There are countless amazing hiking trails across the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. So many that it can be difficult to choose the best hikes in Hawaii for what you are looking for. It is easy to find out about Diamond Head, Thurston Lava Tube, the Lanikai Pillboxes, and Kalalau Trail. Yet, it can be difficult to find more off-the-beaten-path trails. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of Hawaii’s less populated hikes. From coastal paths and rainforests to ridgelines, craters, and waterfalls, these 11 underrated hikes in Hawaii have one thing in common: they are all utterly beautiful.

1. Pu'u O Hulu Kai
Pu‘u‘ohulu Kai, Pu‘U‘Ohulu Kai, Hawaii 96792, USA
Michael Clark/Google Maps
Similar to the wildly popular Lanikai Pillbox trai, Pu’u o Hulu is located on the opposite side of the island – but still just as gorgeous, and far less crowded. Experienced climbers love to scale the rockfaces, while novices can easily climb the steep – yet short – switchbacks to the bunkers at the top. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
2. Waihou Spring Trail Loop
Waihou Spring Trail Loop
Waihou Spring Trail, 2463 Olinda Rd, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Biby Xantus/AllTrails
The Waihou Spring Trail Loop, located in Upcountry Maui at the end of Piiholo Road, leads hikers through a Cypress, Eucalyptus, native Hawaiian Koa and Halapepe forest. The upper trail is perfect for families, while the lower trail is reserved for more experienced hikers.
3. Uluwehi Falls
Uluwehi Place, Uluwehi Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Keltron/Flickr
Known to locals and visitors as Secret Falls, this is a popular day adventure on Kauai’s east side. The trailhead is located up the Wailua River, so you will need to either book a guided tour or rent kayaks or canoes. Once you reach the trail, it is a muddy – and often slippery – 45-minute hike to the falls, but it is worth every second. And the journey is half the fun, right? Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
4. Pu’u Pia
Pu'u Pia Trail, Honolulu, HI, USA
Nick/Flickr
Nestled at the back of Manoa Valley is this shady two-mile hike that traverses through a forest of koa and paperbark trees, complete with uninterrupted views of Waikiki, the Wa’ahila Ridge and the Koolau summit. Just be careful – the rain tends to turn the usually well-maintained trail into a muddy mess. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
5. Redwood Trail
Redwood Trail, 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. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
6. Nualolo Trail
Nu'alolo Trail, Nu'alolo Trl, Hawaii 96796, USA
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
Located within Kauai’s Koke’e State Park is the Nualolo Trail, a largely ignored trail that offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the island. If you’re looking for a full-day trek, consider making Nualolo Trial the first hike of three – the Nualolo Cliff Trail and the Awa’awapuhi Trail. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
7. Koloa Gulch
K?loa Gulch, Koolauloa, HI 96762, USA
Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr
If you’re looking for a secluded waterfall hike, don’t miss Koloa Gulch – an eight mile hike on Oahu’s windward coast that requires obtaining a free permit from the Hawaii Reserves. The trail forces hikers to cross the Koloa Strem approximately 20 times before reaching a set of short, twin waterfalls. Stop and snap a few pictures before you climb around the corner to reach the ultimate prize – a lush 100-foot waterfall with an impossibly phenomenal freshwater pool. Please note that this trail is located on private property so consult the homeowners first before embarking on the trail.
8. Iao Valley State Park
??ao Valley State Monument, 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
Marcus Winter/Flickr
Editor’s note: This trail is closed.

Rising 1,200 feet into the air is the Iao Needle, a well-known Maui landmark. The park offers numerous hiking trails at various intensities. Take a break from Maui’s stunning beaches to go inland and enjoy the lush, tropical greenery that is Iao Valley State Park.

There are several hiking trails to choose from based on your experience level. Rumor has it that there's a secret trail not mentioned in any guidebooks that offers incredible, sweeping views of the valley.
9. Polulu Valley’s Awini Trail
Polol? Valley, Hawaii 96755, USA
Ibike12000/Flickr
Often bypassed for other lookout points on the Big Island is Polulu Valley, perhaps due to the fact that you must drive to the end of the Highway 270 to reach this picturesque location.

If you do make the drive out here, don’t settle for the views from the lookout – definitely take the time to hike the Awini Trail that leads down to the stunning black sand beach. The half-hour hike is steep at times, but the views – and the destination – are well worth it. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.
10. Mau’umae Ridge
Mau‘umae Ridge, Mau‘Umae Ridge, Honolulu, HI 96821, USA
Nick/Flickr
Also known simply as Lanipo, this seven-mile ridgeline trail will reward hikers with panoramic views of the Ka’au Crater and Oahu’s windward coast. While the majority of the trail is unshaded, and requires traversing rolling hills, you’ll be fine as long as you bring a cool hiking hat, plenty of water – and a camera to capture the phenomenal views! Please note that this trail is located on private property so consult the homeowners first before embarking on the trail.
11. Waihee Ridge Trail
Waihee Ridge Trail, Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA
Jack Zalium/Flickr
Located in northwest Maui, this secluded trail has quite a bit of elevation gain – but the stellar mountain and ocean views are definitely worth the hard work. When the clouds are cooperating, many actually believe it is one of the best hikes on the island. Discover more about this trail on AllTrails.com.

Are you ready for a scenic hike in the Aloha State? What do you think are the best hikes in Hawaii? Be sure to pass along what you learn!

For more great hiking in Hawaii, a great resource is the AllTrails website.

If you get hungry after your hike, make sure to check out these 13 Beachfront Restaurants In Hawaii Are Out Of This World.

If you’re still in the mood for more Aloha State adventures, take a look at this video:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Hawaii?

  • The Manoa Falls Trail in Oahu is in a lush rainforest setting and is great for hikers of any ages.
  • The Likeke Falls Trail in Honolulu is a relatively uncrowded trail and features a beautiful waterfall.
  • The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in Oahu offers spectacular views from and around the lighthouse.

Read on to learn about some of the many other kid-friendly hikes around Hawaii.

What are some of the most popular scenic hikes in Hawaii?

  • The Diamond Head Crater hike is a short and scenic trail and the crater is simply amazing.
  • The Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach Trail in Maui is a short, overgrown cliff-side trail leading to the red sand beach.
  • The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail in Kauai traverses by several points of cultural significance.

Read on to learn about some of the other scenic hikes in Hawaii.

Where are some great places for weekend getaways in Hawaii?

  • Molokai features the world’s tallest sea cliffs and one of Hawaii’s largest beaches.
  • Kaanapali is brimming with luxury hotels and resorts and where both locals and tourists alike go for relaxation and romantic getaways.
  • Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the place to go to experience the Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters Drive, and Kilauea Caldera.

Read on to learn about some of the other great places for weekend getaways in Hawaii.

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