10 Best Hiking And Trekking Spots In Hawaii, USA

1. Mānoa Falls Trail

There are many reasons why Mānoa Falls Trail is one of the popular hiking trails in the state of Hawaii. First of all, it is located in Honolulu and is just a 10 to 15-minute commute from Waikiki. Second, its level of difficulty is moderate. This means that most visitors can do this hike with very little difficulty. The third is it features a scenic waterfall that adds to the beauty of your trek. The whole trail measure 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) and is an out-and-back trail. This makes it easy for you as you only travel on one path to get to Mānoa Falls and back.

Mānoa Falls Trail

Address: Na Ala Hele, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

2. Kalalau Trail

Kalalau Trail takes you through 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) of amazing scenery and wonderful nature spots. It starts from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach on Kauai Island. It is located within Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, a protected area governed by Hawaii State Parks. Expect to have some level of difficulty as the trail passes through five valleys before it reaches its end, where fluted cliffs will welcome you. Along the way, the trail will lead you past cliffs and rolling hills. You will also pass by Hanakanap’ai Beach where you can enjoy a few hours of dipping in the water and fun in the sun.

Kalalau Trail

Address: Kalalau Trail, Nā Pali Coast, Kauai, HI

3. Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

The picturesque waters, coastline, and beaches of O’ahu’s southeast shores are what you will see during your trek through Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail. This includes stops at Koko Crater and Koko Head. The views of Windward Coast and some of the small islands are yours for the taking. These islands are natural wildlife reserves where indigenous birds spread their wings. If wildlife is your thing, you might get a glimpse of humpback whales breaching the surface. You can drop by Makapu’u Lighthouse, a heritage lighthouse where you can have your photos taken and where you can take in a beautiful view of the water.

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

Address: Waimanalo, HI 96795, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 6:45pm (daily)

4. Ka'ena Point

Located on the westernmost portion of the island of O’ahu, Ka’ena Point is famous for its railroad bed where you will walk on your way to Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve. This is where dunes on the coast are protected to preserve their beauty. Feel free to roam around the reserve while taking in the majestic sight of its flora and fauna. The winter months are perfect for whale watching because this is when they migrate to the area. You need to bring enough water, sunblock lotion, and accessories to protect you from the sun like hats and sunglasses because the weather is always hot.

Ka’ena Point

Address: Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 6:45pm (daily)

5. Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

Situated near Pearl City, a beautiful area in Honolulu, Pearl Harbor Historic Trail stretches 5.8 miles (9.3 kilometers). The moderately difficult trail is among the undiscovered trekking sites the state has to offer. Since there is not much foot traffic on it, it provides a peaceful path where you can see various scenic landscapes. Pearl Harbor’s majestic coastline serves as a picturesque backdrop for your walk. You can even bring your dog along on the condition that your pet is leashed. It starts from the USS Arizona Memorial parking lot and ends at Waipi’o Point Access Road. Because of its rising popularity, expect more people to take to this trail soon.

Pearl Harbor Historic Trail

Address: 94-9 Waipahu Depot St, Waipahu, HI 96797, United States

6. Diamond Head Trail

If you are looking for a trail that will provide you an exhilarating view of Honolulu’s harbor, Diamond Head Trail is perfect for you. The trail starts and ends at the crater and provides a 360-degree vantage of the sea, mountains, and the city of Honolulu. The trail is of moderate difficulty, which means almost anyone can enjoy it. Stretching 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) of straight pathways with a few steep climbs and constricted stairways, the walk provides a perfect venue to relax and leave your worries behind. This is the most popular path in the state so expect heavy foot traffic on it.

Diamond Head Trail

Address: Diamond Head State Monument, Kapahulu, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

7. Mauna Kea

Hiking on a clear day through Mauna Kea Trail provides you a chance to see the second-largest volcano in the world, Mauna Loa. Mauna Kea has the distinction of being the tallest volcano on the planet, standing at 19,685 feet (6,000 meters) below sea level and 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) above the surface. It starts from Onizuka Center for International Astronomy and ends at the volcano’s peak. The hike takes you through rough roads and forests teeming with wildlife. It stretches 6 miles (10 kilometers) long and poses a challenge for average-skilled climbers. The trail is located on the Island of Hawaii, popularly called Big Island.

Mauna Kea

Address: Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States

8. Koko Crater Trail

Koko Crater Trail is a short 1.8-mile (2.9-kilometer) out-and-back pathway. This means you start your walk from Koko Head Park to Koko Crater then back on the same trail. Don’t be fooled by the distance, because the back part of the trek will be a workout of the strenuous kind. This part has a portion where an old rail track is used as a staircase - all 1,048 steps of it. This portion is located on the west side of the crater and leads you to the summit. Along the way, you will get endless views of Honolulu’s eastern coast. While at the top, you can visit Koko Crater Botanical Garden.

Koko Crater Trail

Address: Koko Crater Regional Park, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States

Opening hours: 6:30am - 11pm

9. Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Lanikai Pillbox Hike is famously called Kaiwa Ridge Hike. It is located near Waimanalo Beach and is only 0.6 miles (0.96 kilometers) in length. What makes this a challenging trail is the fact that it climbs hundreds of feet with three pillbox stops along the way. So that means you will have to prepare yourself for a steep climb. The end destination is Kaiwa Ridge, which stands at 603 feet (184 meters) and holds the last pillbox of the trail. A geodetic marker and a broken surveyor’s pole is located at the ridge and signifies that you have completed the climb up.

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

Address: 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

10. Haiku Stairs

There is only one legal way to hike Haiku Stairs. Also called Stairway to Heaven, the hike starts at Moanalua Valley Road Trail. At the end of the trail, you then take the pathway on the left. The climb is an easy one. However, some portions are muddy or require you to climb almost vertical land formations. There are some areas where you have to pull yourself with a rope to move on. Because of these, you will have to practice safety at every step. The last stage of the hike is where the stairs are located. Be respectful of residents along the way by staying quiet and not parking your vehicle by their homes. Steep penalties are brought on to violators.

Haiku Stairs

Address: Moanalua Valley Trail Start, 1849 Ala Aolani St, Honolulu, HI 96819, United States

Experience the best hiking in Hawaii

Volcanic craters, mountain peaks, blue seas, and white sand beaches are all yours to see once you decide to go hiking and trekking in Hawaii. Scattered all over the different islands of this beautiful and laidback state, you will not run out of hiking trails to choose from depending on the level of difficulty you can handle. One thing’s for sure, all of the trails listed above will have you enjoying your trekking or hiking experience.