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

Hey Adventurer! đČâïž
Hawaii might be famous for its beaches and resortsâbut if youâre only sticking to the shoreline, youâre 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 youâre planning a trip to Maui, Oahu, the Big Island, or Kauai, this guide covers 15 of the best hikes across the islands.
Weâre talking family-friendly waterfall walks, sunrise summit treks, and all-out volcanic adventures. Ready to explore? Pack your hiking shoes, water bottle, and curiosityâand letâs hit the trail.
đ 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 youâre there.

đïž Poll Time: Whatâs Your Dream Hawaiian Hike?
Weâd love to know! đ

15 Best Hikes in Hawaii for Volcano Views, Waterfalls & Coastal Vibes
Sure, Hawaii is known for its beaches, palm trees, and mai tais â but if youâve only been lounging on the sand, youâre 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, Hawaiiâs hiking trails are as diverse as its islands. Whether youâre 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 donât need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy this paved path on OÊ»ahuâs 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. KuliÊ»ouÊ»ou Ridge Trail (OÊ»ahu) This oneâs 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 OÊ»ahuâs southeast coast. Think: dramatic drop-offs, fluffy clouds, and serious âIs this a Windows background?â vibes. 3. Koko Crater Railway Trail (OÊ»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. WaiheÊ»e Ridge Trail (Maui) Prepare to be swept away â both literally and figuratively â as you zigzag up this lush, misty ridgeline. With sweeping views of Mauiâs greenest valleys and the distant ocean below, this is rainforest-meets-ridge realness. 5. Ê»Aiea Loop Trail (OÊ»ahu) A gentler, forested loop filled with native trees, rustling bamboo, and a peek at Pearl Harbor from above. Itâs 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. Itâs popular for a reason.
7. Ê»Akaka Falls State Park (Big Island) One mile. Two stunning waterfalls. And a forest straight out of a fairytale. Ê»Akaka Falls plunges 442 feet into a lush gorge, and the loop trail there is paved and easy enough for all ages. Yes, itâs touristy â but itâs also unforgettable. 8. Diamond Head Summit Trail (OÊ»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 WaipoÊ»o Falls (KauaÊ»i) Ever dreamed of hiking along the âGrand Canyon of the Pacificâ? This 3-mile trek through Waimea Canyon leads you to the top of a massive waterfall. Itâs 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 HawaiÊ»i Volcanoes National Park. Expect steam vents, stark terrain, and a lesson in Peleâs power. |
†Looking for romantic adventures? Donât miss our roundup of things to do in Hawaii for couples.
11. Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiâai Beach (KauaÊ»i)
If the NÄ Pali Coast isnât 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. Itâs stunning â and a bit spicy, so bring good shoes and caution.
12. Sliding Sands Trail (Maui) Itâs like hiking on Mars â 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) (LÄnaÊ»i) Itâs short and sweet â less than a mile round trip â 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 (OÊ»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 donât 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? đș
Explore our full guide to the best hikes in Hawaii or explore more adventures with these helpful guides:
Wherever your boots take you â mountain ridges or oceanside paths â Hawaiiâs got a trail with your name on it. đ„Ÿđ
†Big Island on your list? Pair your hike with the best places to visit in Hawaii and Hawaiiâs national parks.

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

đ More Travel Inspiration!
If youâre dreaming of budget-friendly adventures, weâve got plenty more guides to help you plan your next trip:
đč Love scenic road trips? Check out these Best Day Trips from the Bay Area đ đč Looking for an unforgettable camping experience? Try a Tree Tent Campsite đČ đč Exploring Mexico? Donât miss our guide to the Best Things to Do in Tijuana đČđœ đč Chasing waterfalls? Plan a Hike to Ouzel Lake đïž đč Rainy camping trip? Be prepared with these Tips for Camping in the Rain đ§ïžđïž đč Camping in California? Check out the Best Campgrounds for Tents & RVs đïž | đč Hiking fan? Explore the Top Hiking Trails in America đ„Ÿ đč Heading to Vietnam? Plan your trip with our Vietnam Travel Guide đ»đł đč Want to camp in Utah? Here are the Best Places to Camp in Utah âș đč Exploring Texas? Donât miss these RV Parks in Texas đ |
Wherever youâre headed, weâre here to help you Take More Adventures! âïžđ đ
