These 10 Hikes In Hawaii Will Lead You To Some Of The State’s Coolest Lava Formations

With approximately 20 volcanoes ranging in age from 400,000 years to 5.1 million years, the Hawaiian Islands are full of fascinating history of volcanoes, and incredible landscapes formed from flowing lava. From underground lava tubes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to stunning landscapes carved into the coastline - like Oahu's Lanai Lookout - nowhere will you find cooler lava formations than Hawaii. We think these 10 are the best hikes in Hawaii to lead you to some of the state's most magnificent volcanic remnants. If you want to see some of the unique and cool things Hawaii has to offer, try one of these amazing trails!

Thurston Lava Tube

This 500-year-old lava cave within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a stunning geographic feature formed when a river of lava gradually forms walls and a ceiling. When the lava flow stops, the remaining lava flows downhill, and you are left with a tunnel. If you’re on the Big Island and looking for hiking trails near me, this national park is the way to go!

Diamond Head Crater

This iconic Hawaiian hike is perhaps the state’s most popular destination, known for its sweeping views of Honolulu. But not everyone knows that the crater was once home to Fort Ruger, the first United States Military reservation on Hawaii. Now you’ll find the perfect 4 mile round trip hike that’s a wonderful destination as a year round hike.

Halona Cove

Situated between Halona Point and the Halona Blowhole, this small volcanic and rocky cove is perfectly picturesque, and has been featured in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates. Despite its Hollywood fame, the only way to reach the stunning cove is via a rocky and slightly treacherous hike. The lava formations found here are unreal, and you can even check out a lava tube. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Lanai Lookout while you’re at it. This is one of the most scenic hikes in Hawaii!

Hana Lava Tube

Also known as Ka’eleku Cave, the lava tube is the most accessible formation of its kind on Maui, and visitors are able to explore approximately ⅓ mile of the large cave. The lava tube is far less crowded than its Big Island cousins, but just as magical. Its magical feeling makes it one of the best hikes in Hawaii that you can explore.

Kaumana Cave

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s Thurston Lava Tube gets all the credit, but Kaumana Cave, located near Hilo, is certainly worth the visit. The skylight entrance drops into two miles of pitch-black caves, complete with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as vines and roots falling from the cave’s roof. This is a great kid-friendly hike in Hawaii that’s a wonderful way to enjoy the islands.

Kilauea Iki Trail

This four-mile loop trail, which is the remains of a massive 1959 eruption, is wildly popular among Volcanoes National Park visitors. The Kilauea Iki 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. This is a stunner that should be on your bucket list.

Lava Tree State Monument

A 17-acre park that features a forest of lava trees is the result of a lava flow in 1790 that swept through the forest, leaving behind lava molds of the tree trunks. The park is free to visit, and features a 0.7-mile loop path and picnic tables. The Lava Tree State Monument is home to this beautiful area that’s the perfect place to explore with your family.

Maui's Dragon Teeth

Though not much of a hike, these volcanic formations are found on the edge of the Ritz’s golf course. The jagged, gray rocks were formed hundreds of years ago when wind gusts from the ocean forced lava to harden towards the sky. This intriguing scenery looks like something out of a science fiction or fantasy novel, does it not? Dragon’s Teeth is the perfect name for this scenic hike in Maui.

Olivine Pools

Though the journey to reach these picturesque tide pools is short, it can be slippery, and the pools themselves can be dangerous - we'd maybe stick to just teens + adults on this trail for that reason. But if you do choose to do this beautiful hike in Hawaii, it’s a short 15 minute walk and open all year long.

Sliding Sands Trail

With various hiking trails and miles of fascinating terrain to explore, Haleakala is paradise for explorers. Check out the 10-mile sliding sands trail that takes you from Haleakala’s summit to the Paliku Cabins, descending through several miles of loose cinder. This scenic hike in Maui is definitely a little longer, but the views are worth it if you’d like a great day hike. Fees are $30.00 per vehicle, or $25.00 per motorcycle. If you’re entering in on foot, it’s $15.00 per person.

Have you ever done any of these hikes? What did you think? Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

If the best hikes in Hawaii intrigued you, we think you'll love learning about these 12 Hawaiian volcanoes.