Looking for the Best Hikes in Hawaii? Check Out a Few that May Lead to Gorgeous Hawaiian Waterfalls!

The state of Hawaii is made up of multiple islands. So, while there is the state of Hawaii, there is also the island called Hawaii. To avoid confusion, many of the locals call the island of Hawaii the Big Island. No matter what you call this destination, there isn’t any argument about how beautiful the views are or how laidback the vibe is on this island. When you decide to take a family vacation in Hawaii, there are going to be so many things you will want to do. You can see the best attractions, dine at incredible restaurants, and spend lots of time at the beach. But have you also considered going hiking with your family during your Hawaiian vacation? There are so many fabulous hikes in Hawaii, and some of them lead to gorgeous Hawaiian waterfalls.

Best Hikes in Hawaii that May Lead to Gorgeous Hawaiian Waterfalls

Akaka Falls Trail

One of the easiest hikes in Hawaii is the one that leads to Akaka Falls. You will find this half-mile looped trail inside Akaka Falls State Park. As you are wandering along the trail, you will not only see Akaka Falls but also Kahuna Falls. Basically, if your family wants to see Hawaiian waterfalls but doesn’t want to do a lot of hiking, this is the perfect trail for your needs!

Mauna Kea Trail

There are two major mountain trail hikes in Hawaii, and one of them is the Mauna Kea Trail. This challenging hike is twelve miles long with an elevation gain of 4,500 feet. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on the island. If you plan on diving during your vacation in Hawaii, you will want to wait at least one day before tackling this hike.

Mauna Loa Trail

This is the other challenging mountain trail hike in Hawaii. This hiking trail is thirteen miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,700 feet. Mauna Loa is not as tall as Mauna Kea, but it still offers gorgeous views of the volcano and ocean. The best part about this hike in Hawaii is that you get to walk across young lava fields to reach the top.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach Hike

Has your family ever seen green sand? If you haven’t, then you will want to take the trail that leads to Green Sand Beach. This trail is five and a half miles long and is moderately difficult. The trail is all dirt, and there isn’t much to see until you reach the sandy green beach. In order to reach the beach, you must walk around the rim before going down the staircase.

Kilauea Iki Trail

This moderately difficult trail is just over three miles in length. Your journey will begin on the edge of lush rainforest and end on the floor of the Kilauea Iki crater. As amazing as the crater is, your family will prefer watching the steam that is emitted out of the lava vents.

Kalopa State Park Perimeter Trail

The Kalopa State Park Perimeter Trail is another moderately difficult hike in Hawaii. It is three and a half miles long. This trail is quite different than the Kalopa Nature Trail. And if you haven’t hiked before, you may want to tackle the nature trail instead. But if your family can do this hike, you will be rewarded with the sights and sounds of the lush rainforest. You can take either the Jeep Road or the Gulch Rim Trail for this adventure. However, I prefer the latter, due to the abundance of gorgeous views.

Pololu Valley Awini Trail

Are you always looking for short hikes that pack in the views and experiences? Well, on the island of Hawaii, the Pololu Valley Awini Trail is exactly what you are looking for! This half-mile trail leads you directly to the lush valley. After you are done enjoying the valley itself, your family will want to wander along the coastline to see the lava rocks that have been smoothed out by the ocean.

King’s Mamalahoa Trail

The Mamalahoa Trail is a must-hike, especially if your family wants to check out some of the best-preserved petroglyphs on the island of Hawaii. There are approximately thirty thousand carvings in the lava flows. Thankfully, historical signs will share exactly what you are looking at, as you wander along this trail.

These are the best hikes in Hawaii, and you will want to make sure at least one of them is on your itinerary. As a travel advisor, I customize family vacations, so if you work with me, I can make sure you enjoy the hikes in Hawaii that you want, as well as everything else you should enjoy on this beautiful island.

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