Tips on where to find breathtaking Hawaiian day hikes are brought to you by our friends at RoM Outdoors. Their signature product, The RoM Pack, will carry all your snacks and necessities for a successful day hike in Hawaii. Need a place to picnic or protection from the rain? The RoM Pack transforms into a blanket and a poncho.
Many would agree that the white sand beaches and aquamarine waters make Hawaii an ideal version of paradise. For this reason, millions of Americans make the voyage to the archipelagic islands in the middle of the Pacific every year.
Hawaii offers an oasis of opportunity for nature lovers. Hundreds of miles of trail can be found within nearly 6,000 square miles–moving through moss-covered rainforests, beneath tumbling waterfalls, and over both active and dormant volcanos.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, check out the incredible views that await on these 7 Hawaiian day hikes.
1. Manoa Falls Trail
Location: Honolulu, O’ahu
Distance: 1.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 554 feet
Any LOST fans out there? Jurassic Park? Both the series and the movie filmed scenes in the Manoa Valley. This lush destination is home to one of the most popular Hawaiian day hikes, as cinema enthusiasts and waterfall lovers trickle in. Often muddy, Manoa Falls hikers should consider wearing closed-toe footwear when making the trek. Also beware if you’re hiking after dark, it gets misty and combined with the darkness, it is easier to get lost.
2. Kaiwa Ridge (Pillboxes)
Location: Kailua, O’ahu
Distance: 3.2 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,246 feet
If you’re looking for a sunrise hike on O’ahu, look no further. Not only does Kaiwa Ridge Trail offer stunning sunrise views, the elevation gain will awaken your senses. Once at the summit, both Lanikai and Kailua Beaches come into view, with white sand stretching along the coast of the island. Be careful with young children: there are steep drop offs and no guardrails.
3. Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail
Location: Honolulu, O’ahu
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,624 feet
This heavily trafficked trail near Honolulu is popular with bird watchers, mountain bikers, and trail runners alike. As with most Hawaiian trails, the Kuli’ou’ou Ridge Trail sees its fair share of muddy days, so bring proper footwear (for the hike, and getting back in the car afterwards). The views from the top will make you feel like you’re on top of the, well, island.
4. Olomana Trail
Location: Kailua, O’ahu
Distance: 4.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,784 feet
Olomana Trail, rated “Hard” by All Trails, climbs a ridgeback to a panoramic point at Mount Olomana State Monument. After seeing photos of Olomana Trail, you might immediately want to book your ticket to Hawaii. Take note, accessing the final peak requires ropes and sturdy footwear for navigating the rock and technicalities of the trail.
5. Waihe’e Ridge Trail
Location: Wailuku, Maui
Distance: 4 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 1,604 feet
If you’re spending time in Maui, Waihe’e Ridge Trail offers ridge-line hiking that’s accessible for hikers and trail runners of all skill levels. Flat sections of trail are separated by switchbacks and sets of stairs to get the blood pumping. Along the trail, hikers find waterfalls, lush greenery, and, at the end, a delightful view of the Pacific Ocean.
6. Diamond Head (Le’ahi) Summit Trail
Location: Honolulu, O’ahu
Distance: 1.5 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 498 feet
Popular with tourists staying in the Honolulu/Waikiki area, Diamond Head Summit Trail rises above the downtown skyline for a panoramic view of mountainous ridge lines climbing towards the center of the island, and energetic waves flowing into the volcanic shoreline.
7. Sliding Sands Trail
Location: Kula, Maui
Distance: 11 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 2,795 feet
Haleakala Crater will make you feel like you’re walking on the moon. This dormant volcano now hosts an observatory, wilderness cabins, and miles of wild trail. Hikers venturing into the volcano on the Sliding Sands Trail should be experienced, and prepared for extreme weather. For hikers not wishing to trek into the depths of the volcano, there are shorter options: .6 mile Pa Ka’oao Trail, 5.2 mile Ka Lu’u o ka O’o Cinder Cone, and the Red Hill Overlook offers 360-degree views of Maui.
You can win free gear from RoM Outdoors and 19 other brands by reviewing campgrounds near your Hawaiian day hikes on The Dyrt. Share past camping experiences, photos, and videos to earn points towards monthly prizes in The 2018 Great Camping Giveaway!
Related Campgrounds:
- Bellows Camping, Oahu, HI
