12 Trails In Hawaii You Must Take If You Love The Outdoors
By Megan Shute|Updated on August 03, 2020(Originally published July 20, 2020)
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
With near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands. And because you’ll find countless hiking trails crisscrossing the Hawaiian Islands — from coastal paths to treks through the jungle and everything in between — it can be difficult to make a decision on where you will go this weekend. From coastal paths and rainforests to ridgelines, craters, and waterfalls, these 12 trails in Hawaii are the definition of the perfect Hawaiian hike.
A bamboo forest, a field that will remind you of The Sound of Music, a jungle trail, and a stunning waterfall… Could you ask for anything more in a hike? This trail encompasses so many gorgeous aspects of our Hawaiian landscapes, and it’s a relatively easy two-mile trail. This is the hike we take all visitors on when they vacation on Oahu.
This trail, 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.
Two different trailheads and routes, both of which are fairly difficult, lead 1,200 feet up Nounou Mountain through a forested area, with panoramic views from the summit. This is the spot that's referred to as the chest of the mythical "sleeping giant."
Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is this wildly popular 4-mile loop trail through the Kilauea Iki crater, the site of a massive 1959 volcanic eruption. The trail — which takes hikers through lush rainforests, near active steam and sulfur vents, and across a solidified lava lake — was voted as the Big Island’s favorite scenic hiking trail by Hawaii Magazine and it's easy to see why.
A steep climb through the forest — over tree roots and rocks — up to two old military "pillboxes" will surely satisfy your need for nature. And if not, the trails at the top of the hike are beautiful, albeit confusing — I once got lost roaming around these trails, ran out of water and then somehow, after at least an hour of wandering, found my way back to the actual trail.
Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level, this park features an extensive trail system, ranging in length from .6 to 7 miles. The popular Redwood Trail is 1.7 miles, and guides hikers through a forest of baby Redwood trees. It's the access point for many other trails.
With brilliant shades of red, brown, green, blue, gray and purple, Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses approximately 1,866 acres, and is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. It's also home to several stunning trails. Choose from 45-miles of hiking trails along Kauai’s Na Pali bluffs, into Waimea Canyon, or even through rainforest bogs, depending on what type of adventure you seek.
A 2.5 mile trail brings hikers to Papakolea Beach, also known as Green Sand Beach, the southernmost point in the United States. The coastal trail is reserved for pedestrians and four-wheel drive vehicles and is quite the adventure. The dangerous offshore waters make it one of the best spots for shoreline fishing.
This 4.8-mile trail provides stunning views of Honolulu and H3, but also makes you feel as though you're a world away from the busy city. You will spend your journey walking through the forest, ducking under fallen trees, watching out for tree roots, and maybe — if you’re a little bit crazy — running the flat portions of the trail. This is a kid and dog-friendly hike perfect for a family trip.
There are three major trails that lead from the summit of Haleakala down to the Paliku Cabin: the Kaupo Gap Trail, which begins at approximately 6,000 feet above sea level and ends at 300 feet: the 10 mile sliding sands trail that descends through several miles of loose cinder: and Halemauu, which leads from the west side of the crater, down to the floor, and then another six miles to the Paliku cabin. Many people camp in the state park, and these long trails are only recommended for serious hikers. Luckily, the park is home to several other stunning and short hiking trails as well.
Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is perhaps the most beautiful and remote areas in all of Hawaii. While you can view this magnificent coastline from the air via helicopter tour, one of the best ways to experience the area’s incredible natural beauty is to hike the Kalalau Trail. Perhaps one of the most famous hikes on the island of Kauai, and Hawaii in general, this rugged 11-mile trek along the breathtaking and secluded Na Pali Coast is challenging, even for those in killer shape.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 150 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to hikes recommended only for experienced hikers in top physical shape. The 20-minute walk to Thurston Lava Tube is definitely easy, but the 500-foot cave-like tunnel is one of the most unique experiences you'll have in Hawaii.
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More to Explore
Hiking In Hawaii
Megan Shute|August 03, 2020
What are the most famous hikes in Hawaii?
The Hawaiian Islands are a paradise for outdoor lovers, and while you'll find countless incredible trails where you'll want to lace up your hiking boots and explore, the most famous trail is likely Oahu's Diamond Head Crater, which leads to the summit of a well-known Hawaii landmark and provides excellent views of Honolulu. As for our personal favorites, we suggest that "If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Hawaii, Make Them These."
What are the most beautiful hikes in Hawaii?
The Aloha State is home to several stunning hiking trails, but one of my all-time favorites and what I consider the most beautiful trail in Hawaii is the Pipiwai Trail. Located in southeast Maui, off Hana Highway and near the Pools of Oheo, is the unforgettable Pipiwai Trail, a four-mile round trip trek that will take you on quite the enchanting journey through a lush Hawaiian tropical rainforest to a towering banyan tree, through a vast bamboo forest, and to several impressive, cascading waterfalls.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Hawaii?
While Hawaii is home to its fair share of difficult hikes, there are quite a few trails perfect for the entire family. From panoramic vistas to cascading waterfalls, these 14 low-key hikes have absolutely amazing pay-offs. These 11 trails are also excellent for beginners.
