18 Best Hikes In Hawaii: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit In 2023
Trent Jonas
Author
The Hawaiian Islands are blessed with year-round mild weather and stunning natural beauty. The Aloha State’s dramatic topography and rugged terrain attract hikers from all over the world, and we’re excited to highlight some of the best places to go hiking in Hawaii. We selected our list from the boots-on-the-ground experience of our writers and using thousands of reviews, which is one of the fantastic features available on AllTrails+ (try AllTrails+ for free, and see for yourself!). What we came up with is this list of 18 of the best hikes in Hawaii on the four major islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. Let’s get started!
Best Hikes in Hawaii
This trio of hikes on three different islands serves to showcase some of the most iconic places in the Aloha State: Diamond Head Crater, Waimea Canyon, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You’ll see some incredible scenery and be moderately challenged on these trails, which is why we think they represent three of the best places to go hiking in Hawaii.
- Location: Honolulu
- Mileage: 1.9 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Non-resident visitors may be required to pay an entrance fee. The trail has strictly enforced hours, and the gate is closed and locked when the trail is closed, so be sure to check the hours before you go.
Arguably the most popular single hike in Hawaii, this moderately challenging trail will take you to the top of the iconic Diamond Head Crater on Oahu Island. At the summit, you will enjoy sweeping, panoramic views from Diamond Head to Waikiki, Honolulu, and Pearl Harbor and out across the Pacific Ocean to Molokai and Maui.
- Location: Wainiha
- Mileage: 2.6 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Non-resident visitors may be required to pay an entrance fee to Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Parks. No dogs are allowed on this trail.
The short hike along the Pu'u Hinahina and Canyon Trail is only 2.6 miles round trip, but the rugged and often muddy trail conditions combine with more than 1,100 feet in elevation gain to make this hike challenging. But your efforts will be rewarded with sweeping views down Waimea Canyon, as well as two waterfalls, including the incredible, 800-foot cascade of Waipo'o Falls.
- Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Mileage: 3.2 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: You will be required to pay a fee to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
This fascinating trail takes you across the crater floor of Kilauea Iki, a pit crater adjacent to Halemaumau, Kilauea’s main summit caldera, and around the Pu’upua’i cinder cone. This unique hike gets you about as up close and personal with an active volcano as you can get. It also gives you a front-row seat to the processes that created - and continue to create - all of the Hawaiian Islands.
Best Short & Easy Hikes in Hawaii
Not all the best hiking trails in Hawaii are necessarily long or even all that challenging. There are some excellent hikes in the Aloha State that are perfect for beginners or for hikers who may just want to stretch their legs for a bit without taking up a big chunk of the day to do so. So, here are the best places to go hiking in Hawaii for short and easy hikes.
- Location: Waimanalo
- Mileage: 2.5 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: There is no fee for this trail. The lighthouse is not open to the public or accessible by hikers. Dogs must be leashed.
This paved trail to a view over Makapu'u Point Lighthouse is an awesome short hike on Oahu that’s not too far from Honolulu. Not only is it a particularly scenic spot, it’s also a great hike for bird and whale watchers on Oahu.
- Location: Kapalua
- Mileage: 2.5 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Access to this trail may be limited for non-residents visiting Maui while the island recovers from the devastating 2023 wildfires. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Part boardwalk and part scenic coastal trail along the Kapalua headland on northwest Maui, the Kapalua Coastal Trail is an easy hike for anyone looking for a ruggedly beautiful oceanfront hike without a rugged trail. You’ll enjoy views to Molokai, Lanai, and on clear days, Oahu, along this trail, as well as birds and migratory humpback whales between November and May. There’s free parking at the trailhead, and interpretive placards offer insights to the nature and history you’ll encounter along this Maui trail.
- Location: Haleakala National Park - Kipahulu District
- Mileage: 0.6 mile
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: You will be required to pay a fee to enter Haleakala National Park. Swimming is no longer permitted in the pools of Oheo Gulch. Check the park’s website for advisories and weather conditions for rain in the upcountry before you venture near the pools, as flash flooding and falling rocks are common and have resulted in fatalities.
This 0.6-mile loop trail is less a hike than a short stroll to one of Maui’s most iconic sites. The Pools of 'Ohe'o are a stunningly picturesque series of small waterfalls and the pools below them on Palikea Stream as it tumbles down the side of Haleakala Volcano to the Pacific Ocean.
Hardest Hikes in Hawaii
Experienced hikers looking for a challenge will find no shortage of options in the Hawaiian Islands. We think you’ll find this trio of trails to be both challenging and rewarding, and hopefully, you’ll agree that they are, indeed, some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii.
- Location: Hanalei
- Mileage: 19.8 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: You will need a permit from the Hawaii Division of State Parks to hike beyond the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail. In addition, you must have advance reservations to enter Hā’ena State Park and pay a fee to park there.
The 11-mile Kalalau Trail is, perhaps, the most well-known trail in Hawaii among the hiking community. It is notoriously challenging and, in recent years, has seen mudslides and flash flooding. But experienced hikers who accept the challenges of the Kalalau Trail are rewarded with incredible views of the rugged Na Pali Coast, waterfalls, secluded beaches, and incredible rainforest settings. You should plan to camp at least one night on the trail so that you aren’t rushed and do not end up hiking after dark.
- Location: Kula
- Mileage: 13.5 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: You will be required to pay a fee to enter Haleakala National Park, even if you enter on foot. You may also need to obtain a backcountry permit from the national park if you plan to camp. Part of this trail crosses private property, so stay on trail and follow all posted signs. No dogs are permitted on the Kaupo Trail.
This trail starts just above sea level in remote south Maui and ascends almost straight up the south side of Haleakala Volcano. This out-and-back trail is strenuous, with more than a mile of elevation gain, almost all of it one-way, but the adventure and views from the mountain, as well as the gorgeous wilderness areas of Haleakala National Park make it worthwhile.
- Location: Wahiawa
- Mileage: 15.8 miles one-way
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Portions of this trail cross private property. Stay on the path, consult your AllTrails map, and proceed with caution.
The Honouliuli Contour Trail begins at Kolekole Pass and continues for nearly 16 miles to its intersection with Palehua Road. As its name implies, the trail follows the contour of the southeastern part of the Waianae Range as it winds toward south Oahu. Hikers will enjoy views over the central Oahu Valley to Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, along with the 5,700 feet of elevation gain over the course of the long and challenging hike.
Best Waterfront Hikes in Hawaii
It’s almost impossible to compile a list of the “best” waterfront hikes in Hawaii – after all, the Aloha State is a chain of beautiful islands surrounded by the deep blue Pacific, so any hike along the water is going to be stellar. Here are a few, though, all on the island of Kauai, that offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the islands along some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii.
- Location: Hanalei
- Mileage: 3.7 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: No permit is required to hike the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach. However, you must have advance reservations to enter Hā’ena State Park and pay a fee to park there.
The rugged beauty of the Na Pali Coast is almost impossible to describe in words, which is why three of the trails on this list are located in this part of the Aloha State. The hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach starts at the Kalalau Trailhead in Hā’ena State Park, but stays entirely within the park’s day use area. You’ll hike just under four miles out and back - with over 1,200 feet of elevation gain - but you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Na Pali sea cliffs and the Pacific. And you’ll be rewarded with a few precious hours at secluded beach Hanakapi'ai Beach along one of the most dramatic coastlines on Earth.
- Location: Koloa
- Mileage: 3.8 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Parking is available at Poipu Beach. You can also pay to park at the Hyatt Regency Kauai and use its public access to Shipwreck Beach to access the trail. Dogs must be leashed.
The Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail starts near one of the most popular beach and resort areas on the island of Kauai. But after a couple miles of hiking along this beautiful part of the coast, you’ll get to a rugged and secluded part of the island that many folks never visit, and that’s one of the reasons this trail is one of the best hikes in Hawaii - waterfront or otherwise.
- Location: Hanalei
- Mileage: 7.7 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: You will need a permit from the Hawaii Division of State Parks to hike beyond the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail. In addition, you must have advance reservations to enter Hā’ena State Park and pay a fee to park there.
This out-and-back hike also leaves from Kalalau Trailhead at Hā’ena State Park. However, unlike the hike to the beach that bears the same name, the trail to gorgeous, 300-foot Hanakāpīʻai Falls leaves the day use area. This means you will need a trail permit to make this hike - but it’s definitely worth it. Between the Na Pali Coast views, the stunning beach, and the beautiful waterfall, you’ll be in waterfront heaven on this hike.
Best Winter Hikes in Hawaii
Hiking in Hawaii in the winter is not too much different from any other time of year – especially for visitors to the islands who aren’t particularly in tune with the state’s weather patterns. The main thing to keep in mind is that there will be a little less daylight, so plan accordingly, and there’s a greater chance of rain between November and March – especially on the windward sides of the islands. On the other hand, temperatures may be slightly cooler, and the sun’s rays will not be as direct. This makes winter a great time for hitting some of the more exposed trails on the islands.
- Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Mileage: 1.2 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: You will be required to pay a fee to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The trailhead for the Pu’uloa Petroglyphs Trail is near where Chain of Craters Road approaches the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Parking is available in small parking lots on both sides of the road, but it’s minimal, so be prepared to park on the shoulder and walk to the trailhead. There is no shade on this hike - most of it is across an exposed lava field - and it can be very windy due to its coastal location. So, plan accordingly. The going is pretty easy, but the terrain is a bit uneven. Athletic shoes are fine, but you probably don’t want flip-flops (slippahs) on the trail. After a little more than half a mile, you’ll reach a boardwalk, and there, you’ll find the Pu'uloa Petroglyphs, themselves, along with interpretive placards.
- Location: Honolulu
- Mileage: 0.3 mile
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Non-resident visitors may be required to pay an entrance fee.
Some of the best hikes in Hawaii are short hikes, and the trail along Diamond Head Beach is the perfect example. This is a great place to enjoy a sand beach and ocean views on Oahu without the crowds of Waikiki or a commitment to a longer hike. As part of the Diamond Head State Monument, it’s far less developed than many of the more commercial beaches in the area, so you’ll have a more natural experience.
- Location: Pahoa
- Mileage: 9.3 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: When entering on foot from Kalapana, you will not be required to pay a fee to enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Although this hike comes in at 9.3 miles round trip, it certainly doesn’t have to be that long if lava isn’t visible from this part of the coastline. This hike basically covers the part of Chain of Craters Road that was buried by several waves of lava starting in 1983, but it starts from outside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at the lava-ravaged town of Kalapana, just south of Hilo. The trail once led to flowing lava in the eruption phase that ended in 2018. Since then, it’s a dramatic coastal hike across some of the newest lava flows on the island. Unless there’s another eruptive phase in this rift zone, you probably won’t encounter flowing lava on this hike. This part of the Big Island and the National Park is notorious for spotty to non-existent cell service. So, if you intend to navigate with your smartphone, make sure it’s fully charged, and download maps for offline use from AllTrails+ - that way you’ll be able to see where you are and how to get back to the trailhead even if you’re outside of cell range. Lava conditions are always changing on Hawaii. To stay up to date on the most recent eruption and additional information, visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the web.
Best Hikes near Honolulu
Honolulu is the capital of and largest city in Hawaii (it is, in fact, the largest city in all of Polynesia), and its island, Oahu, is home to almost one million residents. This number, of course, is constantly supplemented by the thousands of tourists that flock to the island throughout the year. Despite its relatively urbanized environment, Honolulu and Oahu boast incredible natural beauty and some truly rugged and wild areas. Here are a few short hikes near the city that showcase some of South Oahu’s beauty.
- Location: Honolulu
- Mileage: 2.4 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Sandy Beach Park is a popular destination, so weekdays and early mornings tend to be the best time to visit.
A hike along Sandy Beach, which is located east of Honolulu, near Koko Head offers stunning ocean views and a dramatic panorama of southeastern Oahu. Body surfing and boogie boarding is popular here, thanks to the powerful shore break, but it’s not recommended for beginners. So, a leisurely hike is a great way to enjoy the area. After your hike in Sandy Beach Park, you can head along the coast a little farther to Halona Blowhole, Kahauloa Cove, and the overly-popular Hanauma Bay.
- Location: Honolulu
- Mileage: 1.6 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Bring plenty of water, and be prepared to take breaks as needed on this hike.
The trail to Koko Head Lookout follows an old tramway rail from the bottom of the extinct volcano to the top. Hikers use the crossties as stairs - more than 1,000 of them - to hike to the top. On the way up, you’ll enjoy 885 feet of elevation gain in a mere 0.8 mile, which is why this short hike is considered “hard.” The hike to Koko Crater is fully exposed - with no shade - so plan accordingly with the usual necessities: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. But the panoramic views from the top will make all the effort worthwhile.
- Location: Honolulu
- Mileage: 1.7 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: There is a fee to park at the Mānoa Falls trailhead. This is an area that is prone to flash flooding, so it may be closed due to weather. Along these same lines, you should check the forecast for rain before setting out on this hike.
The trail to Mānoa Falls is a short out-and-back hike that is considered moderately challenging for the often muddy conditions and occasional rugged trail. What you’ll get for heading out on this trail, though, is lush rainforest scenery used in movies like Jurassic Park and television shows such as Lost and, of course, 150-foot Mānoa Falls itself.
We think these are some of the best hikes in Hawaii, but we know they’re certainly not all of the best hikes in Hawaii, and we’re sure you’d have some additions to this list (and we’d love to hear about them!). Hawaii is a subtropical paradise, which makes it an excellent destination for hikers – but it also means that you need to take precautions against the heat and the sun. So always bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially when hiking near the water or over exposed terrain. On the windward sides of the islands, you’re going to want insect repellant and probably a lightweight rain jacket in your day pack. Always wear proper footwear for the terrain and bring along a paper map, as well as a downloaded map on your smartphone – both of which are available from AllTrails+ – so you don’t have to rely on cell service to navigate. Being prepared will help to ensure that you’ll have the best experience hiking in Hawaii. Mahalo for reading, and we hope to see you on the trail!
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More to Explore
Best Hikes In Hawaii
Does Hawaii have good hiking trails?
Yes, Hawaii has many good hiking trails and great hikes. Although this article only covered trails on the four major islands, you’ll also find excellent hiking on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Other trails you should know about include:
- The Waihee Ridge Trail, on the west side of Maui
- The Highpoint Trail, at the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island
- Kaiwa Ridge (Lanikai Pillbox) Trail on Oahu near Kailua
One popular trail that you should avoid for now, however, is the Haiku Stairs - the so-called “Stairway to Heaven” - as they are dangerous, and hiking them is now illegal. You could be ticketed and fined if you are caught. This may change in the future, as the city of Honolulu is considering plans for permitting responsible tours of the stairs.
What are the best months to hike in Hawaii?
With its temperate weather, any month of the year is good for hiking in Hawaii. During the summer months, the weather is a little hotter, and the sun is more direct, so hikes in less exposed areas on the windward sides of the islands are probably your best bets. We’ve even curated a list of trails by month so you’ll know when and where to find the best hikes in Hawaii.