Though the crystalline turquoise waters and fine white sand beaches of the Hawaiian Islands invite you in, it is the majestic mountains that keep you coming back for more – at least for us as avid hikers, that is. From the lush, green mountains of Kauai to the stark volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Island, there is little more awe-inspiring than these amazing mountain ranges you’ll find across the Hawaiian islands. Which of these Hawaii mountains are your favorites? Tell us your thought in the comments.

1. Ko'olau Mountains
Ko?olau Range, Hawaii 96782, USA
Rob Weir/Flickr
Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1972, the Ko'olau Mountain Range is located on Oahu's windward coast and is what remains of the island's eastern shield volcano. The volcano became dormant approximately 1.7 million years ago, and steady erosion resulted in the mountains as we know them today - tall, majestic wonders that tower over the Hawaiian landscape.
2. West Maui Mountains
West Maui Mountains, Hawaii 96793, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Covering approximately on quarter of Maui's land mass is what remains of the West Maui Volcano, a stunning backdrop for one of the island's prettiest cities, Lahaina. Known to Hawaiians as Maui Komohana, the West Maui Mountains are home to Iao Valley and the Puʻu Kukui Watershed Preserve.
3. Makaleha Mountains
Makaleha Mountains, Hawaii 96746, USA
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Located on the eastern side of Kauai are the always-gorgeous Makaleha Mountains. The tallest peak measures in at just over 3,000 feet above sea level.
4. East Molokai Mountains
East Molokai Volcano, Hawaii 96748, USA
Ed Suominen/Flickr
Covering more than two-thirds of the small island of Molokai is this extinct volcano that has been eroding consistently throughout the last 1.5 million years. Here, the mountains are photographed from Halawa Bay.

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5. Waianae Mountains
Waianae Range, North Shore, HI 96791, USA
Marvin Chandra/Flickr
Located on Oahu's leeward coast, the Waianae Mountains are home to the tallest peak on the island: Mount Ka'ala, which measures in at more than 4,000 feet above sea level. It is not a traditional mountain range, though, as the mountains were formed from a single volcano.
6. Kohala Mountains
Kohala Mountains, Hawaii 96743, USA
Rosa Say/Flickr
The oldest of five volcanoes that make up Hawaii Island, the Kohala Mountains are certainly stunning. The Kohala Volcano was last thought to have erupted 120,000 years ago, and has a land mass that comprises only 6 percent of the island,
7. East Maui Mountains
Haleakal?, Hawaii 96790, USA
Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr
Technically known as Mount Haleakala, the East Maui Mountains are one of the most impressive sights to behold in Hawaii. The massive shield volcano makes up approximately 75 percent of the island - and is absolutely jaw-dropping.
8. Hanalei Mountains
Hanalei, HI, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
These majestic mountains serve as the picturesque backdrop for Hanalei Valley and Bay, a gorgeous slice of paradise on Kauai's northern shore. The most prominent mountain peaks are Hihimanu, Namolokama, and Mamalahoa, ranging in height from 3,700 to 4,400 feet in elevation.

Love mountains? The tallest mountains in Hawaii are sure to bring out your inner explorer!

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More to Explore

Hawaii Mountains

Tori Jane | July 05, 2022

Are there mountains in Hawaii?  

Well, honestly... Hawaii is technically a group of volcanic mountains and islands in a chain in the Pacific Ocean. There are LOTS of amazing mountains and mountain ranges in Hawaii, and these mountain ranges are so astonishingly beautiful that it’s hard to adequately express in this little paragraph. Some of the most considerably amazing mountains in Hawaii include Hualalai, which is easily one of the most active volcanoes in Hawaii. It reaches a summit of 8,271 feet, and it’s “only” about 300,000 years old. Geologically speaking, that’s pretty darn young! Another amazing mountain in Hawaii is Kawaikini, with an elevation of 5,243 feet. It’s considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the United States (and the world)!  

What are some of the most remarkable Hawaii mountain ranges?  

Perhaps THE most remarkable Hawaii mountain range is Kilauea, found on the Big Island and a major part of Volcanoes National Park. It’s beautiful, intriguing, and dangerous – the perfect combination if you ask us. The park offers ranger-led tours and some excellent viewing spots for some of the earth’s most amazingly active volcanoes. Another remarkable mountain range in Hawaii is that of Kohala, a mysterious place that’s notoriously difficult to access thanks to almost-constant rain and difficult terrain. It’s home to some of the most amazing waterfalls in Hawaii, as well as some of the most photogenic landscapes in the world.  

Which Hawaiian mountains are worth visiting?  

In a few words? All of them. Of course, there are a few Hawaiian mountains that tend to stick out among the others in terms of their sheer awesomeness, like Diamond Head on Oahu. It’s Waikiki’s single most recognizable natural landmarks, and it’s home to what might be THE best hiking trail in Hawaii. It might be less than a mile long, but don’t let that fool you – it's very challenging, though, of course, it’s completely worth it. While you’re there, you can’t miss the Ko’olau Range, which is the mountain range that essentially makes up all of Hawaii.  

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