Hiking & Outdoors
Hawaii's best hikes, island by island
From easy crater rim walks to the legendary Kalalau Trail — with honest difficulty ratings, permit requirements, and safety advice.
The shortlist
Top trails by island
| Island | Trail | Difficulty | Time | Permit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Diamond Head Summit | Easy–moderate | 1.5 hrs | Timed entry |
| Oahu | Manoa Falls | Easy | 1.5 hrs | No |
| Oahu | Koko Head | Strenuous | 1–2 hrs | No |
| Maui | Haleakalā Sliding Sands | Moderate–strenuous | 3–6 hrs | Entry reservation |
| Maui | Waiheʻe Ridge | Moderate | 3 hrs | No |
| Big Island | Kīlauea Iki Crater | Moderate | 2–3 hrs | Park entry fee |
| Big Island | Pololu Valley Lookout | Easy–moderate | 1–2 hrs | No |
| Kauai | Kalalau Trail (Na Pali) | Strenuous | Full day+ | Yes |
| Kauai | Waimea Canyon Rim | Easy–moderate | 2–4 hrs | No |
| Kauai | Sleeping Giant | Moderate | 2–3 hrs | No |
| Molokai | Halawa Valley (guided) | Moderate | Half day | Guide required |
| Lanai | Munro Trail | Moderate (4WD) | Half day | No |
Before you go
Permits & reservations
Several famous trails now require advance reservations or permits to protect the land and limit crowding.
- Kalalau Trail (Kauai): day-use and camping permits required — book far ahead.
- Diamond Head (Oahu): timed entry reservations for non-residents.
- Haleakalā (Maui): sunrise and summit entry reservations required.
- Halawa Valley (Molokai): visit only with a local guide.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP: park entry fee; some areas close with eruption activity.
Diamond Head — the classic Oahu hike with a big payoff.
Stay safe
Hiking safety in Hawaii
Weather changes fast
Rain can turn trails to mud and streams to torrents. Check forecasts and turn back if conditions worsen.
Stay on the trail
Steep, slippery, and unstable terrain causes most rescues. Never leave marked paths — it also protects fragile ecosystems.
Pack the basics
Water, sun protection, a light rain layer, and a charged phone. Many trails have no shade or cell signal.