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• Olinda Forest (Waihou Springs Trail)

  Makawao, Maui

  Nestled below the cloud line of Mount Haleakala at 3,820 feet of elevation is a 186 acre grove of pine trees with a looping trail that provides peaceful walking amidst the songs of birds and cool mountain air. The Waihou Spring Forest Reserve was created by a proclamation from governor of the Hawaiian territory in 1909, and the modern day populace likes to use this cool refreshing upcountry trail loop for exercise and trail running. The air at this higher elevation provides a great chan

• Bamboo Forest Huelo

  Huelo, Maui

  There are many areas on Maui with bamboo, but not many that you can hike into a a fill forest of bamboo. Huelos bamboo forest has a maze of trails that lead to several waterfalls and lots of greenery. The experience of hiking through a bamboo forest is very humbling, as if you were a flea on a camels back, the rolling terrain is lined by row upon row of tall green bamboo that rustles in the wind.At a Glance:Highlights: An easy to find and

• Wailua arboretum

  Wailua, Kauai

  At the top of the Opekaa Falls Road, the road ends in a great spot for a forest walk or freshwater swim. A little known state arboretum with picnic shelters, and stands of tall trees surrounding green meadows. There is even a view toward Mount Waialeale the wettest spot on earth, and the lush green rainforests it supports. This location is more of a stroll through a park then a hike, yet it has the ability to be walked repeatedly for exercise or provide a restful place for your non-exer

• Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

  Poipu, Kauai

  This coastal hiking area consists of several unmarked coastal trails that interconnect heading east along the ocean between "Shipwreck Beach" and the Maha'ulepu Beach adjacent to the Poipu Bay Golf Course. The 4-mile hike contours the rugged coastline with spectacular scenery all the way, but even a short walk at either end of the trail can be rewarding.Highlights: Spectacular wild and rugged coastal hiking reveals the rare oceanfront region of Poipu that r

• 'Iao Valley

  Wailuku, Maui

  The rock spire known as the 'Iao Needle rise 2,250 feet above the valley floor. This centrally located State Park sits amidst the majestic scenery that novelist Mark Twain once referred to as the "Yosemite of the Pacific", it has easy to follow paved pathways that loop through the 6.2 acre park. A location of great cultural significance for Hawaiian's, the 'Iao Valley State Park sits amidst lands once reserved for the ruling Ali'I or "Chiefs" of M

• Black Pipe Trail to Canyon Trail in Koke'e State Park

  Waimea, Kauai

  The end of the Canyon Trail in Koke'e State Park is the red earth plateau seen to the left, above the twin waterfalls. The views from the trail are some of the best you will get of the Waimea Canyon. The Koke'e State Park has many trails to explore that reach portions of the spectacular Waimea Canyon, all are free and public accessible. The most rewarding is a combination of two trails accessed by a 4-wheel drive road that you can hike out to a central vista in the midst of the Canyon.

• Kalopa State Park

  Honokaa, Big Island

  Kalopa is a great hiking spot, as several trails can be inner connected to create a looping hike exploring the 100 acres of native, and 515 acres of introduced forest growing atop Kalopa Gulch. Maintained by the State Park System, these trails are some of the best forested trails on island.At a Glance:Highlights: On-site maps and guides to make the hiking educational, great for families and nature lovers. Fertile forests abound where laye

• Twin Falls

  Haiku, Maui

  You will reach the falls after a 25 minute hike through tropical paradise. Although most people think this is a park, the property known as "Twin Falls" is a 38 acres private property that is shared with the public free of charge by the gracious farm owners. It is a premier stop on the "Hana Highway" journey, though this spot is a perfect destination all its' own for waterfall hikes. Parking is along one of the two pull out areas just past mile marker 2 on

• Onomea Trail to Onomea Bay

  Hilo, Big Island

  Just north of the central eastside town of Hilo along a 4-mile long scenic route known as "Old Mamalohoa Highway" you will find a State trail for public access to the beautiful Onomea Bay. This easy to follow trail crosses through a botanical garden and leads to the rocky shore and a freshwater stream, providing great access to jungle surroundings and the site of an ancient coastal fishing village.Highlights: Scenic Onomea Bay is a picture postcard of old H

• Nakoa Trail in Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park

  Kaneohe, Oahu

  This windward coastal Valley is a step out of time. It is largely undeveloped and has the highest rainfall of any valley on Oahu, so it is very lush and full of jungle foliage and flowing streams. The drive to reach the Kahana Valley gets you away from the hustle of Oahu's development and into deep natural splendor.At a Glance:Highlights: Hike a valley largely undeveloped and wild, with streamside portions of trail that then rise to sever

• Fagan's Cross

  Hana, Maui

  The Hana area of Maui is a step back in time, its' rural charm and spacious landscape invite you to slow down and experience a deeper sense of Hawaii. As most access to open lands in Hana is along the coast, it is a rare treat to find this easy hiking path right in the middle of town. Across the street from the Travassa Resort up through pasture lands to a hill in the distance the walk to the monument known as "Fagan's Cross" is a quiet reflective experience with breathtaking

• La Perouse Bay

  Makena, Maui

  The ocean front hiking trail at La Perouse Bay is a rare look at the last lava flow on Maui. Known as Keone'o'io in the Hawaiian language, La Perouse Bay is a black rock landscape that skirts along a beautiful aqua blue coastal bay. The hiking trail meanders through the lava fields and an old village with archeology sites eventually connecting to the "King's Highway" an ancient footpath laid out with crushed lava stones. The wind swept and stark landscape

• Diamond Head

  Diamond Head, Oahu

  This is a very popular hike on the oceanfront just east of Waikiki and in Honolulu. The trail is not very long at 1.6 miles round trip, however the arid exposed conditions and the 560 foot gain of elevation makes this quite a workout. The reward for those reaching the summit is a panoramic view of the beaches of Waikiki and Honolulu town stretching all the way to the greenery of the central Ko'olau Mountains.At a Glance:Highlights: Centra

• Iliau Nature Loop Trail in Koke'e State Park

  Waimea, Kauai

  When visiting the Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks there are a number of popular hikes to choose from, however this often overlooked trail is one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the canyon with very little commotion and crowds. It makes a great opportunity to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs before exploring further portions of the park.At a Glance:Highlights: Spectacular views and lots of native p

• Keanae Arboretum

  Huelo, Maui

  This hike is a must for plant lovers and provides a great respite from the curve filled driving of the Hana Highway. It marks nearly the halfway point to Hana on the scenic highway between mile markers 16 and 17. An easy to follow paved pathway leads the way into a biological array of unique trees and plant species from all over the world situated along a fresh water stream. Take this walk into the arboretum and you will be rewarded with flower blossoms and photos in multitude

• Sleeping Giant

  Wailua, Kauai

  The mountain known as the "Sleeping Giant" has several great hiking trails that are maintained by the State. It is the best place to get out into nature on Kauai's East side. The "Sleeping Giant" is a mountain situated alongside the East side communities of Wailua and Kapaa. There are several State trails accessing the mountain that are great hiking and quickly remove you from the feeling of being in town. Upon reaching the summit several vistas reveal the lush green

• Sliding Sands (Keonehe'ehe'e Trail) in Haleakala National Park

  Kula, Maui

  The lunar landscape of Haleakala Crater is the opposite of everything we associate with a lush tropical island like Maui. The high altitude makes the air crisp and the harsh extremes of weather and wind keep the plants and animals to a minimum. The hike below the crater rim via the Sliding Sands Trail exposes a world of colors and contrasts brought about by volcanic eruptions and erosion through geologic time. The breathtaking landscape is an amazing sight to behold as you hike down the

• Mokuleia Beach Coastal Hike

  Mokuleia, Oahu

  The coastal area southwest of Haleiwa, known as Mokuleia, is a rare undeveloped coastline. A 20-minute drive from Haleiwa to the Ka'ena Point State Park: Mokuleia section gets you into a great stretch of coastline for losing the crowds and indulging in a hike along the wind swept shoreline. The hike along the coastline is the perfect respite from the North Shore crowds, though you may see the occasional jeep passing by.At a Glance:Highlig

• 1871 Trail at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau

  Captain Cook, Big Island

  Within the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park is an historic trail that contours the rugged coastline of stark black lava rock. Named the "1871 Trail" due to the work done on the traditional coastal hiking trail to make it accessible to pack mules back in the year 1871. The hike accesses a lava tube, remnants of coastal fishing villages and small tide pools that are teeming with marine life. Highlights: Ocean views are the backdrop for white sands, stark bl

• Tantalus Makiki Valley Looping Trail System

  Honolulu, Oahu

  These trails are amazingly close to Honolulu, but once you are out hiking you leave behind any hint of city. These trails wind through a well-forested gulch and stream valley and are part of the Na Ala Hele State Trail System. They have online maps and descriptions available at the links below. At a Glance:Highlights: Hike a jungle right at the edge of downtown, 11 small interconnecting trails create a natural labyrinth to explore and rel

• Kokohead Summit Hike

  Hawaii Kai, Oahu

  The hike to the top Koko Head is no joke, with a staircase of 1000 steps leading to the summit you will be sure remember this hike. Think of it as the ultimate "stair-master" or a "cross fit" training session for those wanting solid exercise. For those willing to make the trek, the summit view is panoramic from the ocean to the Koolau Mountain range. At a Glance:Highlights: Centrally located hike, with stunning mountai

• Oheo Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools)

  Hana, Maui

  This popular Hana area attraction is part of the Haleakala National Park unit on Maui that stretches from the summit of Mt. Haleakala to the ocean in the Kipahulu district. There are very well maintained hiking trails that are some of the best on Maui for safety and piece of mind due to the Park Rangers and their monitoring of stream conditions and hazards. If heading to the Hana area of Maui, this is your best East side hike and it is easy to find.At a Glan

• Pu'u Ohi'a Trail

  Honolulu, Oahu

  This trail above the Makiki Heights neighborhood gets you to a summit view of the Koolau Monutains stretching all the way to Waikiki. A quick 12 minute drive out of Waikiki gets you to the Pu'u Ohi'a Trailhead, then 30 minutes walk to the top of the "hill of Ohia" to get to the mountain top (Konahuanui Summit). A great quick hike to enjoy some nature as part of your day in or around Honolulu. At a Glance:Highlights: Get elevated

• Limahuli Gardens

  Haena, Kauai

  This hiking trail is actually a part of the Limahuli Garden National Tropical Botanical Garden next to Haena State Park near the end of the Kuhio Highway on Kauai's epic North Shore. What makes this hike special is the mix of cultural and plant based educational exhibits that the trail winds through as you ascend 200 feet up the hillside eventually revealing an epic view of the rock prominence known as Makana and the peninsula below. The lay out of the garden favors spending sometime re

• Crater Rim trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  Volcano, Big Island

  The Crater Rim Trail is a great way to get in a hike or some peace and quiet along the rim of the famed Kilauea Caldera, located within the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A portion of the trail is closed due to its proximity to the sulphur dioxide gas coming from the Halema'uma'u Crater, however the remaining open section has great hiking and is even has some paved portions. Highlights: This hike walks the rim of the Kilauea's smoldering summit caldera. I

• Napali Coast

  Haena, Kauai

  The Na Pali Coast, also know as the Kalalau Trail, is a scenic wonder and a hiking experience unlike anything else in Hawai'i. The trail wraps along an ancient footpath and is the only access to the area. This hiking trail is truly epic, starting at sea level and climbing up to 800 feet in elevation then descending down to sea level again over 2 miles. From your first steps to your last nature takes center stage, with layer upon layer of greenery carpeting the landscape and the sounds o

• Waihe'e Ridge

  Wailuku, Maui

  The view from the Waihe'e Ridge trail feels like a look into wild ancient Hawaii. This scenic mountain trail rises over 1500 feet vertically over a distance of 2.5 miles winding through pasture then tall cook island pines and thickets of guava, eventually reaching native plant groves. This trail is part of the Na Ala Hele, a Hawaii State trail system maintained for public access into the wild.At a Glance:Highlights: A steep trai

• Makapu'u Point Trail

  Waimanalo, Oahu

  This trail ascends a volcanic mountain on Oahu's southeastern most point, providing panoramic views of the Waimanalo windward coast, and the south shore stretching along the Ka'iwi Scenic Shoreline toward Koko Head in the distance. The landscape is less lush, more arid and wind swept. It is also close to Makapu'u Beach and the Hawaii Sea Life Park, which can make for a great stop before or after your hike.At a Glance:Highlights: Beautiful

• Waipi'o Valley

  Honokaa, Big Island

  This hike is a uniquely Hawaiian experience, bringing you into the valley that seems paused in an era from long ago. The rural inhabitants have numerous agricultural properties in the center of the valley, but the beachfront is undeveloped with coarse black volcanic sand and a small forest.At a Glance:Highlights: This hike is steep, but with a beautiful beachfront and jungle trails awaiting you at the bottom. The black sand beach lined wi

• Nature Trail at Koke'e State Park

  Waimea, Kauai

  There are many hikes in the epic category to be found in the Kokee Park in the western Kauai mountains, but this little hike is the often overlooked jewel of the area. Though not extreme, nor very long, the insights given by this interpretive trail behind the Kokee Museum will give you better understanding of the layers of the Hawaiian forest. The added bonus being that it is a relaxing and easy to accomplish hike for all ages and abilities. At a G

• Ke Ala Hele Makalae - Kealia Coastal Walk

  Kapaa, Kauai

  The path by the sea - this is a great place to take an ocean front walk on the windward eastern coast of Kauai, just north of Kapaa town. Starting from the Kealia Beach and walking northward along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae path, you can stretch your legs and walk to Kuna Bay and a remote beach called "Donkey's" a little more then 1.5 miles one way. This pathway is an old railroad terrace that runs the coastline with amazing views and paved access for level sa

• Pihea Trail in Koke'e State Park

  Waimea, Kauai

  The Pihea Trail curves along the back of the Kalalau Valley providing access to of one of Hawaii's most picturesque views. Be prepared for hiking in the clouds, at this elevation cloud mists blow through the native forest obscuring and revealing rare windows into the natural world. In the mountains of Kaua'i there are trails that reach portions of the mountains that are usually inaccessible, except by helicopter on most of the Hawaiian islands. The Koke'e State Park has many t

• Kilauea Iki Trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  Volcano, Big Island

  This hike is truly epic Hawaiian experience. Maintained by the National Park, it exposes the lava rock origins of the Islands by giving you access to the Kilauea Iki crater floor. The added bonus of National Park hiking is the added interpretation, maintenance, and safety provided with Rangers on staff to help visitors enjoy the area safely. The added bonus of this hike is the adjacent "Thurston Lava Tube" where you can walk into the inside of a once flowing lava river now lef

• Akaka Falls State Park

  Hilo, Big Island

  This Hamakua Coast area park is just 13 miles north of Hilo and has a pleasant self-guided hike through lush tropical rainforest. The State Park facilties include a paved pathway that loops along the Kolekole stream gulch featuring views of Akaka Falls plunging 442 feet, and the cascading 300 foot tall Kahuna Falls. At a Glance:Highlights: Tropical rainforest conditions surround incredible views of two huge waterfalls, a paved path loops