11 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Hawaii Should Take

There is no doubt about it – Hawaii is an absolute paradise for nature lovers of all kinds, especially hikers. With beautiful mountains and jaw-dropping valleys, you are sure to find some of the best hiking in the country on our little islands. Sometimes, you just aren’t up for a strenuous all-day hike, or you’ve just started to explore the islands by foot, and that’s where we come in: here are 11 of our favorite hiking trails that clock in at less than five miles, the best short hikes in Hawaii. So grab your gear, and some good hiking shoes, and head on out on one of these great hikes!

Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA

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Just miles from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu is the lush Manoa Valley, and this beautiful 2-mile round trip hike through bamboo and banyan trees leads to a picturesque waterfall – and in less than 45 minutes one way. This gorgeous scenic hike in Hawaii is a must-see.

See what it’s like to go on this utterly gorgeous hike

Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Kula, HI 96790, USA

Tim Szlachetka/Flickr

Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level in Polipoli State Park this forest is populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii in the 1920s to reestablish the watershed. The popular Redwood Trail is 1.7 miles, and guides hikers through a forest of baby Redwood trees, and is the access point for many other trails. Polipoli State Park is filled with great places to explore.

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Kuamo'o Nounou Trail, 5750 Kuamoo Rd, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA

Melissa Emmons Photography/Flickr

Beginning on the east side of the mountain that is commonly referred to as The Sleeping Giant, the Nounou Trail leads 1,200 feet up Nounou Mountain through a forested area, with panoramic views from the summit, which is the chest of the mythical "sleeping giant." This scenic hike in Hawaii should be at the top of your bucket list.

Ehukai Pillbox Hike, 59-178 Ke Nui Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA

Matt B./Yelp

Sure, everyone loves hiking the insanely popular Lanakai pillboxes, but the Ehukai pillboxes, located on Oahu’s north shore, provide gorgeous views, as well as a tree-shrouded and shadier hiking experience. The trail measures in at just more than two miles, but there is also an extensive trail system near the summit. This easy hike in Oahu is a great way to see the island.

Kilauea Iki Trail, Hawaii 96778, USA

Yongsheng Li/Google

This four-mile loop trail, which is the remains of a massive 1959 eruption, is wildly popular among Volcanoes National Park visitors. The trail – which takes hikers through lush rainforests, near active steam and sulfur vents, and across a solidified lava lake – was voted as the Big Island’s favorite scenic hiking trail by Hawaii Magazine. We love this kid-friendly hike in Hawaii.

Take a look at this beautiful hike

Waihee Ridge Trail, Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA

Christine Noll/Google

This west Maui trail is approximately 4.5 miles and ascends 1,500 feet, traversing through a lush forest of ohai, kukui, guava, and tropical ferns. With stunning views of Makamaka’ole Falls, as well as the Waihee Valley, this hike is best started as early as possible – when the valley is relatively clear of clouds. If you’re on Maui and looking for hiking trails near me, you’ll fall in love with this great hike!

Check out the stunning views you’ll see on this trail

Koko Crater Stairs (Summit), 7430 Kalaniana?ole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA

Sean Munson/Flickr

Please don’t let the short 1.5-mile round trip description fool you – Koko Head is brutal – we’re talking more than 1,000 railway steps leading to the summit. It’s a great workout that yields stellar views, and if you get up early enough, it is one of the best spots on the island to view the sunrise. But this scenic hike in Hawaii is worth it!

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Pipiwai Trail, Hawaii 96713, USA

Shubhika Bharathwaj/Flickr

Located in southeast Maui, off Hana Highway and near the Pools of Oheo, is the unforgettable Pipiwai Trail, a four-mile round trip trek that will take you on quite the enchanting journey through a lush Hawaiian rainforest – complete with beautiful bamboo groves and a massive banyan tree - to two impressive waterfalls. This easy hike in Hawaii is a must-do on Maui.

Waimea Canyon Drive, Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea, HI, USA

Rick McCharles/Flickr

This 3.4-mile hike begins off the short Cliff trail, following the northern rim of Waimea Canyon. At the halfway point, you will encounter Waipo’o Falls, the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trail ends at the awe-inspiring Kumuwela Lookout, with sweeping views of Waimea Canyon and the Pacific Ocean. This scenic hike in Hawaii is a must-do.

Mahana Beach, Hawaii 96772, USA

Steve Dunleavy/Flickr

A 2.5-mile trail brings hikers to Papakolea Beach, also known as Green Sand Beach, the southernmost point in the United States. The trail is reserved for pedestrians and four-wheel drive vehicles – and the dangerous offshore waters make it one of the best spots for shoreline fishing. This easy hike in Hawaii is absolutely gorgeous.

Hau?ula Loop Trail, 54-55 Maakua Rd, Laie, HI 96762, USA

Ryan Smith/Flickr

Located near Laie on Oahu’s northeastern shore is the Hau’ula Loop Trail, a 2.5-mile hike that traverses through a lush jungle, and features a hidden waterfall. The trail can get muddy, but is lightly trafficked and at just more than 700 feet in elevation gain, is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. This kid-friendly hike in Oahu is a great way to spend a hot afternoon.

Have you done any of these best short hikes in Hawaii? There are easy trails in Hawaii that are under 5 miles, and this is by no means an exhaustive list – so, tell us, what are your favorite short trails in Hawaii? Let us know in the comments! Before you hit the trails, make sure to read up on all the details of each trail.

Want more great trails? Try these 15 out-of-this-world hiking spots in Hawaii.