5 Best Hiking Trails in Hawaii

With over 750 miles of hiking trails across its eight main islands, Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes offer you some of the planet’s most diverse trekking experiences. You’ll discover everything from family-friendly waterfall walks to challenging coastal cliff adventures that’ll test your endurance. Whether you’re seeking sunrise views from ancient crater rims or wanting to walk across cooled lava fields, these five trails represent the absolute best of what each island has to offer adventurous hikers.

Key Points

• Diamond Head Trail on Oahu offers iconic 1.6-mile volcanic crater hike with 360-degree views of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
• Haleakala Crater Trail on Maui descends 2,800 feet into a massive dormant volcanic crater with colorful cinder cones.
• Kilauea Iki Trail on Big Island features a 4-mile loop crossing solidified lava lake with steam vents and rainforest sections.
• Kalalau Trail on Kauai provides challenging 11-mile coastal hike along Na Pali Coast with towering cliffs and pristine beaches.
• Manoa Falls Trail on Oahu delivers family-friendly 1.6-mile rainforest walk to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall through lush jungle.

Diamond Head Trail, Oahu

Diamond Head Trail stands as Oahu’s most iconic hiking destination, drawing thousands of visitors weekly to its volcanic crater rim. You’ll tackle a moderately challenging 1.6-mile round trip that climbs 560 feet through tunnels, staircases, and steep switchbacks. The paved trail begins easily but becomes demanding as you navigate concrete steps and dark tunnels requiring phone flashlights.

Start early—ideally before 7 AM—to beat crowds and heat. You’ll need $5 for parking and another $1 per person for entry.

The 45-minute ascent rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and expect crowds even during off-peak hours. This bucket-list hike delivers stunning sunrise views worth the early wake-up call. Many hikers find that outdoor experiences like this provide the same sense of spiritual connection and personal growth that others discover through organized retreats.

Haleakala Crater Trail, Maui

While Oahu offers volcanic crater views from Diamond Head’s rim, Maui’s Haleakala Crater Trail takes you deep inside one of the world’s largest dormant volcanic craters.

Unlike Diamond Head’s rim views, Haleakala plunges you into the heart of a massive dormant volcanic crater.

You’ll descend into an otherworldly landscape that resembles Mars more than Hawaii. The main trail drops 2,800 feet over four miles, leading to colorful cinder cones and rare silversword plants.

Start early—temperatures drop profoundly inside the crater, and weather changes rapidly. You’ll need sturdy hiking boots for the loose volcanic rock and multiple layers for temperature swings.

The return climb’s brutal, so pace yourself and bring plenty of water.

Book your sunrise viewing reservation in advance, as park entry requires timed tickets. The trail connects to camping areas if you’re planning an overnight adventure.

This remarkable hike consistently ranks among the best hikes that adventurers seek out when exploring volcanic landscapes worldwide.

Kilauea Iki Trail, Big Island

Where else can you walk across the solidified surface of a lava lake that was bubbling just decades ago? The Kilauea Iki Trail on Big Island offers this incredible experience through a 4-mile loop that’ll take you about 2-3 hours to complete.

You’ll start by descending through native rainforest before reaching the crater floor. The hardened lava surface creates an otherworldly landscape dotted with steam vents that remind you of the volcanic activity beneath your feet.

• Bring plenty of water – the exposed crater offers no shade
• Wear sturdy hiking boots for the rough, uneven lava rock
• Follow the rock cairns carefully to stay on the designated path
• Start early morning to avoid afternoon heat and crowds

This trail perfectly combines Hawaii’s geological wonder with accessible hiking. For enhanced comfort during variable weather conditions on the trail, consider a lightweight smock that provides protection without weighing down your pack.

Kalalau Trail, Kauai

Why do seasoned hikers consider the Kalalau Trail one of the most spectacular yet challenging coastal hikes in the world? You’ll discover the answer as you navigate this 11-mile trail along Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.

The path demands serious preparation—you’ll encounter narrow ridges, steep drop-offs, and stream crossings that can turn dangerous during rain.

You’ll need permits for hiking beyond Hanakapiai Beach at two miles. The full trail to Kalalau Beach requires overnight camping permits, which book months ahead.

Pack plenty of water, as streams aren’t reliable year-round. Weather changes rapidly, so bring rain gear and sturdy hiking boots with excellent traction.

Since you’ll be camping overnight without traditional facilities, consider bringing camping showers to maintain hygiene during your multi-day adventure.

The reward? You’ll witness towering sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and untouched Hawaiian wilderness that’s only accessible on foot.

Manoa Falls Trail, Oahu

If you’re seeking a family-friendly alternative to Kauai’s demanding coastal trek, you’ll find the Manoa Falls Trail offers an entirely different but equally rewarding Hawaiian hiking experience. This 1.6-mile roundtrip trail leads you through Oahu’s lush rainforest to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall.

You’ll navigate:

• Muddy, slippery terrain requiring sturdy footwear
• Dense jungle canopy with native Hawaiian plants
• Stream crossings over moss-covered rocks
• Steep sections with tree root steps

The trail stays busy year-round, so start early for better parking and fewer crowds. You’ll encounter mosquitoes, so bring repellent. The waterfall’s pool isn’t suitable for swimming due to bacteria concerns, but the mist provides invigorating relief.

This accessible adventure perfectly showcases Oahu’s tropical beauty without extreme difficulty. Expecting mothers should take extra precautions on this trail due to the muddy terrain and stream crossings that could present additional safety challenges.

Sum Up

You’ll discover hiking nirvana on these five jaw-dropping Hawaiian trails that’ll absolutely blow your mind! From Diamond Head’s sunrise magic to Haleakala’s otherworldly volcanic moonscape, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re conquering Kalalau’s death-defying cliffs or strolling through Manoa’s enchanted rainforest, each trail delivers earth-shattering views that’ll spoil every other hike forever. Pack your boots, grab that camera, and prepare for the most spectacular hiking experiences you’ll ever witness!