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The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Hawaii, United States
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1. Kalalau Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,655 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. Kauai's hiking trail along the Na Pali coast.
Reviewed By wolverineJACK21 - Midland, United States
My family just got back from Kauai. We stayed near the NaPali coast. We had anyone from age 29-64 with us. There is a new rule now where you MUST have a park pass weeks ahead of time before being able to hike the Kalalau trail. We made this mistake and got sent away the first time. If you can’t get a pass, the best way to get access to the park is via the shuttle. The shuttle pass comes with entry to the park which is nice. The shuttle system is actually pretty efficient too. We took our shuttle from Princeville. After arriving, you have a 0.5 mile easy hike to the trailhead. There are bathrooms and a beach with a lifeguard here. If you want to hike, the trail itself is well marked and reasonably safe for the first two miles. It is mainly rocks but is wide and easily hike-able for people of all ages. There are tiny streams that you may have to step over but nothing too crazy. At the end, you hike down to a river. We went during the winter and the river was too high and too fast to cross. I recommend bring water shoes in a backpack to cross the river so that your hiking shoes aren’t soaked. It was at least waist high when we went. There is a small beach that you can hike down to which is nice. Overall, this trail is beautiful. I’m bummed we couldn’t make it to the waterfall on the other side of the river but highly recommend this.
2. Nu'alolo Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Hiking trail located in Kokee State Park.
Reviewed By U1378YVjeffb - Milford, United States
We hiked the ‘Cliffs’ version of this trail, a loop where you start on the Nualolo trail, hike into the vista, backtrack 3/4 mile to the Cliffs trail junction, take the Cliffs trail 2 miles over to its junction with the Awaawapuhi trail, do the vista there and then hike back out to the road on the Awaawapuhi trail, leaving you a 1.7 mile walk down the road back to your car at the Nualolo trailhead. Total distance of about 13 miles w elevation gain about 2200 feet. Fantastic day, BUT some important notes! First 1.25m of the Nualolo was a steep downhill, heavy w mud wallows, making hiking poles essential and slowing us considerably. It had been raining for weeks apparently, though none for three days when we hiked. The mud varies apparently, but it’s no joke and you should not underestimate it. Trail eventually dried out for the most part and the Nualolo vista is incredible. The Ciffs connector trail was a surprise - interesting in its own right but unblazed w few markers, narrow, little used, subject to blocking w deadfalls, sometimes faint and challenging to follow. Hikers w substantial experience will enjoy it, but we encountered some novices having real trouble. The Awaawapuhi vista was fine, though nowhere near as spectacular as the Nualolo. And the mud factor on the hike out along the Awaawapuhi trail was far less troublesome than on the Nualolo. With the mud and the lingering here and there and our usual modest pace, it took us 9 hours to cover the entire loop (!) and we hiked back down the road to our car under the stars. Start the hike early if you are doing the whole thing!! By the way, the distances on the occasional state park trail markers and official maps seem to be off about 20% from what you’ll get on a GPS tracker. That is, the hike is longer than the ‘official’ distances indicate. The attendant at the museum/info center told us that the Nualolo trail is 4.5 miles one way to the vista versus the 3.75 given as the ‘official’ distance. My GPS says she was right. Weird, but there it is and plan your tome accordingly!
3. Kilauea Iki Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,428 reviews
A moderate 4 mile hike into a an old volcanic crater.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc
Start early in the day, if only because parking is extremely limited at the Kilauea Iki Overlook. There are two ways to hike: clockwise, the more difficult direction which begins with an unpaved path, or counterclockwise, the easier direction which begins with going down steps. The descent to the crater floor is 400 feet... the ascent back to the parking area via the counterclockwise direction involves hiking switchbacks which is easier than climbing uneven, high, and steep steps if one has taken the clockwise direction. If in relatively decent shape, allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Elevation/altitude is about 4,000 feet. The interpretative map/guide is available for $2 at the park headquarters and is worthwhile. Pack a hat/cap, sunglasses, plenty of water and insect repellent.
4. Kauai Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 839 reviews
Reviewed By NicolleZ - Holt, United States
Great for all ages, my sister and parents and I had a wonderful bike ride along the coast. The paved path made for easy riding and there were plenty of pull-offs and scenic overlooks. You might even see a sea turtle or two! The rented bikes had baskets and bells on them. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat!
5. Pu’U’Ohulu Kai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By secretagentgs - Honolulu, United States
This hike is affectionally known as the pink pillbox hike. It’s on the west coast Oahu so it’s off the beaten path so-to-speak, but this hike and locale is amazing!! It’s a good hike, definitely not for the weak hearted since it’s high up and on a winding path that is narrow at points and offers no protection from sliding off the path. But you have to check it out, and I highly recommend going at sunset...the views are AMAZING! There are a few different pillboxes & artifacts from a war and a time past! Super cool spot!!
6. Sliding Sands Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By MikeH305 - Phoenix, United States
Walking down here is eerie to me. First of all you're at 10000 feet so if you use the rule of thumb 1 hour down 2 hours up it is more like 3 because of the altitude unless you live in higher elevations. Make sure you have good shoes and warm clothes and a last worning don't go in the rain. The landscape is moonlike and pretty barren. We didn't do the entire trek but did enough to know a little of what to expect. We had clear weather but it was cold. Definitely huffed and puffed on the way back up.
7. Kalepa Ridge Trail
8. Ho'opi'i Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
One of Kauai's best hiking trails.
Reviewed By melaniem598
We loved this hike. It was very muddy... but I think they all are! Where good runners and they will get muddy! Walk slow as the mud does get pretty slippery! Our youngest is 8 and we were able able to do this hike. The hardest part is climbing down the cliff ( and back up) after we had an amazing time in the falls and swinging on the rope swing!!! Careful of the huge rock when you drop off the rope. ( We had someone stand there so no one hit it and swung the rope back) what an experience!!! If you hike do this for sure!
9. Diamond Head State Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,500 reviews
A dormant volcano crater.
Reviewed By alp107
Great hike to do on Oahu! Try going early to miss the tourist runs ???? Great hike to do with kids and the whole family. Please note this is not a stroller-friendly hike. If by the time you get farther along the hike and don't feel like using the stairs (they're steep!), try the alternate (but longer) route of the ramp ways. Overall, this is a short hike with beautiful and great views of the south shoreline of Honolulu. Stay hydrated as this can be a dry climb up the half crater that is Diamond Head. ????
10. Koloa Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
A 10-mile hiking and biking trail on Kaua'i's south shore.
Reviewed By HawaiiChris2020
The Heritage Trail is an excellent way to see the coast from lava cliffs, sea turtles in the coves, waves crashing into the coast, areas sacred to native Hawaiians, and a beautiful beach at the end of the hike. It is an in and out hike so take a water bottle and a camera! We got some phenomenal pictures of Kauai's coast. This trail has side trails for better views of the coast. Take your time and veer off to see the sites!
