Top 15 Hiking Trails in Hawaii

There’s no better way to explore Hawaii than by hitting one of the dozens of hiking trails that weave across the state. Trekking here can mean an escape into a native rainforest or cutting along secluded coastal trails. Indeed, the diverse range of trails in Hawaii can give visitors a true appreciation of the islands’ natural beauty.

Despite Hawaii accounting for less than 0.2% of the land in the USA, more than a quarter of species found on the nation’s endangered species list are endemic to the state. Hiking is one of the best ways to see some of Hawaii’s endangered plants and animals, whilst also experiencing its unique ecosystems.

From strolls along secluded shorelines to walks across volcanic landscapes, there are hikes for all abilities, including first-timers and families, too.

1. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Oʻahu

Best for beginners and parents with strollers
2 miles round trip, 1 hour, easy

Leading to a historic lighthouse on Oʻahu, this is easily one of the most scenic – and accessible – hikes on the island. Perched on a 600ft-high sea cliff on the easternmost point of the island, Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse was built in 1909. The mile-long trail that leads to the lighthouse was recently renovated and is entirely paved, making it a great option for non-hikers, pets, and strollers.

Avid hikers love this trail too. It meanders along windswept cliffs with stunning views of the rugged Kaiwi Coast and the Pacific Ocean. In the distance, you can see the offshore islets Manana and Kaohikaipu, as well as Molokai, Maui, and sometimes Lanai on clear days. Hike the trail between November and May and you’ll likely spot some of the 12,000-odd North Pacific humpback whales which swim down to Hawaii from Alaska to mate, play, and give birth in the warm, shallow waters around Oʻahu.

For the more adventurous, you can walk to the tide pools below – the trailhead is located just after a lookout with whale information signs. Check ocean and wind conditions and be careful of big surf crashing onto the ledge.

2. Kaiwa Ridge Trail (Lanikai Pillbox Trail), Oʻahu

Best sunrise hike
1 mile, 1 hour, moderately difficult

If you want to catch the sunrise over one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, head to Lanikai on Oʻahu’s Windward side. The Kaiwa Ridge Trail is a 1-mile, mostly uphill trek to two concrete pillboxes (observation stations built in early 1943). From the top, you can watch the sun rise above the gorgeous Lanikai Beach and the famous Na Mokulua (‘twin islands’).

There’s no parking at the trailhead, so park at Kailua Beach Park instead (it has restrooms and showers) and walk five minutes to the start of the trail. It’s hot and often crowded on this trail, so hitting it early for sunrise is highly recommended.

3. Koko Crater Botanical Garden Loop, Oʻahu

Best hike for nature lovers
2 miles, 1 hour, easy

This municipal green space offers a nice, unpaved 2-mile loop trail through its collection of rare and endangered dryland plants. Hikers will pass golden barrel cacti, native loulu palms, baobabs, and succulents. There is also a huge grove of plumeria trees right at the front of the garden, too. Trek here in the summer when hundreds of its trees are in bloom.

4. Kaʻena Point Trail, Oʻahu

Best hike to see wildlife
3.5 miles, 3 hours, easy to moderate

The Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve on Oʻahu’s westernmost end represents one of the last intact sand dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian Islands. It’s home to native coastal plants and seabirds, including the Laysan albatross, wedge-tailed shearwaters, red-footed boobies, and the great frigate bird.

A 3.5-mile, well-graded trail runs through this nature preserve, hugging the rugged coastline with near-constant views of the Pacific Ocean. You can often see dolphins and migrating whales (in the winter months), and endangered Hawaiian monk seals and Hawaiian green sea turtles sometimes rest on the shoreline.

5. ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail, Hawaiʻi Island

Best accessible waterfall trail
0.5-mile round trip, 30 minutes, easy

If you want to see a gorgeous waterfall but don’t have a lot of time or brought the wrong shoes, try the easy ʻAkaka Falls Loop Trail. Located about 20 miles north of Hilo, this short walk along a paved path leads hikers through lush tropical vegetation to two waterfalls, including the dramatic 442ft ʻAkaka Falls.

6. Ehukai Pillbox Hike, Oʻahu

Best for views of Oahu’s North Shore
2 miles, 1½ to 2 hours, moderate

Oʻahu’s fabled North Shore boasts some of the world’s best surf breaks and the 2-mile Ehukai Pillbox Hike climbs the side of the northern Koʻolau Mountains to WWII bunkers that have sweeping views of those beaches. It’s a great alternative to the more crowded Kaiwi Ridge Trail.

7. Kīlauea Iki Trek, Hawaiʻi Island

Best for volcano lovers
4 miles round trip, 2½ hours, moderate to difficult

One of the most popular hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the 4-mile Kilauea Iki trek starts in a forest of native ohia trees and hapuu fern and ends by passing through an otherworldly desolate crater floor. It’s one of the most unique hikes in Hawaii.

8. Kuliouou Ridge Trail, Oʻahu

Best for mountain views
5 miles round trip, 3 hours, moderate to difficult

This 5-mile round trip hike in East Honolulu ends at the summit of the Koolau Mountains with a 360-degree view of Windward Oʻahu and the island’s south shore.

9. Pipiwai Trail, Maui

Best waterfall hike
4 miles round trip, 2 to 3 hours, moderate

The Pipiwai Trail isn’t easy to get to. It starts near Haleakalā National Park with an uphill push to an overlook of the far-off Makahiku Falls. The highlight is the 400ft Waimoku Falls, but the most memorable part of the hike is a boardwalk through a dense bamboo forest.

10. Kalōpā Nature Trail, Hawaiʻi Island

Best easy rainforest hike
0.7 miles, 1 hour, easy

Few venture to Kalōpā Native Forest State Park on Hawaiʻi Island, but if you’re looking for some solitude, this is where to find it. The Kalopa Nature Trail is an easy walk through a lush rainforest, surrounded by large ohia trees and other native plants.

11. Waihee Ridge Trail, Maui

Best day hike
5 miles round trip, 4 hours, moderate

This 5-mile hike explores the wild West Maui Mountains, offering steady climbs through native rainforest and stunning views from the summit.

12. Waihou Spring Trail, Maui

Best for families
1.8 miles, 2 hours, easy

Kids love exploring the Waihou Spring Forest Reserve in Upcountry Maui. The easy Waihou Spring Trail follows an old forest road through a variety of trees planted in the 1920s.

13. Summiting Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant), Kauaʻi

Best hike with views of East Kauaʻi
6.1 km (3.8 miles) round trip, moderately easy

The trek up Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) offers unrivaled views of East Kauaʻi and its coastline, making it one of the most popular hikes on the island.

Tips for Hiking in Hawaii

• A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential.
• Bring sturdy hiking boots and rainproof clothing, as weather can change rapidly.
• For mountain summits, pack a fleece or down jacket, even in summer.
• Always carry a flashlight as it gets dark quickly.
• All freshwater sources must be treated before drinking.
• Potential hazards include vog (volcanic smog) and flash floods.