Experience Hawaiʻi’s Wonderous Hiking Trails

Whether looking for a challenging trail on fields of lava, serene hikes through historic sites, or treks through lush forests, the Hawaiian Islands have a wide range of outdoor experiences that are sure to satisfy clients with an affinity for hiking adventures. Before clients hit the ground running (or walking) on Hawaiʻi’s trails, it’s always best to be mindful of our surroundings. Weather preparedness, adequately following land access and adhering to hiking and trail protocols will keep clients safe on their next adventure. Also, please encourage your clients to use the footwear bio-sanitation stations located within the parks and at designated trailheads before and after their hike to help stop the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD).

Kaua‘i:
For an outdoor journey and scenic adventure, explore Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park, located on Kauaʻi's West Side. Described as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” and stretching 14 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon Lookout provides panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges, as well as a myriad of unique hiking trails. North of Waimea Canyon, continuing up the road, is Kōkeʻe State Park, an excellent spot to see native plants and colorful endemic Hawaiian forest birds like the ʻapapane, ʻiʻiwi and ‘amakihi. Between the two parks, clients can explore the park’s roughly 45 miles of the state's hiking trails which will satisfy beginners and seasoned hikers alike. Please inform your Kauaʻi-bound clients that pay stations have been installed and are located in the parking lots. Before visiting, please visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/ for the most up to date information and avoid relying on social media to determine accessibility.

O‘ahu:
Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head State Monument) is likely Oʻahu’s most iconic natural landmark, featuring an ever-popular summit hike finishing with stunning 360 views of the island’s southeastern tip. Advise your clients that all out-of-state visitors will be required to make online advanced reservations in order to gain entry into Diamond Head State Monument. For more information on the Diamond Head State Monument reservation system, visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/. If lush forests and stunning waterfall views seem more your client’s speed, consider directing them to Mānoa Falls. Located deep in Mānoa Valley, this 1.6 mile roundtrip trail recently underwent significant enhancements including trail safety improvements, widening of the trail for two-way traffic, resurfacing the trail bed, and the creation of new steps.

Maui:
Maui’s diverse geography offers possibilities for an array of scenic sightseeing tours and nature activities, including multiple hiking trails. Encourage clients to go on a daytime hike at Haleakalā National Park. Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, at 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes. The Pīpīwai Trail in the lush Kīpahulu section of Haleakalā National Park leads to 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Or clients can hike atop the scenic summit of Haleakalā, Maui’s highest peak. Take the Halemauʻu Trail or the Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail down from the crater and see volcanic landscapes, mountainous wilderness and rare endemic plants like the ʻāhinahina (silversword).

Island of Hawai‘i
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is home to a treasure trove of fascinatingly diverse landscapes, fauna and flora, and protective preserves for species native to Hawai‘i. Have clients check out the park’s immense Kīlauea volcano acreage and Halemaʻumaʻu Crater — home to volcano diety Pele — road trip scenic Crater Rim Drive, and hike its miles of trails. A place of contrasting environments and landscapes that will satisfy the exploratory notions of single-day guests, and immensely reward multiday and return visitors seeking deeper exploration of its rugged lava fields, rainforest flora and fauna, lava tubes and craters, coastline meetings of lava and ocean, Hawaiian cultural sites, and ash-covered deserts. For clients staying on the west side, encourage them to visit Puʻuhōnua o Hōnaunau for insightful walks through a historic and sacred Hawaiian site. In Hawaiian antiquity, this was a place where persons fleeing death or harm could find full protection at this serene oceanfront sanctuary at Hōnaunau Bay on the south Kona Coast. For modern-day visitors, the park preserves the scenic 420-acre site’s sanctuary area, fishponds and palm grove of its royal grounds, and remnants of Kiʻilae village.

Note: Repeat visitors or clients traveling to both Maui and the Island of Hawaiʻi can purchase the Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass, which covers entrance fees for pass holder and occupants of a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. For information, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/fees.htm.