From our many trips to Hawaii, we’ve etched some of our fondest memories while hiking on Hawaii’s many beautiful trails. The sights and sounds made every step worth the experiences. We want to share our favorite, scenic hikes by Hawaiian Island in case you would like to create your own memories on these amazing trails.
Kauai
Our favorite Kauai hike is the first two miles (four miles roundtrip) of the Kalalau Trail that starts from the lush, north shore. This challenging trail climbs through a forest up to a cliff line with views of the Na Pali Coast. Then the trail passes several switchbacks down to sea level over to remote Hanakapi’ai Beach. For more information and tips, see our Kalalau Trail article.
For the views of the Na Pali Coast, the Kalalau Trail tops our Kauai list, but the Waimea Cliff/Canyon Trail comes in at a very close second place.
Oahu
Though the hike to the top of Diamond Head is probably Oahu’s most popular hike, our favorite trail goes to Manoa Falls. See our post on hiking Manoa Falls. This relatively easy trail meanders through a jungle scene to the base of Manoa Falls that stands at about 100 feet tall. Along the way, the sounds of birds and then of the waterfall make this hike a treat for both the eyes and ears.
Some other trails worth mentioning are the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and though not a hike per se, Waimea Valley has trails and a waterfall where you can swim. Both the Makapuu Lighthouse and Waimea Valley trails are paved.
Maui
Without a doubt, the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls is our favorite Maui hike. The trail goes through an enchanting bamboo forest to the bottom of Waimoku Falls which is approximately 400 feet tall. This trail is one to plan into your day(s) of exploring the road to Hana.
Lana’i
The Koloiki Hike goes through upland forest to views of gulches and the islands of Molokai and Maui. Since it’s upcountry, the air is pleasantly cooler.
Molokai
The Halawa Valley hike is more than just a hike to a pretty waterfall, it’s a wonderful cultural experience, too.
Hawaii (Big) Island
So far, we’ve covered a lot of hikes to waterfalls and ocean/valley/cliff views, but the Big Island has one of the most unique hikes of all — Kilauea Iki Trail. This trail goes through a rainforest down across a crater floor that was once a gushing lake of lava and then back up through a rainforest. The contrast from lush vegetation to the mostly barren crater floor is amazing.
If you like waterfalls, there’s an excellent, guided waterfall hike on the Big Island. See our article about the Kohala Coast Waterfall Adventure with Hawaii Forest & Trail.
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How many of these hikes have you done? What’s your favorite trail in Hawaii?
Andy Beal
Sheila Beal
3 comments
I’m going to Maui this September, I saw online that the The Pools of ‘Ohe’o are still closed since last year. Is the Pipiwai Trail also closed? I know both of these are right in the same area.
Yes, the pools of Oheo have been closed for swimming for quite some time, but the Pipiwai Trail remains open. You can check for any closures here: https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Aloha,
I saw a hike reported years ago where they fly you in by helicopter. They only allow you to do it once in a lifetime. Not sure how they regulate that but would love to know where it is and who to contact. Any ideas?