With their year-round sunny skies and soft sand beaches, the Hawaiian Islands are a popular vacation destination for visitors from around the world. While many simply come to sunbathe on a beach, a visit to the islands isn't complete without enjoying a hike, as each island offers an abundance of trails within its diverse natural settings. From lush rainforests to arid desert land and wilderness trails to leisurely nature strolls, there's plenty of natural beauty to savor while keeping you active during your stay.
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Big Island
Considered one of the Big Island's prime visitor attractions, the 333,000 acre Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has 150 miles of hiking trails that takes hikers past volcanic craters, deserts, a walk-in lava tube, lush rainforests and two active volcanoes (Maunaloa and Kilauea). Recognized as a Unesco World Biosphere site, the park is home to a plethora of native wildlife species, making it an optimal choice for wildlife enthusiasts. Other park activities include birdwatching and camping.
Maui
Hiking at Haleakala National Park exposes hikers to a variety of terrain, landscape in the course of a day. With 27 miles of trails, the vast national park starts at the Kipahulu coastline and stretches past rainforests and shrub land before reaching the 10,023 foot volcanic summit.
Stop by the Summit Building to pick up a hiking map and join a free daily guided hike offered by park rangers. Popular trails for hikers include the steep 4-mile-long Sliding Sands Trail that starts in the rim of the crater and descends into the valley floor at 6,600 feet. Less arduous hikes include the 0.5 mile hike on the Hosmer Grove Nature Trail that transports hikers past forest and shrubland, home to a variety of wildlife. Other park activities include bird watching and camping.
Oahu
Beat the tourist crowds and head to the arid and rugged coastline of Oahu's unvisited Leeward coast. Consisting of 853 acres of jagged sea cliffs and sand dunes, Kaena Point State Park allows visitors to take a 4 mile round-trip hike to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, the western most tip of the island. Hike along a remote and rugged shoreline past dramatic cliffs, coastal sand dunes and tide pools that brim with a plethora of native marine wildlife species. Pack a hat, sunscreen and bring your own water as the trail has no shade or drinking fountains.
Kaena Point State Park also encompasses Keawaula Bay, or Yokohama Bay, a secluded soft sand beach with waves that are ideal for expert level surfers. Other park activities include fishing and swimming when the water is calm.
Lanai
Climb to Lanai'hale, Lanai's highest point bt taking the Munro Trail. The uphill 11 mile round trip hike begins at Lanai Cemetery that will you take you to the caldera. Hike past groves of Norfolk Island pine trees and Eucalyptus as you ascend the steep hill. The strenuous walk treats hikers stunning views of Molokai, Maui, Kahoolawe, the Big Island, and Oahu.
For something less arduous, take the self-guided nature located at the Kanepuu Preserve, one of the few remaining dry land forests. Located on the way to Garden of the Gods, the preserve has 49 native plant species that includes endemic plants such as Lama and Aiea trees. The 15 minute walking trail is clearly marked with interpretive signs that educate hikers about the native plants.
Kauai
Located in central Kauai in the Keahua Forestry Arboretum, the Kuilau trail transports hikers above a ridge lined with groves of wild guava and Ohia trees. The 4.5 mile one-way trail is a moderate hike with scenic glimpses of Kawaikini and Mount Waialeale as well as the majestic Makaleha and Nounou mountains.
The Na Pali Coast is another popular hiking destination among visitors to Kauai. Located in the Na Pali Wilderness area, the moderate to difficult Kalalau trail crosses five valleys and has a 22-mile-round trip hike past rugged cliffs, flowing streams and waterfalls before ending at Kalalau Beach. For a shorter hike that will still offer you similar scenery, hike the first 2 miles of the trail from Ha'ena State Park to Hanakapi'ai beach.
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