Hawaii

Best hiking trails across the Hawaiian Islands in 2025:

Kauaʻi

• Kalalau Trail – A legendary 11-mile coastal trail along the Nā Pali Coast, offering stunning views, waterfalls, and sea caves. It’s challenging and requires a permit for overnight camping.

• Nualolo and Awaʻawapuhi Trails – Located in Kōkeʻe State Park, these trails offer panoramic views of the Nā Pali cliffs and can be combined for a longer loop hike.

Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island)

• Kīlauea Iki Trail – A 4-mile loop through a rainforest and across a solidified lava lake in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It’s a surreal experience walking across a volcanic crater.

• Mauna Kea Summit Trail – For experienced hikers, this high-altitude trail leads to the summit of Hawaiʻi’s tallest mountain. Stargazing here is world-class.

Maui

• Pipiwai Trail – A 4-mile round-trip hike above the Seven Sacred Pools in Hāna, featuring a bamboo forest and the 400-foot Waimoku Falls.

• Sliding Sands Trail (Keoneheʻeheʻe) – Located in Haleakalā National Park, this trail descends into the crater and offers otherworldly volcanic scenery.

Oʻahu

• Diamond Head Summit Trail – A short but steep 1.6-mile round-trip hike to a historic WWII bunker with panoramic views of Waikīkī and Honolulu.

• Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail – A paved, family-friendly trail with sweeping ocean views and seasonal whale watching opportunities.

• Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge Trail) – A popular sunrise hike with views over Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands

Your Ultimate 2025 Guide to the Hawaiian Islands

Dreaming of a tropical escape? Hawaiʻi is calling! With its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless adventure, the Aloha State offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, lounging on golden beaches, or diving into rich cultural traditions, here’s your guide to the top Hawaiian islands to visit and what to do once you’re there.

Top Islands to Explore

Oʻahu – “The Gathering Place”
Home to the bustling capital of Honolulu, iconic Waikīkī Beach, and historic Pearl Harbor, Oʻahu blends city life with surf culture. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a little bit of everything—shopping, nightlife, history, and world-class waves.

Maui – “The Valley Isle”
Famous for its luxury resorts and scenic beauty, Maui is a favorite for honeymooners and nature lovers alike. Don’t miss the sunrise at Haleakalā, the winding Road to Hāna, or the chance to spot humpback whales in the winter months.

Kauaʻi – “The Garden Isle”
If you’re craving lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and serene beaches, Kauaʻi is your paradise. Hike the Nā Pali Coast, explore Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), and soak in the island’s tranquil charm.

Island of Hawaiʻi – “The Big Island”
This island is a land of extremes—from active volcanoes and black sand beaches to snow-capped mountains. Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, snorkel in Kealakekua Bay, and stargaze atop Mauna Kea.

Lānaʻi & Molokaʻi
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, these smaller islands offer seclusion and authenticity. Lānaʻi is known for its luxury and rugged beauty, while Molokaʻi preserves traditional Hawaiian culture and untouched landscapes.

Must-Do Activities

• Beach hopping – From Waikīkī to Kāʻanapali to Hanalei Bay, each island has its own slice of paradise.

• Snorkeling & diving – Swim with sea turtles and explore coral reefs at Molokini Crater or Kealakekua Bay.

• Hiking – Trek through rainforests, volcanic craters, and coastal cliffs.

• Cultural experiences – Attend a lūʻau, visit sacred sites, and learn about Native Hawaiian traditions.

• Adventure – Surf legendary waves, zipline through the jungle, or take a helicopter tour over waterfalls.

Travel Tips

• Mālama Hawaiʻi – Embrace responsible tourism. Participate in conservation efforts and respect local culture.

• Best time to visit – Hawaiʻi is beautiful year-round, but the dry season (April–October) offers the best weather.

• Plan ahead – Book accommodations, car rentals, and tours early—especially during peak travel seasons.