Take advantage of the stunning views that Hawaii has to offer by embarking on an active adventure - hiking. With a variety of trails, mountains, and parks to explore, it’s near impossible not to find the perfect place to become one with nature on your hike. The following locations are just a snippet into the beautiful outdoor locations for exploration across the Hawaiian islands. While these are some of the best places to hike in Hawaii, do your research to determine which spot will be most suitable for you. Some things to consider - elevation, length of the trail, forecast, etc. You want to ensure that you are fully prepared for your Hawaiian adventure.
Kalalau Trail
Located on the island of Kauai, the Kalalau Trail runs 18 miles long and offers various water views from rivers to the beach. This hike also passes archaeological sites for you history buffs out there. This trail can even be spotted in the Jurassic Park films. If you plan on hiking the entire trail, consider splitting it up into a multi-day experience. However, you will need to get a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources if you are spending more than one day on this adventure.
Halawa Valley Hike
The Halawa Valley Hike is done on Molokai, the island just south of Honolulu. Immerse yourself in the culture by embarking on a cultural hike led by the people who were born and raised in the falls. You’ll see cultural landmarks, ancient rocks, and you can even take a dip in the Mo’oula Falls. The Halawa Valley originated in the 7th century and remained an active community until tsunamis wiped through the town in the mid 1900s. Today, the hike is lined by not only the cultural landmarks, but also native flowers, mangoes, and ginger. When you book your tour with the guide be sure to bring along water, snacks, insect repellent, a swimsuit, and wear comfortable shoes as the hike is around two miles.
Napali Coast State Park
Visit the island of Kauai for a hike around the Napali Coast State Park. The park is over 6,000 acres of incredible views and rugged terrain. Kauai is the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island so you’ll find lots of history during your time in the park. Like many of the trails/parks throughout the islands, here you’ll run into waterfalls and streams in the narrow valleys. You’ll even see some stone walled terraces leftover from where Hawaiians cultivated taro, a sacred plant in their eyes.
Kuliouou Ridge Trail
Elevation on this Oahu trail gets up to 1,800 feet. The dog friendly Kuliouou Ridge Trail offers an over four mile escape for you and your furry friend as you trek through the route. The ridge carries you through a forest experience that you wouldn’t expect in Hawaii. You might even catch sight of some beautiful wildflowers so Tom Petty’s Wildflower album is the perfect soundtrack for this trail.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Don’t forget to add a trek on the Big Island to your itinerary. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a sight for sore eyes; chances are you’ve never seen anything like it. Hawaii is known for its volcanic history and this park showcases just that. While on this walk, you’ll be exposed to millions of years of eruption, migration, and evolution. There are a variety of stopping points throughout the park that will take your breath away so get those cameras ready for some stunning photo ops.
Ka'au Crater
Ka’au Crater is the perfect place for a day hike. The five-mile loop on Honolulu is just 15 minutes from Waikiki and is one of three tuff cones you can explore on the island; the other two are Diamond Head and Koko Crater. You’ll find waterfalls throughout the trek and the view of Honolulu beyond the crater will be well worth the trip. This hike is full of dense foliage, giving off a jungle-like atmosphere. Be prepared to be hiking through the mud and getting dirty.
These sites are just a few of the plethora of trails to visit on your trip. But one thing is for sure, no matter which trails you hike, you will be in for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to be prepared for any level of activity by packing the right gear including hiking boots, outerwear, and a water bottle. Ready to explore these stunning destinations? Discover the beautiful island of Hawaii on the Acanela Hawaiin Islands tour!
Post written by Allison Steinke