5 Best Hiking Spots in Hawaii

The tourists do not only come to Hawaii for the exceptional beaches and the most magnificent ocean waves but also for the outstanding trekking and hiking opportunity to enjoy the landscape of volcanic mountain, which reveals the unique scenery to both casual and seasoned hikers.

Besides the volcanic rock, many hiking sites in Hawaii also offers an endless view of beautiful green fill valleys, ridges and tropical forest.

There are plentiful favourite hikes in Hawaii with different difficulties to fit with everyone’s demand. Regardless of the challenge, the spur of the hiking moment and the final reward at the finishing stop will be the best lifelong achievement to anyone.

Below you can see the list of the best hiking options in Hawaii.

1. The Kalalau Trail

Photo: Tyler Drake

The Kalalau Trail is well-known as one of the most pristine and gorgeous hiking adventure in Na Pali Coast Wilderness State Park.

Among the seasoned hikers, the Kalalau Trail requires the massive stamina for the challenging 22-mile round trip from the outer coast deep into the valley. Along the journey is an often a steep and rough climb against the trail curves and crumbling surface.

There are three routes to take for hikers: start from Keʻe Beach to Hanakapiʻai Beach, then from Hanakapiʻai Beach to Hanakapiʻai Falls and finally from Hanakapiʻai Beach to Kalalau Valley.

A majority of the casual hikers usually takes the option of Hanakapiʻai Beach or Hanakapiʻai Falls since the route is the most comfortable to hike and to enjoy the breathtaking view of the beach and the mountain in the background.

2. The Koko Crater Trail

Photo: Tyler Drake

The Koko Crater Trail is the ultimate challenge for anyone to conquer the height of the steep Pu’u Mai mountain, which stands tall over 1206 feet.

The hikers will have to prepare for the climb up on the railway tracks with 1048 stairs, which spreads around 1 mile in length and 1000 feet in vertical rise. This hiking route is an excellent workout for your cardio, stamina, fitness and endurance.

Along the stride over 1000 vertical stairs is the marvellous view of the hill and the valley of Pu’u Mai mountain. Nonetheless, after reaching the final summit, you will be awe-amazing with the open horizon and panoramic view of the scenery. 

You can enjoy the spectacular view of the entire town of the Hanauma Bay and the Port Lock Peninsula from the top of the summit. It is the ultimate reward for those who persist through the steep trail ridges. 

3. The Manoa Falls Trail

Photo: Tyler Drake

The Manoa Falls Trail is the Honolulu’s challenging yet charming short trail into the heart of the rainforest. 

The 1.6-mile round-trip trail will run through various muddy and slippery ground of the tropical forest, into the final reveal of the magnificent waterfalls at the heart of Manoa Valley.

The Manoa Falls Trail is one of the most well-known hikes in the Honolulu travel thanks to its moderate difficulty and short hiking distance. The view during the trail is gorgeous as it always is. 

You will hike through the tropical evergreen forest with the lush bamboos and tall tree hunks on both sides of the trail. The final reward of the trail is nothing other than the view of the breathtaking cascading waterfalls of Manoa. 

Deserving the highlight of the hiking trip, the picturesque streams of the 150-foot waterfalls will let you immerse in the natural scenery. It is the perfect opportunity for your most exciting photo poses.

Moreover, you can relax and lay back to enjoy the fresh watery landscape after a 45 minute to an hour trail. This site also is the popular camping area so do not forget your camping gears if you want to rest here for the entire day.

4. The Haiku Stairs

Photo: Michael Gabbert

The Haiku Stairs has always been famous among the hikers as the stairway to heaven. And the hiking trail honours its name.

The Haiku Stairs offers a massive series of more than 4000 steps with a vertical climb of 2800 feet from the Haiku valley to the summit of Pu'u Keahi A Kahoe mountain range. The stairs were made of wood originally but later on has been completely replaced with concrete. 

On the top of the summit, you can enjoy the outstanding view of the entire valley under the Pu'u Keahi A Kahoe mountain. It is the impressive reward to the hikers after treading through the pathway of more than 4000 steps.

Nonetheless, along with the route, you can view the old antennas built by the army that can transmit the long-range radio signal which as reaches even Tokyo Bay. Also due to the long trail of travel, it is recommended to have an outdoor watch that can help you navigate your way through the stairway to heaven.

5. The Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Photo: Ally Tripp

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike has another name as the Kaiwa Ridge Trail, which is one of the most pleasant and relaxing trails of Oahu. 

The trail only has some comfortable rise above the Lanikai Beach, which offers the most beautiful scenery along the hike with the peaceful ocean view in the backdrop. 

There is good news for the hiking community as the Lanikai Pillbox Hike has been reopened in August 2018 after two months of maintenance and reparation. 

Now the path along the trail is cleaned up and reconstructed to be more robust, which prevents unnecessary accidents as well as offering more pleasant experiences at the same time.

After around 30 to 45 minute hike depending on how far you want to travel, you can enjoy the open horizon of the ocean in the brand new pillbox. It is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh ocean-atmosphere under the marvellous Hawaiian sun.