There are countless amazing hiking trails across the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. So many that it can be difficult to choose the best hikes in Hawaii for what you are looking for. It is easy to find out about Diamond Head, Thurston Lava Tube, the Lanikai Pillboxes, and Kalalau Trail. Yet, it can be difficult to find more off-the-beaten-path trails.

Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of Hawaii’s less populated hikes. From coastal paths and rainforests to ridge lines, craters, and waterfalls, these 12 best hikes in Hawaii have one thing in common: they are all utterly beautiful.

  1. Pu’u O Hulu Kai

Megan Shute Similar to the wildly popular Lanikai Pillbox trai, Pu’u o Hulu is located on the opposite side of the island – but still just as gorgeous, and far less crowded. Experienced climbers love to scale the rockfaces, while novices can easily climb the steep – yet short – switchbacks to the bunkers at the top. Pu‘u ‘?‘?, Pu‘U ‘?‘?, Hawaii 96778, USA

  1. Waihou Spring Trail Loop

Biby Xantus/AllTrails This trail, located in Upcountry Maui at the end of Piiholo Road, leads hikers through a Cypress, Eucalyptus, native Hawaiian Koa and Halapepe forest. The upper trail is perfect for families, while the lower trail is reserved for more experienced hikers. Waihou Spring Trail, 2463 Olinda Rd, Makawao, HI 96768, USA

  1. Uluwehi Falls

Keltron/Flickr Known to locals and visitors as Secret Falls, this is a popular day adventure on Kauai’s east side. The trailhead is located up the Wailua River, so you will need to either book a guided tour or rent kayaks or canoes. Once you reach the trail, it is a muddy – and often slippery – 45-minute hike to the falls, but it is worth every second. And the journey is half the fun, right? Uluwehi Place, Uluwehi Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

  1. Pu’u Pia

Nick/Flickr Nestled at the back of Manoa Valley is this shady two-mile hike that traverses through a forest of koa and paperbark trees, complete with uninterrupted views of Waikiki, the Wa’ahila Ridge and the Koolau summit. Just be careful – the rain tends to turn the usually well-maintained trail into a muddy mess. Pu’u Pia Trail, Honolulu, HI, USA

  1. Redwood Trail

Tim Szlachetka/Flickr Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level in Polipoli State Park, this forest is populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii in the 1920s to reestablish the watershed. The popular Redwood Trail is 1.7 miles, and guides hikers through a forest of baby Redwood trees, and is the access point for many other trails. Redwood Trail, Kula, HI 96790, USA

  1. Nualolo Trail

Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr Located within Kauai’s Koke’e State Park is the Nualolo Trail, a largely ignored trail that offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the island. If you’re looking for a full-day trek, consider making Nualolo Trial the first hike of three – the Nualolo Cliff Trail and the Awa’awapuhi Trail. Nu’alolo Trail, Nu’alolo Trl, Hawaii 96796, USA

  1. Koloa Gulch

Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr If you’re looking for a secluded waterfall hike, don’t miss Koloa Gulch – an eight mile hike on Oahu’s windward coast that requires obtaining a free permit from the Hawaii Reserves. The trail forces hikers to cross the Koloa Strem approximately 20 times before reaching a set of short, twin waterfalls. Stop and snap a few pictures before you climb around the corner to reach the ultimate prize – a lush 100-foot waterfall with an impossibly phenomenal freshwater pool. K?loa Gulch, Koolauloa, HI 96762, USA

  1. Iao Valley State Park

Marcus Winter/Flickr Rising 1,200 feet into the air is the Iao Needle, a well-known Maui landmark. The park offers numerous hiking trails at various intensities. Take a break from Maui’s stunning beaches to go inland and enjoy the lush, tropical greenery that is Iao Valley State Park. There are several hiking trails to choose from based on your experience level. Rumor has it that there’s a secret trail not mentioned in any guidebooks that offers incredible, sweeping views of the valley. ??ao Valley State Monument, 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA

  1. Polulu Valley’s Awini Trail

Ibike12000/Flickr Often bypassed for other lookout points on the Big Island is Polulu Valley, perhaps due to the fact that you must drive to the end of the Highway 270 to reach this picturesque location. If you do make the drive out here, don’t settle for the views from the lookout – definitely take the time to hike the Awini Trail that leads down to the stunning black sand beach. The half-hour hike is steep at times, but the views – and the destination – are well worth it. Polol? Valley, Hawaii 96755, USA

  1. Mau’umae Ridge

Nick/Flickr Also known simply as Lanipo, this seven-mile ridgeline trail will reward hikers with panoramic views of the Ka’au crater and Oahu’s windward coast. While the majority of the trail is unshaded, and requires traversing rolling hills, you’ll be fine as long as you bring a cool hiking hat, plenty of water – and a camera to capture the phenomenal views! Mau‘umae Ridge, Mau‘Umae Ridge, Honolulu, HI 96821, USA

  1. Waihee Ridge Trail

Jack Zalium/Flickr Located in northwest Maui, this secluded trail has quite a bit of elevation gain – but the stellar mountain and ocean views are definitely worth the hard work. When the clouds are cooperating, many actually believe it is one of the best hikes on the island. Waihee Ridge Trail, Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA

Are you ready for a scenic hike in the Aloha State? What do you think are the best hikes in Hawaii? Be sure to pass along what you learn!

Megan Shute

Similar to the wildly popular Lanikai Pillbox trai, Pu’u o Hulu is located on the opposite side of the island – but still just as gorgeous, and far less crowded. Experienced climbers love to scale the rockfaces, while novices can easily climb the steep – yet short – switchbacks to the bunkers at the top.

Pu‘u ‘?‘?, Pu‘U ‘?‘?, Hawaii 96778, USA

Biby Xantus/AllTrails

This trail, located in Upcountry Maui at the end of Piiholo Road, leads hikers through a Cypress, Eucalyptus, native Hawaiian Koa and Halapepe forest. The upper trail is perfect for families, while the lower trail is reserved for more experienced hikers.

Waihou Spring Trail, 2463 Olinda Rd, Makawao, HI 96768, USA

Keltron/Flickr

Known to locals and visitors as Secret Falls, this is a popular day adventure on Kauai’s east side. The trailhead is located up the Wailua River, so you will need to either book a guided tour or rent kayaks or canoes. Once you reach the trail, it is a muddy – and often slippery – 45-minute hike to the falls, but it is worth every second. And the journey is half the fun, right?

Uluwehi Place, Uluwehi Pl, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA

Nick/Flickr

Nestled at the back of Manoa Valley is this shady two-mile hike that traverses through a forest of koa and paperbark trees, complete with uninterrupted views of Waikiki, the Wa’ahila Ridge and the Koolau summit. Just be careful – the rain tends to turn the usually well-maintained trail into a muddy mess.

Pu’u Pia Trail, Honolulu, HI, USA

Tim Szlachetka/Flickr

Located approximately 7,000 feet above sea level in Polipoli State Park, this forest is populated by redwood trees that were brought to Hawaii in the 1920s to reestablish the watershed. The popular Redwood Trail is 1.7 miles, and guides hikers through a forest of baby Redwood trees, and is the access point for many other trails.

Redwood Trail, Kula, HI 96790, USA

Leonard S Jacobs/Flickr

Located within Kauai’s Koke’e State Park is the Nualolo Trail, a largely ignored trail that offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the island. If you’re looking for a full-day trek, consider making Nualolo Trial the first hike of three – the Nualolo Cliff Trail and the Awa’awapuhi Trail.

Nu’alolo Trail, Nu’alolo Trl, Hawaii 96796, USA

If you’re looking for a secluded waterfall hike, don’t miss Koloa Gulch – an eight mile hike on Oahu’s windward coast that requires obtaining a free permit from the Hawaii Reserves. The trail forces hikers to cross the Koloa Strem approximately 20 times before reaching a set of short, twin waterfalls. Stop and snap a few pictures before you climb around the corner to reach the ultimate prize – a lush 100-foot waterfall with an impossibly phenomenal freshwater pool.

K?loa Gulch, Koolauloa, HI 96762, USA

Marcus Winter/Flickr

Rising 1,200 feet into the air is the Iao Needle, a well-known Maui landmark. The park offers numerous hiking trails at various intensities. Take a break from Maui’s stunning beaches to go inland and enjoy the lush, tropical greenery that is Iao Valley State Park. There are several hiking trails to choose from based on your experience level. Rumor has it that there’s a secret trail not mentioned in any guidebooks that offers incredible, sweeping views of the valley.

??ao Valley State Monument, 54 S High St, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA

Ibike12000/Flickr

Often bypassed for other lookout points on the Big Island is Polulu Valley, perhaps due to the fact that you must drive to the end of the Highway 270 to reach this picturesque location. If you do make the drive out here, don’t settle for the views from the lookout – definitely take the time to hike the Awini Trail that leads down to the stunning black sand beach. The half-hour hike is steep at times, but the views – and the destination – are well worth it.

Polol? Valley, Hawaii 96755, USA

Also known simply as Lanipo, this seven-mile ridgeline trail will reward hikers with panoramic views of the Ka’au crater and Oahu’s windward coast. While the majority of the trail is unshaded, and requires traversing rolling hills, you’ll be fine as long as you bring a cool hiking hat, plenty of water – and a camera to capture the phenomenal views!

Mau‘umae Ridge, Mau‘Umae Ridge, Honolulu, HI 96821, USA

Jack Zalium/Flickr

Located in northwest Maui, this secluded trail has quite a bit of elevation gain – but the stellar mountain and ocean views are definitely worth the hard work. When the clouds are cooperating, many actually believe it is one of the best hikes on the island.

Waihee Ridge Trail, Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793, USA

If you get hungry after your hike, make sure to check out These 13 Beachfront Restaurants In Hawaii Are Out Of This World.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Hawaii July 01, 2022 Bill Hall What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Hawaii? There are quite a few great family and kid-friendly trails in Hawaii. One you should definitely try is the Manoa Falls Trail on the island of Oahu. It’s beautiful and easygoing. Another easy trek is Likeke Falls Trail in Honolulu. It’s less crowded than some of the other waterfall trails in the area. Of course, it’s still incredible. The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in Oahu is an easy trail with spectacular views and a lighthouse. If you are lucky, your little ones may spot a humpback whale. Everyone will enjoy it. What are some of the most popular scenic hikes in Hawaii? Any hike you take in Hawaii is going to be beautiful. It’s such an incredible place with a big number of fantastic and different ecosystems. However, sometimes it’s kind of cool to take a famous or popular hike, just so you know what all the fuss is about.  The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail listed above is not only easy, but it’s also very popular. For good reason! The views are amazing and seeing a humpback whale is magical. Diamond Head Crater is short and scenic. Also, there is an amazing crater to check out. It’s one of those places folks may ask you about when they find out you were in Hawaii. You will be glad you took the hike. How can I find hiking trails near me in Hawaii? A great step is to explore all the great Hawaii hiking articles here at Only In Your State. You will find many lists of hikes as well as more information about individual hikes around the state. For your convenience, I will list a few below:  The Best Hikes In Hawaii You Absolutely Must Complete The 9 Best Hikes In Hawaii To Do 10 Of The Best Hikes In Hawaii You Must Experience The 10 Best Hikes in Hawaii That’ll Make You Forget You’re In Hawaii Another great tip is to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Asking about a hiking trail is always a nice way to spend a few minutes.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Hawaii

July 01, 2022

Bill Hall

What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Hawaii? There are quite a few great family and kid-friendly trails in Hawaii. One you should definitely try is the Manoa Falls Trail on the island of Oahu. It’s beautiful and easygoing. Another easy trek is Likeke Falls Trail in Honolulu. It’s less crowded than some of the other waterfall trails in the area. Of course, it’s still incredible. The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in Oahu is an easy trail with spectacular views and a lighthouse. If you are lucky, your little ones may spot a humpback whale. Everyone will enjoy it. What are some of the most popular scenic hikes in Hawaii? Any hike you take in Hawaii is going to be beautiful. It’s such an incredible place with a big number of fantastic and different ecosystems. However, sometimes it’s kind of cool to take a famous or popular hike, just so you know what all the fuss is about.  The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail listed above is not only easy, but it’s also very popular. For good reason! The views are amazing and seeing a humpback whale is magical. Diamond Head Crater is short and scenic. Also, there is an amazing crater to check out. It’s one of those places folks may ask you about when they find out you were in Hawaii. You will be glad you took the hike. How can I find hiking trails near me in Hawaii? A great step is to explore all the great Hawaii hiking articles here at Only In Your State. You will find many lists of hikes as well as more information about individual hikes around the state. For your convenience, I will list a few below:  The Best Hikes In Hawaii You Absolutely Must Complete The 9 Best Hikes In Hawaii To Do 10 Of The Best Hikes In Hawaii You Must Experience The 10 Best Hikes in Hawaii That’ll Make You Forget You’re In Hawaii Another great tip is to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Asking about a hiking trail is always a nice way to spend a few minutes.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are quite a few great family and kid-friendly trails in Hawaii. One you should definitely try is the Manoa Falls Trail on the island of Oahu. It’s beautiful and easygoing.

Another easy trek is Likeke Falls Trail in Honolulu. It’s less crowded than some of the other waterfall trails in the area. Of course, it’s still incredible.

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail in Oahu is an easy trail with spectacular views and a lighthouse. If you are lucky, your little ones may spot a humpback whale. Everyone will enjoy it.

What are some of the most popular scenic hikes in Hawaii?

Any hike you take in Hawaii is going to be beautiful. It’s such an incredible place with a big number of fantastic and different ecosystems. However, sometimes it’s kind of cool to take a famous or popular hike, just so you know what all the fuss is about. 

The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail listed above is not only easy, but it’s also very popular. For good reason! The views are amazing and seeing a humpback whale is magical.

Diamond Head Crater is short and scenic. Also, there is an amazing crater to check out. It’s one of those places folks may ask you about when they find out you were in Hawaii. You will be glad you took the hike.

How can I find hiking trails near me in Hawaii?

A great step is to explore all the great Hawaii hiking articles here at Only In Your State. You will find many lists of hikes as well as more information about individual hikes around the state. For your convenience, I will list a few below: 

The Best Hikes In Hawaii You Absolutely Must Complete

The 9 Best Hikes In Hawaii To Do

10 Of The Best Hikes In Hawaii You Must Experience

The 10 Best Hikes in Hawaii That’ll Make You Forget You’re In Hawaii

Another great tip is to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Asking about a hiking trail is always a nice way to spend a few minutes.