Best Trails of Hawaii

This list represents the most popular trails in Hawaii (learn more about Top Trails). Use this list to plan your next Hawaii outdoor trip. Select a state and/or activity below to find even more top trails.

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Activity: State: Reset

#1. Kauai: Kalalau Valley & The Na Pali Cliffs

The Kalalau Trail is very different from its Waimea Valley cousin, yet it still hosts some of the most spectacular views in the Hawaiian Islands. The Kalalau Valley stretches more than 4,000 feet up f…

From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Hanalei , HI - Walking - 22 miles

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#2. Kalalau Trail on Na Pali Coast Hanakapiai Beach to Hanakapiai Falls

The Hanakapiai Falls Trail begins two miles up the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast at Hanakapiai Beach. This side trail leads up Hanakapiai Valley, a steep-walled, stream-fed valley, to a 300-foot…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Kauai"
Lihue , HI - Hiking - 8 miles

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#3. Maui: The Seven Pools of Kipahulu

The way to find Maui at its beautiful, unspoiled best is to drive down the twisting road to “heavenly Hana” where the likes of George Harrison, Kris Kristofferson, and Jim Nabors have settled, and whe…

From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Hana , HI - Walking - 10 miles

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#4. Jaws - Maui

Known as Peahi by the locals, this is a big-wave spot—surf only if you dare. Jaws is where world-class daredevils risk their lives on the biggest waves in the world—up to 70 feet. Mere mortals watch f…

From the guidebook "Surfing Hawaii: A Complete Guide to the Hawaiian Islands' Best Breaks"
Pauwela , HI - Surfing

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#5. Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls

Upper and Lower Waipoo Falls offer a cool retreat for hikers in Waimea Canyon. Upper Waipoo Falls is fronted by a large swimming pool set in a tropical garden. Lower Waipoo Falls has showering cascade…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Kauai"
Waimea , HI - Hiking - 3.2 miles

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#6. Awaawapuhi Trail

This hike descends to the edge of the sheer cliffs and razor-edged ridges of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi Valleys. There are inspiring panoramas of the steep, 3000-foot vertical cliffs to the isolated N…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Kauai"
Waimea , HI - Hiking - 6.5 miles

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#7. Kalalau Trail on Na Pali Coast Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach

The Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast is an undeveloped, ancient Hawaiian route accessible only by foot. The 11-mile trail follows the Na Pali Coast along the edge of massive, windswept cliffs to…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Kauai"
Lihue , HI - Hiking - 4 miles

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#8. Kauai: Waimea Canyon

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is a lush emerald paradise in the middle of the Pacific. Many claim it is the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian Islands, but much of the island was devastated by Hurricane Ini…

From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Waimea , HI - Walking - 27.75 miles

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#9. Aiea Loop Trail Keaiwa Heiau State Park

Keaiwa Heiau State Park is the site of an ancient healing temple. The park sits in the foothills of the Koolau Range above the town of Aiea. The Aiea Loop Trail snakes along a ridge descending from th…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Oahu"
Aiea , HI - Hiking - 5 miles

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#10. Halemauu Trail to Holua Cabin, Haleakala National Park

The Halemauu Trail to Holua Cabin descends the sheer cliffs of Haleakala on the west crater wall. The trail begins at 8,000 feet, where dramatic switchbacks zigzag down to Koolau Gap on the crater flo…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Maui"
Kahului , HI - Hiking - 7.8 miles

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#11. Hawaii: Waipio Valley & Mauna Kea

Near the northernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii, there is a special place called Waipio. Once the home of 50,000 Hawaiians and later of President John F. Kennedy’s first Peace Corps training c…

From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Kamuela , HI - Walking - 17 miles

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#12. Aihualama Trail to Nuuanu Overlook

The Aihualama Trail begins at Manoa Falls, skirts the upper end of Manoa Valley, then heads steeply up to Pauoa Flats and a stunning overlook. The route passes through groves of bamboo, koa, eucalyptu…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Oahu"
Honolulu , HI - Hiking - 5.6 miles

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#13. Pihea Trail

The Pihea Trail is among the premier hiking paths in the Kokee/Waimea Canyon area. The trail traverses the narrow ridge in the Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve between the Kalalau Valley, the largest valle…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Kauai"
Waimea , HI - Hiking - 3.5 miles

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#14. Hanalei Bay - Kauai

Hanalei Bay is Kauai’s most famous break, known for its long sweeping, pumping right-hand reef break with glassy waves sheltered by the surrounding mountains. The beauty here is beyond belief—one of H…

From the guidebook "Surfing Hawaii: A Complete Guide to the Hawaiian Islands' Best Breaks"
Hanalei , HI - Surfing

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#15. Maui: The Iao Valley State Park

The Iao Valley has been a destination for pilgrims since ancient times, when it was one of the most sacred spots on Maui. Today, no visitor would dispute the fact that it is one of the most beautiful…

From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Wailuku , HI - Walking - 9 miles

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#16. Kaihalulu “Red Sand” Beach

Kaihalulu “Red Sand” Beach is a hidden gem in the town of Hana on the isolated south side of Kauiki Head. The secluded, clothing-optional beach is set in a small pocket cove enclosed by towering volca…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Maui"
Hana , HI - Hiking - 1 mile

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#17. Kauapea “Secret” Beach

Kauapea Beach, known locally as Secret Beach, is a long secluded stretch of golden sand at the base of the sheer cliffs just west of Kilauea Point. It is unofficially a clothing optional beach. From t…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Kauai"
Kilauea , HI - Hiking - 2 miles

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#18. Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a towering 100-foot cataract in the beautiful rainforest behind Waikiki. A white ribbon of water cascades off the fern-faced cliffs, fronted by a shallow rock-lined pool. The Manoa Fall…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Oahu"
Honolulu , HI - Hiking - 1.6 miles

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#19. Waihee Valley

Waihee Valley is a narrow, stream-fed canyon with steep vertical walls. The trail winds gently through the lush, tropical rain forest and crosses two long swinging bridges over the Waihee River. The h…

From the guidebook "Day Hikes on Maui"
Wailuku , HI - Hiking - 4 miles

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#20. Hawaii: The Kona - Kohala Coast

The lower slopes of Mauna Kea below the national park and the rest of the northern part of the Big Island are dominated by the 230,000-acre Parker Ranch, the largest single farm holding in the United…

From the guidebook "Hawaii: A Walker's Guide"
Kailua Kona , HI - Walking - 37 miles

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