What are the best hiking trails in Hawaii?

Top trails include the Kalalau Trail on Kauai's Na Pali Coast, Diamond Head on Oahu, the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls on Maui, and Kilauea Iki in Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Each island offers trails ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain hikes.

Which Hawaiian island has the best hiking?

Kauai is often considered the best island for hiking with trails like the Kalalau Trail and Waimea Canyon. However, each island has outstanding options: Oahu has Diamond Head and Manoa Falls, Maui has the Pipiwai Trail, and the Big Island offers volcanic landscapes.

Do you need hiking permits in Hawaii?

Some trails require permits, particularly on Kauai (Kalalau Trail) and Oahu (Haiku Stairs area). Check with the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife or the specific state park before heading out. Many popular trails like Diamond Head require a reservation.

Top Hiking Trails Guide for Hawaii

Hawaii Hiking Trails

Popular Hawaiian Hiking Trails Guide

Prepare to discover Hawaii's most enchanting paths with our comprehensive guide to the islands' top hiking trails. Each Hawaiian island is an adventure playground filled with stunning vistas, lush rainforests, majestic waterfalls, and rugged coastlines - all waiting to be explored on foot.

Whether you are an avid hiker or a casual wanderer, there's a trail for you. From the challenging cliffs of Kaua'i's Na Pali Coast to the mesmerizing lava landscapes on the Big Island, from the panoramic views atop Maui's Haleakala Crater to the historical trail of Oahu's Diamond Head, every hike offers a unique encounter with Hawaii's natural beauty.

Dive in, choose your island, and step into a journey that will take your breath away. The magic of Hawaii is truly found off the beaten path, so lace up your hiking boots and let's begin!

Our Top Statewide Hiking Trails

#1 Kalalau Trail »
Hawaii's finest coastal hiking trail

Labeled the hike on Kauai, the Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trek into paradise. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you.Haena State Park including the Kalalau Trail, which had been closed due to the flooding that occurred in the Spring of 2018, re-opened on Monday, June 17, 2019. Visitors planning to make…Hiking the Kalalau Trail is most certainly a…

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#2 Nualolo Trail »
West Kauai Region

For the Nualolo Trail you will start at Kokee Ranger Station. While there, we recommend you check the board at the station for closures and other important information. If you're looking for a full-day hike, consider making the Nualolo trail the first part of a three-trail trek.Near the end of this trail is the Nualolo Cliff Trail which will take you over to Awa'awapuhi Trail (another great hike). If…

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#3 Kilauea Iki Trail »
Volcano Region

As you stand at the Kilauea Iki overlook you can see a lightly-etched trail stretching across the crater floor. From your 400 ft high vantage point you might be able to see little specks walking the path: those are people! The views of Pu'u Puai (gushing hill), a cinder cone that formed during the 1959 eruption at Kilauea Iki Crater, are also great from this vantage point.Kilauea Iki is an approximately…

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#4 Pipiwai Trail »
Hana Highway Region

The Pipiwai Trail- with its stunning waterfalls, huge bamboo forest, idyllic stream, and more beauty than you can imagine- is simply one of the best hikes on Maui. Located above the Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools), Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip and gains 650 ft. of elevation. It takes anywhere from 2 1/2 - 5 hours to hike; depending how much nature loving you do.There are several great…

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#5 Honopu Ridge Trail »
West Kauai Region

Honopu Ridge Trail is a 4.2 to 5 mile (round trip, depending on how far you go) hike that takes you to incredible views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the NaPali Coastline.The total distance depends on how far you hike out on the ridge at the end, but we estimate that to the logical and safe stopping point it's about 2.4 miles one way. The trail drops about 1,400-1,950 ft. in elevation from the trailhead…

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#6 Sliding Sands Trail - Keoneheehee »
Upcountry Maui & Haleakala Region

If you’re looking for a great Haleakala summit hike- one that just may be the best Haleakala summit hike, in fact- then Sliding Sands Trail is the perfect trek for you.Located inside Haleakala National Park, this trail is definitely not an easy hike, but your efforts will be greatly rewarded. This extremely strenuous trail descends 2,800 ft. in the first 4 miles to the valley floor. The Keoneheehee…

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#7 Diamond Head (Leahi) Hiking Trail »
Waikiki & Honolulu Region

The trail to the summit of Diamond Head (Hawaiian name Le’ahi), near Waikiki, was built in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Artillery defense system. Entering the crater from Fort Ruger, through the Kapahulu Tunnel, the trail scaled the steep western interior slopes of the crater to the summit. The dirt trail with numerous switchbacks was designed for mule and foot traffic. Prior to WWI, the mules…

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#8 Awaawapuhi Trail »
West Kauai Region

The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes.Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high…

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#9 Manoa Falls Trail »
Waikiki & Honolulu Region

If you're looking for a hiking trail that could be classified as more of a "walking trail", yet still offers up the gorgeous scenery, then Manoa Falls Trail should definitely be on your Oahu must-do hikes list. If you're like many people who either cannot hike the strenuous trails or you're exploring with kids, you'll be relieved to know that the Manoa Falls Trail definitely falls on the "walk" end of the…

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#10 Waihee Ridge Trail »
West Maui Region

Have you ever wanted to stand at the top of a mountain in utter silence and commune with the clouds? That is exactly what you'll be able to do on the Waihee Ridge Trail.Located in the West Maui Mountains, also known as Mauna Kahalawai, the 5-mile round-trip trail ascends 1,500 ft. through a lush forest of kukui, guava, ohia, and ferns. Birdwatchers will also want to keep an eye out for the apapane, Hawaii…

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#11 Koko Crater Railway Trail »
Waikiki & Honolulu Region

The Koko Head Hike railway “stairs” is a short drive from Diamond Head and Waikiki. It puts you through your paces and can be a challenge even for the fittest of the fit. However, if you’re up to the challenge it is worth the effort to reach the Koko Head Crater summit.Although it is a short hike of 1.4 miles, it is grueling with an extreme incline that will have you doubting you…

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#12 Cliff and Canyon Trail »
Waimea Hiking

Hiking on Kauai is a great family-friendly activity; provided you pick the right trails. Thankfully, these three ridge-top trails not only fit the bill for family fun, they also have spectacular views of Waimea Canyon. Let's explore them a bit here.We'll begin by saying that some hikers only go as far as Waipoo Falls along the Canyon Trail; others only take the short walk to the end of the Cliff Trail.…

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#13 Pololu Valley Awini Trail »
Kohala Region

If you take the time to drive all the way to Pololu Valley at the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! Take the time to explore. The trail, sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach (Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way…

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#14 Nounou East Trail »
Sleeping Giant Trail

If you’re looking for a great Kauai hiking trail with fantastic views and a breathtaking lookout point from the mountain peak, we introduce you to the Sleeping Giant.The Sleeping Giant Trail is one of three Nounou Mountain Trails. As you hike across the hulking guy’s chest, you’ll understand the origin of the trail’s name. The "giant's" profile is most easily seen from nearly anywhere in Kapaa –…

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#15 Pihea Trail »
West Kauai Region

Pihea Trail is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook (the end of Highway 550). At the beginning of this incredible trail, it skirts along the Kalalau Valley, starting passing through the forest of Ohi'a trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation. This is an excellent place to bird watch if time allows, you might even catch a glimpse of the 'I'iwi, a gorgeous red bird. It is…

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#16 Kuilau Ridge Trail »
East Kauai Region

This old road turned trail gently guides you up 760 feet to a glorious view of the Makaleha Mountains. At the beginning of the path you'll catch glimpses of Kawaikini and Mt. Waialeale, the wettest place on earth, to the west. The Makaleha Mountains are to the north. Even though your view for the first part of the trail is blocked by the ridge, you are treated to a smorgasbord of native and non-native plants…

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#17 Waimea Falls »
North Shore Oahu Region

Waimea Falls, also known as Waihi Falls, is one of the more accessible falls on Oahu. It is located within Waimea Valley, which is a unique Hawaiian botanical garden within a significant cultural and archaeological site. There is a small fee to enter the park. This is a worthwhile contribution, as the place is dedicated to the preservation of the incredible botanical and cultural features of the…

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#18 The Hanakapiai Falls Trail »
Na Pali Region

After hiking two miles of rugged terrain to Hanakapiai Beach along the Kalalau Trail you may be tempted to turn back and head back towards Ke'e Beach. But if you aren't too tired and have some time, consider taking a two-mile (four miles round trip) hike inland to see Hanakapi'ai Falls. It can take up to two hours just to reach the falls, and requires numerous stream crossings.Total elevation gain to the…

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