Hiking In Hawaii: Our Favorites Trails of 2023 (and Expert Tips)

When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

When it comes to the diverse and best hiking trails, nothing can beat Hawaii in this competition. There are honestly few places that I know with such stunning landscapes and views than in Hawaii. It offers a variety of hiking trails with mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, streams, seashores, wildlife, stairs, etc.

If you are a fan of Hawaiian trails, then continues reading till the end as we are going to talk about the 11 best hiking trails in Hawaii along with some pro tips to double the rewards your next Hawaiin trail adventure. If you have never been to Hawaii in the guide, we share our favorite trails for hiking in Hawaii.

Navigation show

1. Kaena Point Trail

Location of the Trail: Western tip of the island of Oahu
Best Hiking Trail for Ocean views
Total Length of the Trail: 5 miles or 8 kilometers roundtrip
Total Elevation Gain: 69 meters or 226 feet
Total Hiking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Easy to moderate
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 21.5747˚N, 158.2804˚W
Price to Hike the Trail: Free

Description Of The Trail

Ocean on one side and rugged, craggy cliffs on the other side, the Kaena Point is famous for its spectacular, breath-taking ocean views. In addition, it is one of the driest areas on the Island of Oahu. This place is also important regarding Hawaiian spiritual folk tales as it is believed that it is the place where souls go after death to enter into otherworld to meet their ancestors.

This point can be accessed from one of the two sides, the northern side known as Mokuleia or the southern side from Keawaula Beach at Kaena State Park. Both access points are equal in the distance, with a flat road as a trail with few ups and downs.

To access this point from the northern side, keep driving west on Farrington Highway until you end in a parking lot. Start your hike from there for 1 hour to enter into a fenced area, the Kaena State Park, seabirds’ sanctuary, and home for endangered species like monk seals. The ocean scenes in this area are epic. After 10 minutes of the further hike will take you to a lighthouse, end of the trail. Here mountains’ views combine with ocean views to enhance the beauty of the point.

7 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

As the hiking trail is an exposed area with no shade, always bring sunscreen, water, and snacks with you.
Start your hike early, as it could get boiling due to no shade.
Lock your vehicles properly at the parking lot to avoid any mishap.
There are no restaurants along the way. Bring your snacks with you or energize yourself in the towns of Waianae or Haleiwa before starting your hike.
Avoid any water activity and stay away from the shoreline to avoid contact with rough waves that could reach huge heights.
Don’t disturb wildlife in this area as this area contains endangered wildlife, including seabirds and monk seals.
Please don’t bring your dogs along with you as it is not allowed to preserve wildlife.

2. Na Pali Coast (Kalalau) Trail

Location of the Trail: Hanalei, Kauai
Best Hiking Trail for: Serene Ocean Views
Total Length of the Trail: 22 miles or 35.4 kilometers roundtrip
Total Elevation Gain: 1883 meters or 6177.8 feet
Total Hiking Time: 3-5 days
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Hard
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 22.1800° N, 159.6536° W
Price to Hike the Trail: $25 camping permit for Hawaii residents and $35 camping permit for non-residents

Description Of The Trail

Famous for lush valleys and turquoise blue waters, and white sand, the Kalalau trail is one of the difficult and strenuous trails in the world. Divided into portions, its hiking trail for each portion is full of challenges like rocks falling from the cliffs, hot weather, dangerous plants and animals, trails that can become flooded with rainstorms, etc.

Awe-inspiring vistas keep adding as you go deep and deep into the trail. Its first 2 miles hiking trail starts from Kee Beach and ends at Hanakapiai Beach. Then the next portion of the trail ends at Hanako valley. Near Hanako Stream, there is a rest area to facilitate hikers. And then the last part of the trail lands into lush green valleys of Kalalau Beach.

6 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

This hike does come with certain risks. Always tell someone about your hiking plan for safety reasons.
Carry with yourself high-calorie snacks to replenish your energy drained due to the hectic trail.
Keep your water reservoir with you and keep yourself hydrated along the way. If you are drinking from steams, make sure you purify steams’ water first.
Always carry a first aid kit with yourself, as the trail has narrow and sheer cliffs.
To avoid hot weather, use a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Check the local weather forecast before starting your hike.

3. Manoa Falls Trail

Location of the Trail: Honolulu, Oahu
Best Hiking Trail for Epic Waterfall
Total Length of the Trail: 1.6 miles or 2.5 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 193 meters or 633.2 feet
Total Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Easy to moderate
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 21.3323° N, 157.8005° W
Price to Hike the Trail: Free entry with a $5 parking fee

Description Of The Trail

Manoa Falls Trail is famous for Manoa Valley that leads to a deep waterfall. Although the trail is a little bit muddy, that is worthy of the views. Due to being featured in movies like “Jurassic Park” and “Lost,” this waterfall is famous for adventure hiking trips.

2 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

Wear footwear with a strong grip as the trail could be slippery.
If you want to see the waterfall at its full, visit in the winter season.

4. Haakulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail

Location of the Trail: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Best Hiking Trail for Volcanic Gases
Total Length of the Trail: 1.3 miles or 2 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 170 feet or 51.8 meters
Total Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Easy
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 19.4325° N, 155.2624° W
Price to Hike the Trail: Free

Description Of The Trail

Being in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Sulphur Bank Trail offers volcanic features like groundwater steam seeping out of the ground, volcanic gases, mineral deposits, etc. The gases that come out give a smell similar to rotten eggs. Pregnant ladies, people with respiratory diseases, and heart diseases are advised to avoid this trip.

2 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail:

Parts of the park are still closed, so only hike open areas.
It is cold and wet here, so bring appropriate clothing.

5. Diamond Head Summit Trail

Location of the Trail: Honolulu
Best Hiking Trail for stunning views of Waikiki & Oahu’s south shore
Total Length of the Trail: 1.6 miles or 2.5 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 560 feet or 170.6 meters
Total Hiking Time: 2 hours
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Moderate
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 21.262° N, 157.806° W
Price to Hike the Trail: Entry fee of $5 per vehicle or $1 per walk-in person

Description Of The Trail

Diamond Head Crater is 450 acres of the largest piece of volcanic rock that offers a rugged trail. That’s why it is famous for volcanic adventure. The trail is paved and even in the beginning but becomes steep and uneven gradually. When you reach the end of this volcanic trail, you get to see the panoramic breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.

2 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

Don’t go off the marked trail.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection against sunburn with you.

6. Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube Trail

Location of the Trail: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Best Hiking Trail for Lava
Total Length of the Trail: 0.4 miles or 0.64 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 0
Total Hiking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Easy
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 19.414167° N, 155.2375° W
Price to Hike the Trail: Free

Description of the Trail

The word “Nahuku” means protuberances which refer to the lava drippings from the ceiling. The trail consists of rainforest and then a 500-year-old lava tube. This lava tube has a lighting system that becomes functional from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. if you are planning to visit outside these timings, a flashlight or a headlamp is a must-have gear.

2 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

Flashlights are recommended in lava tubes because it could be dark inside.
Carry your food and water along with rain gear.

7. Mauna Kea – Humuula Trail

Location of the Trail: Hilo, Hawaii
Best Hiking Trail for Highest Mountain in Hawaii
Total Length of the Trail: 11.2 miles or 18 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 4500 feet or 1371.6 meters
Total Hiking Time: 8 hours
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Hard
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 19.8206° N, 155.4681° W
Price to Hike the Trail: Free

Description Of The Trail

Being the highest mountain in the world from the seafloor, Mauna Kea – Humuula Trail offers a jaw-dropping and breathtaking view of the Hawaiian Islands. However, just like Kaena Point, this mountain also has religious significance and is asked to avoid accessing the cinder cone of the summit.

3 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

For your safety, inform someone about your hiking trip.
Everyone with high altitude sickness should consult their physician before going on such a high altitude hike.
Keep yourself equipped with layer clothing.

Related Article: Hiking in Utah: 21 Most Beautiful Hikes in 2023

8. Kuliouou Ridge Trail

Location of the Trail: Oahu
Best Hiking Trail for Epic Oahu vistas
Total Length of the Trail: 4.4 miles or 7 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 1800 feet or 548.6 meters
Total Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Moderate
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 21.313271° N, 157.72199° W
Price to Hike the Trail: Free

Description Of The Trail

Kuliouou Ridge Trail offers a diverse hiking trail with steep inclines, a diversity of plants and trees, rocky landscapes, and switchbacks. Gradual steepness makes the trail a little bit difficult, but this effort is worth the amazing views of Koko Crater, Mokulua Islands, and Rabbit Island from the top.

2 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

Park your vehicles near Kuliouou Park.
Bring your water and high-energy snacks with you.

9. Lanikai Pillbox

Location of the Trail: Kailua
Best Hiking Trail for Pillboxes scattered along the hiking trail
Total Length of the Trail: 1 mile or 1.6 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 500 feet or 152.4 meters
Total Hiking Time: 1 hour to 90 minutes (roundtrip)
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Moderate
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 21.3856° N, 157.7167° W
Price to Hike the Trail: Free

Description Of The Trail

This trail name comes from military pillboxes used as observation stations by soldiers during World War II and scattered along the trail. The trail’s steepness increases as you proceed with the trail, but this steepness also adds jaw-dropping and breathtaking views of the ocean, Mokulau Islands, Lanikai Beach below.

2 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

There is no rest area along the trail, so bring your water and snacks.
Be prepared for a steep hike. Use footwear with traction.

10. Koko Crater Trail

Location of the Trail: Oahu
Best Hiking Trail for Lots of stairs
Total Length of the Trail: 1.8 miles or 2.8 kilometers
Total Elevation Gain: 1000 feet or 304 meters
Total Hiking Time: 15 minutes to 90 minutes
Difficulty Level of the Trail: Hard
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 21.2809° N, 157.6919° W
Price to Hike the Trail: An entrance ticket of $14.99

Description Of The Trail

A trail full of stairs, which not only tests your physical endurance but also rewards you with a panoramic view of Honolulu, Kailua, Diamond Head, and Hanauma Bay after conquering a stride of over 1000 steps. Koko Crater Trail not only serves as your StairMaster workout but also proves to be a fun hike.

3 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

Please consider that there is no shade, only hike around sunrise or sunset.
Protect yourself from the sun. Carry a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and drink lots of water.
Don’t hike if you are not physically fit.

11. Pipiwai Trail

Location of the Trail: Hana, Hawaii
Best Hiking Trail for: Dramatic stream and waterfall views
Total Length of the Trail: 4 miles or 6.4 kilometers roundtrip
Total Elevation Gain: 650 feet or 198.12 meters
Total Hiking Time: 2 ½ to 5 hours
Difficulty Level of the Trail: moderate
Geographic Coordinates of the Trail: 20.66868° N, 156.052605° W
Price to Hike the Trail: $30

Description Of The Trail

Equipped with the jaw-dropping beauty of the lush tropical rainforest, Pipiwai Trail offers a diverse hiking trail with a stream, waterfall, and bamboo forest. Being easy to access and under a National Park, its trail is well-maintained and safe. The trail begins just after the parking lot and provides epic vistas along its trail without even having to walk very far.

3 Pro Tips to Hike the Trail

Beware of the falling rocks and flash flooding.
The hike is in a remote area. Bring your supplies with you along with gas fill.
Bring a first aid kit with you, as medical assistance is at least one hour away.

We are at the end of today’s article. I am pleased to hear your questions or thoughts about it. In case I missed an outstanding hike in Hawaii, please feel free to leave a comment.

Three Things To Consider When Hiking In Hawaii

There are a few things I would like to point out when it comes to hiking in Hawaii specifically. Due to the unique and beautiful location and the tropical climate, there are a few things to pay specific attention to. In this sense, here is my list of the top three things to consider.

Sun Protection

When you come from Europe or other parts of America, please keep in mind that the sun is much stronger than you might be used to. Therefore, I recommend always use sun cream with a high protection factor. Even in cloudy skies, you can still get sunburned.

Humidity

As mentioned above, Hawaii has 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, each with its individual ecosystem and characteristics. While the climate is generally very comfortable in tropical conditions and rainforests, it is important to know that you sweat more. Therefore, I recommend drinking plenty of water and avoid the hottest period of the day in the afternoons if possible.

Best Clothing

In Addition to the point above, you might want to consider wearing special hiking clothes or bringing a pair of extra clothes to change after a challenging hike to the peak. Breathable clothes are a huge advantage in Hawaii as there is nothing as uncomfortable as being in sweaty clothes for hours after your hike.