Hawaii’s Best Hikes: Trails That Reward Every Step
Hiking in Hawaii offers access to some of the wettest, densest, and most beautiful trails in the US.
Some people come to Hawaii for the slow pace of the beach. I came for the ridges that cut into the clouds, the craters that hold their own weather systems, and the trails that trace the edge of the Pacific. Every island has a walk that will change how you see it — but picking the right one matters more than just picking a pretty name. The 13 best places to go hiking in Hawaii range from a 1.1-mile loop through a volcanic landscape to a 22-mile test of endurance along a cliffside coast. What works for a family with young kids looks different from a solo trekker’s bucket-list challenge, and the weather can shut down a trail entirely if you don’t plan for it.
This guide covers six of the best Hawaiian hikes, each offering a distinct version of island scenery. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning walk to a waterfall or a full-day ridge scramble, you’ll find the details that matter — time needed, access realities, and what to watch out for before you go.
Hawaii’s best hikes range from short family-friendly loops to multi-day treks, but they all share one thing: incredible scenery. Your ideal trail depends on your fitness level, how you handle heights, and which island you’re visiting. The Alaka’i Swamp Trail is nothing like the Koko Head steps — and that’s exactly why you should read the details before you book a flight.
| Spot | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olomana Ridge Trail | Adventurers comfortable with heights | Three-peak traverse with rope-assisted scrambles | 3–5 hours | Start before 7 a.m. to avoid afternoon clouds and heat — the ridge is fully exposed. |
| Koko Head | Families wanting a challenge with a payoff | 1,048 railway ties built during WWII | 1–2 hours | Bring a headlamp if you go late — the stairs are uneven and easy to stumble on in the dark. |
| Kalalau Trail | Experienced backpackers and multi-day trekkers | Na Pali Coast views from cliffside switchbacks | 2–3 days (full length) | Permits are required and sell out months in advance — book before you book your flights. |
| Twin Falls | Families and casual hikers | Two waterfalls accessible from a short trail | 1–1.5 hours | Go early to avoid the tour buses — the parking lot fills by 9 a.m. |
| Alaka’i Swamp Trail | Nature lovers and birdwatchers | One of only three montane wet forests in Hawaii | 3–4 hours | Wear waterproof boots — the boardwalk doesn’t cover everything, and the mud is slick. |
| Kīpuka Puaulu Trail | All ages and ability levels | Volcanic landscape in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | 30–45 minutes | Combine with a drive along Chain of Craters Road for a full day of volcanic sights. |
Olomana Ridge Trail: Oahu’s Three-Peak Challenge
This trail starts in Kailua and immediately makes its intentions clear. The 5-mile out-and-back route climbs 1,860 feet across three distinct peaks, each one requiring a different kind of nerve. The first peak is the most accessible, but the boulder sections and rope-assisted scrambles on the second and third peaks demand both strength and a tolerance for exposure.
If you’re short on time or traveling with kids who aren’t ready for exposed scrambles, skip the second and third peaks. The first peak alone gives you the full ridge experience in about half the distance. For a deeper look at Oahu’s hiking options, the guide to Oahu’s most majestic trails covers more routes that work for different skill levels.
Koko Head: The Stairway That Earns Its Reputation
The Koko Head hike is a 1.8-mile round-trip climb up an abandoned railway line built during WWII to supply a cliffside bunker. The 880 feet of elevation gain come in the form of 1,048 railway ties, some of which are loose, uneven, or spaced awkwardly. It’s a grind, but it’s short, and the view from the top of Hanauma Bay and the eastern coastline is a genuine reward.
Kalalau Trail: Kauai’s Cliffside Epic
The Kalalau Trail is the gold standard of Hawaiian backpacking. The full 22-mile route runs from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Na Pali Coast, with 6,177 feet of elevation gain across five major valleys. The trail was closed for most of 2021 and 2022 due to mudslide damage and reopened in October 2022. Permits are required for both day hiking past the first two miles and for overnight camping, and they sell out quickly.
The Kalalau Trail was closed for most of 2021 and 2022 due to mudslide damage. Permits are required, and availability is limited. Check the state park website for current conditions before planning your trip. The stream crossings can become impassable after heavy rain, and rescue is not quick.
If you want to experience the Na Pali Coast without the full commitment, the kayaking guide to the Na Pali Coast offers a different perspective on the same coastline and pairs well with a day hike to Hanakapiai Beach.
Twin Falls: Maui’s Accessible Waterfall Walk
On the Road to Hana, Twin Falls is one of the most accessible waterfall hikes on Maui. The 1.8-mile round-trip trail has only 350 feet of elevation gain and leads to two waterfalls. The trail is often wet and slippery, and the pools can be crowded by mid-morning.
For families with younger kids, this is a solid choice. The short distance and low elevation gain make it manageable, and the waterfalls are a natural reward. If you’re looking for more waterfall hikes across the islands, the Big Island waterfall guide covers a different set of trails with similar accessibility.
Alaka’i Swamp Trail: Kauai’s Cloud Forest Walk
The Alaka’i Swamp Trail sits above the Na Pali Coast in Waimea Canyon, offering a completely different experience from the coastal routes. The 7-mile trail with 1,330 feet of elevation gain winds through one of only three montane wet forests in Hawaii. The boardwalk covers much of the trail, but the mud can be relentless, and the weather changes fast.
This trail rewards patience and preparation. The unique ecosystem — dwarf ohia trees, moss-draped branches, and native birds — is the main attraction, not the sweeping views. If you’re interested in the volcanic history that created this landscape, the guide to hiking through volcanic history provides context for the geological forces at work.
Kīpuka Puaulu Trail: The Big Island’s Volcanic Loop
Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail is a 1.1-mile loop with only 160 feet of elevation gain. It’s one of the few trails in the park that survived the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, and it showcases a volcanic landscape that’s still active and evolving. The trail is also known as the Bird Park Trail because of the native bird species that inhabit the forest.
This is the hike I recommend to anyone who wants to see volcanic terrain without committing to a long or strenuous day. The Mauna Kea summit guide covers another Big Island adventure that pairs well with a day in Volcanoes National Park, offering a completely different high-altitude perspective.
Choosing Your Hike and Preparing for the Trail
| Trail | Difficulty | Length | Best Time to Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olomana Ridge | Hard | 5 miles | Early morning (6–8 a.m.) |
| Koko Head | Moderate to Hard | 1.8 miles | Late afternoon (4–5 p.m.) |
| Kalalau Trail | Very Hard | 22 miles | Summer (May–September) |
| Twin Falls | Easy | 1.8 miles | Early morning (7–8 a.m.) |
| Alaka’i Swamp | Moderate | 7 miles | Morning (8–10 a.m.) |
| Kīpuka Puaulu | Easy | 1.1 miles | Any time of day |
Permits, Closures, and Trail Conditions
Trailheads can change due to rainfall or mudslide damage, and multiple starting points exist for some trails. Checking details in advance for parking and seasonal closures is advised. The Kalalau Trail requires a permit for both day hiking past the first two miles and for overnight camping. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has an entrance fee, but the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail is included. For the most current conditions, check the state park and national park websites before you go.
What to Pack for a Hawaiian Hike
The weather in Hawaii changes fast, especially at higher elevations. A rain jacket, plenty of water, and sturdy footwear are non-negotiable. For longer hikes like the Kalalau Trail or Alaka’i Swamp, a reliable GPS is essential. The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar tracks distance, elevation, and GPS coordinates, and its built-in flashlight is useful when a hike takes longer than expected. For capturing the views, the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is compact enough to pack on a day hike and delivers stable, high-quality aerial footage of the coastline. A daypack with good organization, like the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack, keeps your gear accessible and protected.
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Getting to the Trailheads
Most trailheads are accessible by car, but parking is limited. Olomana Ridge starts in a residential neighborhood in Kailua — park legally and respect the neighbors. Koko Head has a dedicated parking lot at the base of the hike, but it fills by 8 a.m. Twin Falls is on the Road to Hana, and the parking lot is small. Alaka’i Swamp is accessible from Waimea Canyon, and the drive up takes about an hour from Lihue. Kīpuka Puaulu is inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is a 45-minute drive from Hilo.
For the Olomana Ridge Trail, start before 7 a.m. to avoid afternoon clouds and heat — the ridge is fully exposed and the sun can be brutal. The parking situation is easier to manage early, and the views are clearer before the trade winds pick up.
Before You Go: Hawaii Hiking Questions Answered
Are permits required for any of these hikes?
Yes, the Kalalau Trail requires a permit for day hiking past Hanakapiai Beach and for overnight camping. Permits sell out months in advance, so plan ahead. The other hikes on this list do not require permits, but Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has an entrance fee.
What’s the best time of day to hike in Hawaii?
Early morning, ideally starting between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. The weather is cooler, the crowds are smaller, and the light is best for photography. Afternoon rain is common on many trails, especially in the mountains, so starting early reduces your chances of getting caught in a downpour.
Is it safe to hike with kids?
It depends on the trail. Twin Falls and Kīpuka Puaulu are excellent for families with young children. Koko Head is doable with older kids who can handle steep, uneven terrain. Olomana Ridge and Kalalau Trail are not suitable for children due to exposed cliffs, rope sections, and long distances.
What should I do if the weather turns bad?
Turn back. The weather in Hawaii’s mountains can change from sunny to dangerous in minutes. Flash flooding, slippery trails, and low visibility are real risks. There’s no shame in aborting a hike — the trail will still be there tomorrow. The stargazing sanctuaries guide offers a great alternative for a clear evening after a rainy day.
Why the Best Hawaiian Hike Is the One You Actually Finish
The most rewarding hike in Hawaii isn’t the one with the most dramatic views or the highest elevation gain — it’s the one that matches your preparation, your fitness, and your timing. A short walk to a waterfall can be more memorable than a miserable 22-mile slog if the conditions are wrong. The Kīpuka Puaulu loop gave us just as much joy as the Olomana Ridge, and the kids felt the same way about the Koko Head steps as we did about the Alaka’i Swamp boardwalk. Choose the trail that fits your day, check the conditions, and leave yourself room to adjust. For a deeper look at planning your trip around the islands, the guide to Hawaii’s secret waterfalls covers the quieter side of the islands that rewards the people who show up prepared.
References
Hickey, Lola. “The 13 Best Places to Go Hiking in Hawaii.” ↗
If you’re still sorting out your island itinerary, the Mauna Kea summit guide offers a high-altitude counterpoint to the coastal trails covered here. For families weighing safety and logistics, the comprehensive guide to Hawaii’s majestic trails breaks down the full difficulty spectrum without the marketing gloss. And if you’re looking to pair a hike with a quiet, scenic destination, Maui’s lavender fields provide a calm, fragrant end to an active day.
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