrive at Holua ...
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  • Waimea, Hawaii

    Awini Trail along the Kohala Coast

    4.7
    Take Hwy. 270 along the northern Kohala Coast and all the way to the end at the Pololū Valley overlook. You can park almost anywhere along the road there (besides the private homes), but spots fill up so get there early. Start at the Pololū Valley overlook. If you are not fond of hiking, you can...
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  • Kahului, Hawaii

    Road to Hana

    4.4
    48.99 mi / 9608.92 ft gain
    Start near Paia on Highway 36 and head east. The road is famous for its many twists and turns, so consider taking lots of breaks to get some fresh air and avoid getting car sick. There are many stops along the way, from ice cream to medium length hikes. Some of the Best Stops: Coconut Glen's:...
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