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š Trails to Treasure: 15 Unforgettable Hikes in Hawaii
From lava fields to waterfall trails, these hikes show off the islandsā wild sideāand weāve got picks for every experience level.
Discover the 15 Best Hikes in Hawaii: From Volcano Treks to Beach Trails

Hey Adventurer! š²āļø
Hawaii might be famous for its beaches and resortsābut if youāre only sticking to the shoreline, youāre missing half the adventure. The islands are home to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the world, from lava-crusted craters to jungle-shrouded waterfalls and coastal cliff trails. Whether youāre planning a trip to Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, or Kauai, this guide covers 15 of the best hikes across the islands.
Weāre talking family-friendly waterfall walks, sunrise summit treks, and all-out volcanic adventures. Ready to explore? Pack your hiking shoes, water bottle, and curiosityāand letās hit the trail.
š Want more Hawaii inspo? Check out our guides to the best places to visit, things to do with kids, romantic escapes, or where to stay while youāre there.

šļø Poll Time: Whatās Your Dream Hawaiian Hike?
Weād love to know! š

15 Best Hikes in Hawaii for Volcano Views, Waterfalls & Coastal Vibes
Sure, Hawaii is known for its beaches, palm trees, and mai tais ā but if youāve only been lounging on the sand, youāre missing out on some of the most breathtaking views the islands have to offer. From sunrise ridgelines to lush jungle paths and lava-strewn craters, Hawaiiās hiking trails are as diverse as its islands. Whether youāre chasing waterfalls or crater hopping, here are 15 hikes that will turn your Aloha trip into a full-blown adventure.
1. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail (Oʻahu)
You donāt need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy this paved path on OŹ»ahuās eastern edge. The payoff? Jaw-dropping views of the Pacific, a red-roofed lighthouse, and humpback whales breaching from November to May. Bonus: You can bring your stroller, your grandma, or both.
⤠Planning an Oʻahu trip? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Hawaii and where to stay.
2. KuliŹ»ouŹ»ou Ridge Trail (OŹ»ahu) This oneās a leg burner, but oh-so worth it. The 4.4-mile out-and-back trail snakes through pine forest and opens up to sweeping views of OŹ»ahuās southeast coast. Think: dramatic drop-offs, fluffy clouds, and serious āIs this a Windows background?ā vibes. 3. Koko Crater Railway Trail (OŹ»ahu) Imagine climbing a thousand steps. Now imagine those steps are the remains of a WWII-era railway up a dormant volcano. Your quads will cry, your sweat will flow, but the 360-degree view from the top? Pure magic. | 4. WaiheŹ»e Ridge Trail (Maui) Prepare to be swept away ā both literally and figuratively ā as you zigzag up this lush, misty ridgeline. With sweeping views of Mauiās greenest valleys and the distant ocean below, this is rainforest-meets-ridge realness. 5. Ź»Aiea Loop Trail (OŹ»ahu) A gentler, forested loop filled with native trees, rustling bamboo, and a peek at Pearl Harbor from above. Itās a favorite for runners and dogs (on leashes), and perfect for when you want a mellow nature fix. |
⤠More Maui magic: Top hikes in Maui and unforgettable Sea Maui experiences.
6. Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge Trail) (Oʻahu)
Short, steep, and totally Instagrammable. This sunrise trail leads you up to two historic WWII bunkers (aka pillboxes) with ridiculous views of Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands. Itās popular for a reason.
7. Ź»Akaka Falls State Park (Big Island) One mile. Two stunning waterfalls. And a forest straight out of a fairytale. Ź»Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a lush gorge, and the loop trail there is paved and easy enough for all ages. Yes, itās touristy ā but itās also unforgettable. 8. Diamond Head Summit Trail (OŹ»ahu) Possibly the most iconic hike in Hawaii. This short but steep climb inside a crater gives you postcard-worthy panoramas of Waikiki and the turquoise coastline. Pro tip: Go early to beat the crowds and the sun. | 9. Canyon Trail to WaipoŹ»o Falls (KauaŹ»i) Ever dreamed of hiking along the āGrand Canyon of the Pacificā? This 3-mile trek through Waimea Canyon leads you to the top of a massive waterfall. Itās rugged, red, and ridiculously scenic. 10. KÄ«lauea Iki Trail (Big Island) Walk across a cooled lava lake? Yes, please. This otherworldly trail lets you hike inside a volcanic crater in HawaiŹ»i Volcanoes National Park. Expect steam vents, stark terrain, and a lesson in Peleās power. |
⤠Looking for romantic adventures? Donāt miss our roundup of things to do in Hawaii for couples.
11. Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiāai Beach (KauaŹ»i)
If the NÄ Pali Coast isnāt already on your bucket list, add it now. This first stretch of the legendary Kalalau Trail takes you to a hidden beach framed by sheer cliffs and crashing waves. Itās stunning ā and a bit spicy, so bring good shoes and caution.
12. Sliding Sands Trail (Maui) Itās like hiking on Mars ā but with wildflowers and panoramic crater views. Starting at 10,000 feet in HaleakalÄ National Park, this trail leads you into a volcanic dreamscape. Pack layers and your sense of awe. 13. Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk (Maui) Not every hike needs to leave you gasping. This easy, paved coastal walk offers ocean views, beach access, and whale sightings in season. Great for sunrise strolls, sunset vibes, or pushing a stroller with an iced coffee in hand. | 14. Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock) (LÄnaŹ»i) Itās short and sweet ā less than a mile round trip ā but the views are big. This coastal trail leads to a dramatic sea stack wrapped in legend and perfect for sunset watching. Tread lightly; seabirds nest nearby. 15. MÄnoa Falls Trail (OŹ»ahu) Jungle vibes? Check. Movie set magic? Also check. This short trail near Honolulu takes you through a lush rainforest to a 150-foot waterfall straight out of Jurassic Park. Wear shoes you donāt mind getting muddy. |
⤠Need a place to unwind post-hike? See our picks for the best hotels in Maui and restaurants to refuel.
Ready to hike your heart out in paradise? šŗ
Explore our full guide to the best hikes in Hawaii or explore more adventures with these helpful guides:
Wherever your boots take you ā mountain ridges or oceanside paths ā Hawaiiās got a trail with your name on it. š„¾š
⤠Big Island on your list? Pair your hike with the best places to visit in Hawaii and Hawaiiās national parks.

Ready to hit the trail?
Whether youāre chasing a summit, a sunset, or just a peaceful escape, these hikes prove you donāt have to leave the Bay to find adventure. šPS: Got a favorite local trail we missed? Hit reply and let us knowāweāre always down to discover a hidden gem. Happy hiking! The Take More Adventures Team šāØ |

š More Travel Inspiration!
If youāre dreaming of budget-friendly adventures, weāve got plenty more guides to help you plan your next trip:
š¹ Love scenic road trips? Check out these Best Day Trips from the Bay Area š š¹ Looking for an unforgettable camping experience? Try a Tree Tent Campsite š² š¹ Exploring Mexico? Donāt miss our guide to the Best Things to Do in Tijuana š²š½ š¹ Chasing waterfalls? Plan a Hike to Ouzel Lake šļø š¹ Rainy camping trip? Be prepared with these Tips for Camping in the Rain š§ļøšļø š¹ Camping in California? Check out the Best Campgrounds for Tents & RVs šļø | š¹ Hiking fan? Explore the Top Hiking Trails in America š„¾ š¹ Heading to Vietnam? Plan your trip with our Vietnam Travel Guide š»š³ š¹ Want to camp in Utah? Here are the Best Places to Camp in Utah āŗ š¹ Exploring Texas? Donāt miss these RV Parks in Texas š |
Wherever youāre headed, weāre here to help you Take More Adventures! āļøš š




