For those who love nothing more than a day on the trails, you’ll find some of the best hikes in Hawaii — and they come in all shapes and sizes (and, of course, lengths). Long hikes have their time and place, but often, a quick and easy trail is all you need. If you’re in the mood to get outside and enjoy breathtaking scenery without carving out an entire day, look no further than Manoa Cliff Trail. This short-and-sweet Honolulu gem is under three miles, but it manages to pack in so many awe-inspiring sights, and is, in our opinion, easily one of the best hikes in Hawaii.

At just 2.8 miles long, Manoa Cliff Trail reminds us of all the reasons we love living in Hawaii -- despite its short distance. Jungle-like greenery, scenic overlooks, and towering peaks are just some of the views you'll enjoy.
AllTrails/Paul C. Peh
Patches of bamboo forest are spaced throughout the trail, their unique landscape offering a nice change of pace. Hearing the wind whistle through the bamboo is an experience you'll never forget.
AllTrails/Diana Conner
Though it features an elevation gain of nearly 900 feet, the hike is on the easier side. That means you'll have ample energy to marvel at the lush vegetation flourishing everywhere you look.
AllTrails/Paul C. Peh

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Certain parts of the trail can be precarious, skirting the cliffside a little too closely at times. Just be careful, but don't let this brief stretch serve as a deterrent -- double rainbows are not uncommon sightings at this exact spot!
Dan Huber/AllTrails
If your legs are burning from the uphill climb, rest-assured there's a bench not too far from the trailhead. It's placed right in front of what is, perhaps, the most breathtaking view along the entire trail, so sit for a while and marvel at the expansive vistas.
AllTrails/Paul C. Peh
Sweeping panoramas of Honolulu and the deep blue ocean are like icing on the cake. It's hard to tell where the sky ends and water begins, especially on a gorgeous, relatively cloud-free day.
AllTrails/Stuart Matthews, P.E.
Rugged bluffs jut out every which way, looking down over the valley. Just how far up you are becomes apparent at this point, and it's a terrifyingly beautiful feeling.
AllTrails/Paul C. Peh

Several trails connect to Manoa Cliff, so feel free to make it a longer hike. Either way, you’re in for a real treat!

Have you ever hiked Manoa Cliff Trail? If so, what’s your favorite thing about it — do you agree that it is one of the best hikes in Hawaii? Let us know in the comments below – we love hearing from you!

Looking for more of the best hikes in Hawaii? Be sure to check out our previous article for another easy hike: The Beautiful Ohai Loop Trail Is An Easy 1.2-Mile Hike In Hawaii That’s Great For Beginners And Kids.

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Best Hikes in Hawaii

Sarah M. | August 05, 2022

What are some of the best short-and-sweet hikes in Hawaii?

You don't need to be an advanced hiker to enjoy some of the best of the Aloha State; many of the best hikes in Hawaii are short-and-sweet treks under two miles! For example, the Waihou Spring Trail is just 1.4 miles long and 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. The "Secret Beach" Trail is under half a mile in length and is a total hidden gem! This Kauai beach is often referred to as Secret Beach, probably due to the steep hike to reach the massive 3,000-foot-long stretch of sand. Even if there are other people here when you visit, with so much sand, you’re bound to feel pretty secluded. Another short hike in Hawaii we love is the Thurston Lava Tube Trail, which clocks in at just 0.4 miles in length. Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this short 20-minute walk through a thick forest leads visitors to a 500-foot lava tube that once carried molten lava. Thurston Lava Tube is a classic hike at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, but there’s plenty to love at this national park!

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Na Ala Hele: Manoa Cliff Trail, Honolulu, HI, USA