Trails 7-10: Summit Climbs & Valley Walks

7. Koko Crater Railway Trail, Oahu

Steep, no-shade, climb to the top of Koko Head Crater that includes spectacular panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, and parts of Moloka'i. This isn't technically a traditional hiking trail but rather a series of old railroad ties that climb straight up the side of Koko Crater in what locals call "Nature's Stairmaster."

The 1,000+ step walking track consists of abandoned railroad ties that run along the crater's west side to the top of Koko Crater. These railroad ties have a fascinating history - the military built this incline tramway during World War II to transport supplies to a lookout post at the summit.

This hike is brutally steep with no shade and no water sources along the way. You're essentially climbing a broken staircase up the side of a mountain at a grade that often exceeds 45 degrees. About halfway up, there's a section where the tracks cross a bridge with significant gaps between the ties and no solid ground beneath.

The views from the top make every burning step worth the effort. You can see Hanauma Bay spread out like a perfect crescent, Diamond Head jutting into the ocean, and the entire southeast coast of Oahu stretching toward Makapu'u Point. The view is spectacular!

8. Sliding Sands Trail, Maui

The Sliding Sands Trail is located atop Haleakala Volcano in Haleakala National Park. You'll want to dress warmly for this hike, as it can get quite chilly. This trail takes you into Haleakala crater, one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Hawaii.

At 10,023 feet, close to the Haleakala Visitors Center, this trail stretches down for 6 miles to the south base of the Crater. You don't need to hike the entire trail to experience the crater's unique beauty. The landscape here looks more like Mars than Earth.

Even hiking a mile or less each way will afford you stunning Mars-like crater views. Rare silversword plants dot the crater floor, found nowhere else on Earth. The biggest challenge is the elevation and the return hike - what goes down must come back up, and the loose volcanic cinder makes the return climb especially challenging.

9. Pololu Valley Trail, Big Island

The Pololū Valley Lookout should be at the top of your list. This scenic overlook provides a jaw-dropping vista of one of the most beautiful black sand beaches on the Big Island and the dramatic Pacific Ocean, crashing against the lush sea cliffs.

The hike down to Pololu Beach is short but steep. Starting at the Pololū Valley lookout, you'll descend a few zigs and zags down the rocky trail to the aforementioned valley. The switchback trail is well-maintained but can be slippery when wet.

Along the way, you'll be graced with beautiful ocean views framed through lush greenery until you reach the black sand beach on the valley floor. The beach itself is dramatic, with powerful waves and a backdrop of towering green cliffs. Even if you don't hike down to the beach, the viewpoint at the trailhead offers incredible photo opportunities.

10. Iao Valley State Park, Maui

Iao Valley State Park is known as a paradise for hikers. The 10-mile-long park has various trails, which hikers of all fitness levels can enjoy. This easy hike leads to views of the iconic Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot rock formation.

Its centerpiece, the unmistakable Kukaemoku (Iao Needle), rises 1,200 feet from the valley floor - taller than the Eiffel Tower and just shy of the Empire State Building. The needle is covered in vegetation, testament to the valley's abundant rainfall.

The paved trail is perfect for families with young children or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to Hawaii hiking. This valley holds deep cultural significance as the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai in 1790, where King Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army.