Top 10 Hiking Trails For Stunning Views

Hawaii's Most Spectacular Hiking Experiences

The morning light catches the ridges of the Nāpali Coast, painting them in shades of emerald and gold that no camera can truly capture. I've been hiking these islands for over thirty years, and moments like these still take my breath away. Whether you're staying in Hanalei like me or planning your first visit to Hawaii, these ten trails will show you views that'll live in your memory forever.

Each trail I've selected offers something unique. Some reward you with sweeping ocean vistas, others lead to hidden waterfalls, and a few take you across landscapes that look like they belong on another planet. I've walked every single one of these paths multiple times, often with my keiki in tow, so I know what works for families and what challenges even experienced hikers.

What makes hiking in Hawaii different from anywhere else? It's the diversity packed into relatively small spaces. You can start your day in a lush tropical rainforest, climb through cloud forests filled with native birds, and end up walking across volcanic landscapes that look like the surface of Mars. The trade winds carry the scent of plumeria and salt air, while the sound of waves crashing against cliffs provides a constant soundtrack to your adventures.

1. Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Beach, Kauai

The Kalalau Trail along Kauai's Nāpali Coast is legendary, and for good reason. This trail holds a special place in my heart because I can see its beginning from my home in Hanalei. The first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach give you a taste of what makes this coastline so special. This trail is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced hiker, but the payoff is incredible.

Every time I guide visitors along this path, I watch their expressions change from excitement to awe to pure wonder. You'll start at Ke'e Beach, where ancient Hawaiians once held hula ceremonies. The trail immediately climbs through dense tropical vegetation that includes native maile, mokihana berries, and towering hau trees that provide welcome shade.

The trail hugs dramatic sea cliffs that drop straight into the Pacific. Every turn reveals new angles of the fluted ridges that make the Nāpali Coast famous worldwide. You'll pass through hanging valleys where streams cascade down moss-covered cliffs, creating natural shower spots that locals have used for generations.

When you reach Hanakapi'ai Beach, you'll understand why this two-mile trek is worth every step. The beach sits in a dramatic valley surrounded by towering peaks that stretch over 4,000 feet into the sky. The waves here are powerful and dangerous for swimming, but the scenery is breathtaking.

2. Diamond Head Summit Trail, Oahu

Embark on a truly memorable trip up the Diamond Head Summit Trail, an experience that many consider a highlight of their visit to Oʻahu! This iconic crater hike gives you 360-degree views of Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific Ocean that have made it one of the most photographed locations in Hawaii.

Diamond Head, known to Hawaiians as Lēʻahi (brow of the yellowfin tuna), was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single volcanic eruption. The trail starts inside Diamond Head State Monument, where you'll immediately notice the unique geological features that make this crater special.

The final push involves steep stairs cut directly into the rock face and a tunnel that opens dramatically onto the crater rim. From the top, Waikiki Beach stretches out below you like a crescent of white sand dotted with colorful umbrellas and surfers riding the gentle waves.

3. Waihee Ridge Trail, Maui

This hike in West Maui Forest Reserve promises lush scenery, great views, and some exciting ridge-line hiking. The Waihee Ridge Trail takes you through some of Maui's most dramatic mountain scenery, climbing from sea level to over 2,500 feet elevation through multiple climate zones.

What makes this hike special is how the landscape changes as you climb. You'll start in thick tropical forest where Java plums and guava trees create a canopy overhead. The jungle canopy gives way to grassy ridges where native bunch grass waves in the trade winds.

The final section follows a knife-edge ridge that can be intimidating for those afraid of heights, but the views are worth pushing through any fears. On clear days, you can see Haleakalā crater on East Maui, the islands of Molokai and Lanai floating on the horizon, and the entire central valley of Maui spread out below.