Hawaii is known for its laid-back vibes and white sand beaches for good reason. But we know you are a traveler who adopts the 'go-go-go’ lifestyle and the idea of spending your hard-earned vacation money to lounge around all day drives you crazy. Surely, you can appreciate the draw of a Mai Tais on a white-sand beach, but you’d rather go on an outdoor adventure that deserves to be narrated by David Attenborough. Luckily, Hawaii is no slouch when it comes to a more active way of life, especially in terms of hiking. 

Hiking in Hawaii gives you a first-hand glimpse of the spectacular natural wonders of a tropical climate and the diversity that entails. From traversing rainforests that should be filled with velociraptors from Jurassic Park to navigating Mars-like landscapes created by volcanic eruptions, the sheer range of outdoor features is enough to baffle even the most experienced traveler (or Martian). Where else can you see a rainforest, a white-sand beach, and a snow-capped volcano in the same place?

Just because you are searching for a more dynamic activity, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the stress-free headspace that accompanies relaxing on the beach. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best hikes in Hawaii organized by location, so you can enjoy an active and stress-free vacation.  

1. makapu’u lighthouse trail - OAHU

Often overshadowed by Halona, Makapu’u, or “bulging eye,” is arguably an even better lookout than its neighbor with a view that would have your eyes, if you were a cartoon, “bulging” out of their sockets. While it might not have a blowhole to clap your hands at (as if Halona blowhole is somehow validated by your applause) it has a lighthouse, which is like porn for a more refined tourist.

The trail is paved the whole way, providing a more relaxing option to take in some views. If, for some reason, you do get winded on the way up, feel free to pull off to the side of the trail at one of the many lookout points. From here, it’s common to see whales breach out of the water in the distance. See, there’s no need to be ashamed, even whales need to stop to catch their breath sometimes.

2. kuli’ou’ou ridge trail - OAHU

If you need a break from the hard work of tanning and drinking by the beach all day, and can peel yourself away from your lounge chair, you’re in for an elevated, oft-overlooked sunset treat. Of course, you can’t have dessert if you haven’t had your vegetables so you will almost certainly suffer through the intermediate level 1600-foot ascent but the unparalleled views (and accompanying s’mores perhaps?) are suited to the struggle.

As you near the top, you’ll feel like screaming out in frustration when you find the last few hundred feet of trail to be stairs as if your calves weren’t dying already. However, the extra effort makes reaching the plateau at the top even sweeter. Once you’ve conquered this amazing feat of athleticism, you can literally look down at your less adventurous friends who decided to stay back and catch a tan at Spitting Cave, which is visible to the south. 

3. Kalepa ridge trail - Kauai

One of the most spectacular trails on the archipelago - Kalepa Ridge Trail begins at the Kalalau Lookout and follows the western ridge of the Kalalau Valley. 4,000 feet below the trail is the Na Pali Coast, which boasts incredible hikes of its own. We know you’re keen for an adventure, but don’t try to free solo the cliffs down to the coast below, you’re not Alex Honnold, so finish up the hike then drive down to the beach like a normal person. 

The view from the trail has been known to be the most stereotypical Hawaiian view you can find, but we aren't complaining. There must be a reason it’s used in so many promotional materials for the islands - and the cover photo for this blog.

The drive to get to the trailhead is long, winding, and narrow, and there’s no guarantee the weather will hold out when you get to the top. But don't give up if it’s foggy, the weather can change on a dime - so be sure to pack your rain jacket.

4. keon’ehe’ehe’e trail - MAUI

The crown jewel of hiking on the western side of Maui, Waihee Ridge offers a certain splendor in views and variety in terrain that are matched only by those of Haleakala, which you can actually see from the top of this hike if you can get there that is. It starts off pretty easy and unassuming (like life itself), before hitting you over the head with a seemingly never ceasing series of inclines that make you want to fall and play dead. Let the views from the top serve as motivation to conquer this hike and life itself.

The surrounding terrain will make you feel like Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park which will probably amplify your fear when you see a 1,200 lb creature creeping towards you through the tall grass. Don’t worry, though, it’s a herbivore and it has no beef with you – mostly because it is beef. The trailhead of Waihee Ridge is often dotted with cows from a local ranch, which is either a cute way to begin your adventure or will leave you with a healthy appetite for the rest of your hike, depending on who you are. 

Hikers should arrive at the trailhead early in the day to get a parking spot and be prepared for muddy conditions on the trail.

5. waihee ridge trail - MAUI

Not for the faint of heart, but for the adventurous spirit, this full-day alpine desert hike takes you through the highest highs and the lowest lows, of both altitude and personal fitness. You should pack supplies under the assumption that you’ll get lost and won’t be found for weeks because that’s how much you’ll probably need to survive this tough but rewarding endurance test. It is recommended to park at the Halemau’u trail, then hitchhike to Keon’ehe’ehe’e trailhead, so you can end the hike at your car and promptly die of a heat stroke in the backseat.

You might feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet when you reach the alpine desert, thanks to the red-tinted and Martian-looking terrain. Much like Matt Damon in The Martian, you’ll need to figure out how to gather enough food and water to get you through the adventure. The harsh climate of Keon'ehe'ehe'e is no joke, but there’s no need to stop halfway and develop a complex potato farm and extract water from rocket fuel like Damon did, because this hike is on Earth, and you have a few more luxuries than he did – like a water bottle or a Cliff bar. With all that said, if you do get lost, let’s hope the search party comes a lot quicker than it did in the movie.  

Keep in mind that the trail begins at 9,800 ft and descends nearly 3,500 ft to where you parked your car, so at least you have gravity on your side, unlike Sandra Bullock. Visitors will have to pay a $30 fee per vehicle, as this hike is in Haleakala National Park.

If our references to space movies have resonated with your inner Neil Armstrong, be sure to make the 3-minute drive from the trailhead to Haleakala Observatory where you can enjoy a nice view of the stars.

6. diamond head trail - OAHU

A mostly flat, crater path takes you through an old military complex and up through a pillbox, or a military guard post (not the plastic container that you keep your psychiatric medicine inside, which you, unfortunately, forgot to pack with you and are now descending more and more, with each growing day, into a “crater” of despair). You don’t have to ask permission to access this hike, but you do have to pay $5. But it’s worth it for the sweeping coast views, a temporary distraction from your inner demons.

This is most likely the busiest trail on the island, so plan accordingly to avoid the crowds of tourists who will annoyingly ask you to take their picture on the top. Open every day except Wednesdays, the latest you can start hiking is 4:00 pm and all visitors must be off the trails by 6:00 pm. 

Ultimately, Diamond Head is just a long sidewalk that weaved its way up a mountain, so if you’ve been lounging on the beach for the first half of your vacay, it’s a good opportunity to acclimate to the outdoor lifestyle before hitting the real trails. It’s incredibly well marked, so if you get lost, you may want to reconsider hiking as a hobby of yours and just head back to the beach. 

7. KOKO CRATER RAILWAY TRAILHEAD - OAHU

Just a few steps, they said. It will be a good workout, they said. 1.4 miles and 1,000 (hopefully) abandoned train-track steps, with a ruggedness that gives new meaning to the word “steps” is all that’s separating you from one of the best views in the Oahu region.  

In WWII, the US military used these tracks as part of an incline tram to supply the lookout post at the top of Koko Head Crater. Thankfully, in this day in age where our military conflicts are thousands of miles away, it now serves as a beautiful stair climber, which by the way, is way better than the one in your hotel gym. Are we the only ones impressed that a tram could climb such a steep incline?

8. na pali coast trail - KAUAI

This trail is for hiking hardos, the ones who love the feeling of blisters on their feet and for some reason enjoy looking death in the face. Na Pali Coast Trail is a bucket list type hike, and to be truly enjoyed, should be separated into a two-day backpacking trip. With continuous views of the Kauai coastline and pristine beaches to camp on, it is the ultimate trail to complete on the island – despite the looming dangers. 

Na Pali Coast Trail is an extremely difficult hike. At times, the path hugs exposed cliffs that fall hundreds of feet to the beaches below, and to complicate things even further, parts of the trail along the cliffs can be a mere two feet wide. To add to the difficulty, the rainy climate of Kauai causes the trail to become very slippery and loosens the rocks along the cliff segments. Heavy rain and high surf can cause the multiple river crossings to become sketchy, and you’ll also run into steep sections that get up to a 70-degree slope – who does Hawaii think you are, Bear Grylls? With all this in mind, hikers might want to bring along micro-spikes, trekking poles, and a phone with the Park Service on speed dial. Don’t even try to attempt this hike without a proper water filter unless you’re trying to lose weight from the stomach bugs you’ll inevitably get from drinking from the streams. 

If you’re still inspired to do this hike despite the dangers, we’re quite impressed and you’re in for a once in a lifetime experience. Your future Instagram post will be blessed with a mountainous coastline contrasted by the deep blue of the Pacific, but behind the camera, you’ll be sweaty, exhausted, and perhaps terrified. But at least the pics looked good!

To complete the Na Pali Coast Trail, non-Hawaiian residents must apply for a permit.

9. mauna kea summit hike - BIG ISLAND

If you are searching for a genuine challenge, summiting Mauna Kea is the hike for you. Mauna Kea stands at 13,796 ft - for those keeping track at home, that means it is almost a 14er, so be prepared for the altitude to slap you around on the way up (unless you’re from Colorado). Adding to this hike's allure - and challenge, Mauna Kea is the world’s tallest mountain if measured from the seafloor, so feel free to boast to your friends that you’ve summited the tallest mountain in the world, we won’t tell anyone that it really isn’t.

This isn’t a hike that you can just stroll off the beach and knock out in one afternoon. Be prepared for a strenuous day with an early start, which means laying off the Mango Martinis the night before. If you aren’t planning to hike back down the mountain, you can begin your hike later in the day and have your less outdoorsy friends drive up the mountain, meet you for sunset, and chauffeur you back down. But keep an eye on the weather forecast, because you don’t want to get caught in a snowstorm, despite that sounding like the coolest story you could possibly tell from your trip to Hawaii. 

10. hanakapi’ai Beach Trail - Kauai

Kauai is known as ‘the Garden Isle’ for its dense tropical foliage, but if you’re hiking, you’ll need more than just a green thumb. While it may not live up to the relaxation you can find in a conventional garden, we don’t want to hear any complaining, because you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Hanakapi'ai Beach Trail follows one of the most picturesque strips of coastline in the world (move over Amalfi). Along the way, hikers have many choices of route variants and offshoots to satisfy whatever level of activity they desire, ranging from a relaxing hike to a beach, a more strenuous hike to a waterfall, or a multi-day adventure meant only for the most committed or crazy hikers. 

If you didn’t drink your coffee this morning and your adventurous spirit is waning, follow the coastline trail for about two miles until you reach Hanakapi'ai Beach. This variant is the perfect mix of strenuous activity followed by a well-deserved tan at the beach. The two miles logged to get here is just enough hard work to justify relaxing by the beach and doing nothing for the rest of the day. But no hiking adventure can be truly relaxing. Be uber careful in the water at Hanakapi'ai since it is one of the most dangerous beaches in Hawaii in part to the absence of a protective coral reef. 

11. hanakapi’ai falls trail - Kauai

Don’t want to risk the crashing waves at Hanakapiai Beach? Break off from the Kalalau Trail and head up the mountain for another two miles until you reach Hanakapiai Falls. You’ll reap the reward of your hard work in the form of a secluded swimming hole overshadowed by Hanakapiai Falls. There aren’t menacing waves in this water but be careful of the occasional rock falling from the towering cliffs above. 

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