Kaaawa, Hawaii

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...

Access: There are two options for accessing the trailhead:  (1) Get a permit from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife Oahu so you can drive the 6-mile dirt road to the true trailhead. The permit provides you car access through the locked gate and is only available on weekends and holidays. You...

This is a fun hike in central Oahu that leads to multiple water falls! Bring some shoes that you don't care about because the trail is muddy and you will definitely get dirty. There is also a cliff diving spot at one of the falls. This hike is just one trail located in the Ewa Forest Preserve. T...

Aiea Loop Trail is a 4.8-mile loop in Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, that offers a mix of shaded forest, ridge-line views, and jungle scenery. The trail winds through a mix of eucalyptus, Norfolk pine, and native koa trees. Along the way, you’ll get occasional glimpses of Pearl Harbor and th...

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is on my list of the top ten most beautiful nature places you can drive to. Hoʻomaluhia means "to make a place of peace and tranquility."  This breathtaking gem was built in 1982 by the US Army Corps of Engineering to prevent flooding.  There’s a lot to do here, you...

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...

Likeke Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii.

Trail Overview Distance: 3.8 miles round trip to Peak 1 | 4.7 miles for all three peaks Elevation Gain: 1,550 feet to Peak 1 Difficulty: Peak 1: Strenuous/Extremely Difficult | Peaks 2-3: Technical Class 4-5 Climbing Time: 1.5-2 hours to Peak 1 | 3-6 hours for all peaks Dogs: Not allowed Fe...

Once you get to the Turtle Bay resort, you just follow the signs to Kawela Bay/ the Stables. From there the signs are super easy to follow, with options ranging from 0.5mi to 3.0mi. and you can do this as a simple out-and-back or as a longer loop that takes you through Banyan forests, beaches and...

The Maunawilli Trail connecting to Maunawili Falls is just over 5.5-miles roundtrip. You'll start off the Pali Highway just east of Kailua. 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 ...

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...

The hikeThe Lanikai Pillbox Trail, also known as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, is a well-maintained, dog-friendly hike. The pathway is relatively accessible to hikers of varying skill levels, and it takes many people between 30 and 45 minutes to complete the walk. The beginning of the trail is steep w...

The hike to the Waimea Falls offers both the natural beauty of a tropical rainforest, as well as the unique, in situ opportunity to learn about local history. Although this hike can be crowded, it is definitely worthwhile to see and swim in this amazing Hawaiian waterfall. The approximately mile...

Judd Trail, located near Honolulu, offers a peaceful loop hike through lush forests with bamboo groves and large banyan trees. It’s known for its relatively short loop, making it suitable for families and beginner hikers. The trail also leads to the scenic Jackass Ginger Pool, where many visito...

The Makuku Ridge Trail located near Honolulu, Hawaii begins along the Judd Trail, quickly branching off to Makuku Ridge. This is an out-and-back trail with great views along the route, but keep in mind it is a little more challenging as there are some steeper inclines. Be sure to wear proper foot...

This hike starts directly across from Banzai Pipeline, the famous barreling wave at Ehukai Beach.  It only takes half an hour to get to the pillbox so it's a great hike to do at sunset but bring a headlamp.  IF you don't hike at sunset it's still an incredibly beautiful hike with views of Pipelin...