Hawaii is a hiker’s dream! It’s no secret that these tropical islands are home to some of the most stunning trails and breathtaking views in the world. From lush rainforests to breathtaking coastal cliffs, there’s truly a hike for every adventurer. Here are the top 5 reasons why I love hiking Hawaii.
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Manoa Falls
A Waterfall Trail
| What to expect: | This trail is in a rainforest surrounded by bamboo and exotic flora with a 150-foot waterfall at the end. |
| Trail details: | The distance is 1.5-miles round trip. It is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The majority of the trail is shaded and has a little inline. |
| Helpful tips: | The best time to go is in winter, the season with the most rain. There is a small parking fee. There is an additional trail head on the left, just before you reach the waterfall. |
| What you’ll need: | rain jacket bug spray hiking shoes hydration backpack snacks |
Ka’ena Point
A Coastal Trail
| What to expect: | This trail follows along the coastline between the northern slopes of Waianae mountains and Pacific Ocean. You’ll likely see Hawaiian monk seals and albatross sea birds inside the gated bird sanctuary at the end. |
| Trail details: | The distance is 6 miles round trip. Mostly flat with little to no incline. Trail is uneven with periodic sand and rocks. |
| Helpful tips: | The best time to go is during winter season, early in the morning or late afternoon. There is no shade on this trail, so prepare for lots of sun exposure. Parking is free. You can reach the point from one of 2 trails. One trail head is on the west side and one is on the north side of the island. |
| What you’ll need: | sunscreen SPF shirts SPF pants sun hat sunglasses hiking shoes hydration backpack snacks |
Diamond Head
A Volcanic Crater Trail
| What to expect: | This trail is in a historic volcano crater that leads through tunnels and old military bunkers. You’ll have views of Waikiki, Ko’olau mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. |
| Trail details: | This trail is 1.5 miles round trip. Gradual incline on a well-maintained concrete trail with a series of stairs leading up to the summit. |
| Helpful tips: | You’ll need reservations for this hike. There is a fee. Park for a small fee. If you take the earliest time slot, you could avoid the crowd and catch a beautiful view of the sunrise. |
| What you’ll need: | sunscreen sun hat sunglasses hiking shoes hydration backpack snacks |
Koko Head
A Stairway, Volcanic Crater Trail
| What to expect: | You’ll be climbing over 1,000 steps to reach the top. Waiting at the summit is an incredible 360-degree view of the island. |
| Trail details: | The hike is 1.8 miles round trip with a strenuous incline. The steps are made of railroad ties and maintained. There is a bridge in the center with a side trail for those uncomfortable with taking the bridge. |
| Helpful tips: | This trail is best taken in the early morning on a dry day. The trail can become very slippery when wet. There is no shade, so plan to prepare for sun exposure. Take breaks as needed. Parking is free. |
| What you’ll need: | sunscreen SPF shirts SPF pants sun hat sunglasses hiking shoes hydration backpack snacks |
Makapu’u Lighthouse
A Coastal Lighthouse Trail
| What to expect: | You’ll see coastline in both directions with designated lookouts along the way. The path leads to a historic lighthouse where you can see several smaller islands surrounding Oahu. |
| Trail details: | The hike is 2-mile round trip with a steady incline. It is a paved, well-maintained path. |
| Helpful tips: | This trail is best taken in the early morning or late in the afternoon. You have better visibility on a dry, clear day. There is no shade, so plan to prepare for sun exposure. If you go in winter, it’s possible to see whales breaching. Parking is free. |
| What you’ll need: | sunscreen SPF shirts SPF pants sun hat sunglasses hiking shoes hydration backpack snacks rain jacket |
Be an Eco-Friendly Hiker
Being an eco-friendly hiker means leaving no trace of your visit. You may have heard the expression, “pack in, pack out”. Well, it means just that. Take everything you bring on a trail with you when you leave. This includes trash. Being respectful of nature helps to preserve its condition so that we may continue to enjoy it.
Stay on marked trails to avoid destroying native plants and animal homes. If you see animals in the wild, give them space. Enjoy watching them from a distance so that they go unharmed. Remember, you are a guest in their home.
Take caution when parking. Never leave anything valuable in your car or in plain sight. Always take plenty of water and snacks. Use sunscreen and SPF clothes. Appropriate hiking shoes are important. Consider these packing tips for a long flight to prepare for your trip. As always, have fun and happy trails!
