With nearly perfect weather year round and arguably some of the most incredible natural scenery in the world, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the country’s greatest adventures. From camping on the beach and visiting Waimea Canyon to waterfall hikes and skydiving, there is no greater place for an adventure than Hawaii. The tubing in Hawaii is particularly epic, and there are numerous outfitters offering such bucket-list-worthy adventures…especially if you’re looking for lazy river tubing in Oahu. And while the options are almost endless, this hiking trail and downhill Oahu tubing excursion we’ve found is easily one of the most unique things you can do in the Aloha State.

Tucked away in the Ewa Forest Reserve in the middle of Oahu far, far away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, the Wahiawa Hills Trail is easily one of the island’s most unique trails — but the hike itself isn’t even the best part.
Chuck Ross Jr/AllTrails
This steep and slippery 4-mile loop trail follows a series of hills, thus the name "Wahiawa Hills" and is not for the inexperienced hiker. The trail is not well-marked and can be both confusing and overgrown at times, so it’s best to go with someone who has done the hike before.
Eugene Marques/AllTrails
Be sure to admire the views along the way. The surrounding forest reserve is quite jaw-dropping.
Paul C. Peh/AllTrails
Though you’ll only discover 500 feet of elevation difference between the highest and lowest points of the trail, hikers will endure a grueling journey that gains more than 2,000 feet in total along the steep hillsides. The continuous ups and downs are a real workout, but there is hope: you don’t have to hike the entire thing.
Ryan H./AllTrails
The pleasant river crossings and pools offer a serene reward at multiple points along the trail, and — if you go at the right time when the stream is at approximately three feet — you can tube down!
Paul C. Peh/AllTrails
Not only is the water crystal clear, but the four-hour float trip is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in Hawaii. This is one of the best places for tubing in Oahu and it's like something from a dream.
Eugene Marques/AllTrails
Do be warned, though: for anyone who is acclimated to Hawaii temperatures, the water will be freezing! If you can handle the cold, though, and don’t mind portaging your tube every once in a while when the water level gets too low, this is one experience you’ll never forget.
mauigurl1209/YouTube
This adventure is best enjoyed with a group of great friends. Who will you take with you?
mauigurl1209/YouTube
Do you have what it takes to tackle the adventure that is the Wahiawa Hills Trail and Kaukonahua Stream Tube? Start early in the morning, bring plenty of water and a floatie or two, and embark on the journey of a lifetime.
Eric Adona/AllTrails
If you'd like to get a closer look at the trail before you attempt this excursion, check out this video from YouTube user Mauigirl1209.

 

Have you ever hiked up the Wahiawa Hills Trail and then enjoyed lazy river tubing in Oahu’s Kaukonahua Stream? If so, share your experience in the comments.

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Sarah M. | August 07, 2022

What are some other epic hiking adventures in Hawaii?

The above hiking and tubing excursion is certainly an amazing adventure in Hawaii, but there are many, many more adventures to be had in the Aloha State! One of our favorite hikes is in Akaka Falls State Park, a beautiful expanse that is home to two gorgeous waterfalls fed by the Kolekole Stream: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. At more than 400 feet in height, Akaka Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall on Hawaii Island – and for good reason. Cascading 442 feet into a lush, tropical jungle is Hawaii’s greatest and most wondrous waterfall. Located on the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast is Akaka Falls, a place of pure paradise flowing from the Kolekole Stream. To view the falls, visitors take a half-hour paved trail leading through a jungle of banana plants, towering bamboo groves and lush orchids. 

Another destination for epic hiking in Hawaii is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Whether you have lived on Hawaii’s Big Island for your entire life, or this is your first time visiting, you absolutely must explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This 523-square-mile park contains some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders, not to mention the two active volcanoes. This place is downright otherworldly. A trip to Hawaii volcanoes isn’t complete without a visit to the Kilauea Caldera, a trip down the Thurston Lava Tube, a walk through the lava fields, a drive down the Chain of Craters Road, and, of course, as much hiking as you can handle!

For more amazing hikes for your Hawaii bucket list, we put together this list of must-tackle trails, one for each month of the year. Happy hiking!

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