The Hiking HI

Difficulty: BEGINNER

Time: <1 HOUR

Distance: 0.5 MILES

Elevation Gain: 250 FEET

Foot Traffic: LOW

Challenges: Short steep climb with loose rock

Sights: The Arch, Halona Blowhole, Cockroach Cove

What to Bring: Closed Toed Shoes

This quick hike gives you a different perspective of the popular tourist destination, Koko Crater. A short, but steep trek from the nearby Halona Blowhole will allow you to see this magnificent natural rock arch, giving you so...

Difficulty: INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED

Time: 6+ HOURS

Distance: 9 MILES

Elevation: 2500 FEET

Foot Traffic: MODERATE

Challenges: Narrow ridges with sharp dropoffs, Steep scrambles, Often muddy and slippery

Sights: Haiku Stairs, Windward Side, Moanalua Valley

What to Bring: Sunscreen, Water (>2L), Snack/Lunch

Often called "Middle Ridge" or "Backside to Stairway," this increasingly popular trail is the primary alternate route to the infamous and controversial Ha...

Difficulty: ADVANCED

Time: 1-2 HOURS

Distance: 1 MILE (to Chimney)

Elevation Gain: 800 FEET

Foot Traffic: LOW

Challenges: Steep incline with loose rocks, Narrow ridges with steep dropoffs, Dangerous free climbing

Sights: Windward Side, K-bay, Three Peaks, Pali Lookout, Ko'olaus

What to Bring: Shoes with Good Grip, Courage

Dangerously beautiful, this notorious hike has a lot to offer in such a short, action packed adventure. Beginning from the popular Pal...

Difficulty: BEGINNER

Time: ~1 HOUR

Distance: 2.2 MILES

Elevation Gain: 200 FEET

Foot Traffic: MODERATE

Challenges: Shadeless 

Sights: Pu'u Pua'i Cinder Cone, Mauna Loa/Kea, Halema'uma'u Crater, Kilauea Caldera

What to Bring: Sunscreen

Located in Volcanoes National Park, these short trails give you a glimpse of the powerful effects of a volcano, both past and present. The Devastation Trail takes you through the remnants of the massive 1959 eruption, where...

Difficulty: BEGINNER

Time: 1.5-3 HOURS

Distance: 4 MILES

Elevation Gain: 500 FEET

Foot Traffic: HIGH

Challenges: Shadeless Crater, Some uneven footing, Hot steam and rocks, Limited Parking at main trailhead

Sights: Kilauea Iki Crater, Mauna Loa, Kilauea Caldera, Steam Vents

What to Bring: Sunscreen, Water (>1L), Hiking Shoes

One of the most popular day hikes in Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Kilauea Iki takes you through a lush rainforest and a volcanic...

Difficulty: INTERMEDIATE

Time: 2-3 DAYS

Distance: 15 MILES

Elevation Gain: 2300 FEET

Foot Traffic: VERY LOW

Challenges: Trail Navigation, Shadeless, Uneven Footing, Very Overgrown in parts, Backpacking Gear

Sights: Ka'u Coastline, Ka'u Desert, Sea Arch, Tidepools, Lava Tubes

What to Bring: Backpacking Gear, Long Sleeves and Pants, Gloves, Rain Jacket, Compass

Located on the Big Island in Volcanoes National Park (VNP), the trail to Ka'aha is one of severa...

Difficulty: INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED

Time: 2-3 DAYS

Distance: 20 MILES

Elevation Gain: 2400 FEET

Foot Traffic: LOW

Challenges: Altitude, Shadeless, Some loose rock and uneven footing, Gear weight

Sights: Haleakala, Stargazing

What to Bring: Full backpacking gear, Cold weather gear, 

Located on the island of Maui, this backpacking trip allows you to experience the full extent of the otherworldly Haleakala Crater. Trek through the many phases of this diverse...

Difficulty: INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED

Time: 3-5 HOURS

Distance: 4 MILES

Elevation Gain: 1900 FEET

Foot Traffic: LOW

Challenges: Narrow Ridges, Steep Scrambles, Possible Mud

Sights: Windward Side, Honolulu, Diamond Head

What to Bring: Water (>2L), Snack, Sunscreen, Long Pants

A lesser known hike near Honolulu, Manoa Middle is a classic ungraded Oahu ridge. A physically demanding trail coupled with steep scrambles and narrow ridges are the challenges you will...