Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Oʻahu’s diverse terrain. The island boasts miles of trails, including hikes to waterfalls, across ridges and to the top of summits. Here are the 5 best hikes on Oʻahu, according to HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. 1. Diamond Head Summit Trail Leading to the summit […]
Hawaiʻi Island attracts adventurous travelers and outdoor enthusiasts with its incredibly diverse terrain. Across the island, you’ll find a range of trails that put its unique beauty on display. From walking through a volcanic crater to making the journey to a green-colored beach, these are the best hiking trails on the Big Island that you’ll
From epic hiking trails to incredible vistas, state parks in Hawaiʻi are diverse in beauty and terrain, offering unique activities. These are the five standout state parks in Hawaiʻi that our readers love the most. 1. Waimea Canyon State Park, Kaua‘i Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon stretches more than 10 miles
At least we weren’t the only ones. Like many of you, we had been captivated by the fountains of lava from Kīlauea, shooting up over 1,000 feet above Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The recent eruption—now exiting its Episode 16—has lured volcano enthusiasts from around the world to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to witness this extraordinary sight. It
Hiking to a waterfall is a popular bucket-list item for many travelers to Hawaiʻi. On Oʻahu, a variety of trails lead to gorgeous falls. Ranging in skill level, from easy to challenging, these three trails offer a starting point for your next waterfall adventure. Note: Check weather conditions before visiting any waterfall in Hawaiʻi. Flash
If hiking to the summit of Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) is on your travel bucket list this spring, keep reading. An ongoing construction project at Diamond Head State Monument—where the trailhead starts—will be closed during certain weeks in March and April. On other days, the park is closing early. The closure will allow workers to
It’s always a good idea to head outdoors in Hawaiʻi—and Maui has dozens of reasons to lace up and hit the trails. The Valley Isle boasts a variety of hikes, from grueling ridge treks to leisurely strolls through native rainforests. If you’re planning to explore Maui’s hiking trails on your next visit—or maybe you need
From stargazing on the tallest mountain in Hawaiʻi to staying at an exclusive, adults-only resort, the Islands offer unforgettable experiences. For anyone planning a trip to the Islands in 2025, these activities and excursions are worth adding to your bucket list. 1. Hike in Haleakalā National Park, Maui Venturing to the highest point on the
Rising before dawn to witness the sun gradually rise above the Pacific Ocean and illuminate the Islands is a magnificent experience any time of year in Hawaiʻi. But it’s also a beautiful way to welcome the new year. On Jan. 1, locals and visitors are invited to join the annual First Day Hike to
Got a trip planned to Oʻahu—but want to visit Kauaʻi, too? I don’t blame you. Kauaʻi is one of my favorite places to visit, especially when I want to decompress and relax. It’s a great island for exploring, with miles of uncrowded hiking trails and secluded beaches. If you’re planning to spend at least a
It’s not every day you walk through a forest of Honduras mahogany trees in Hawai‘i—or anywhere, really. And yet, here we are, standing among more than 85,000 of these trees, planted in perfect rows on the Wai Koa Plantation, a 500-acre working farm on the north shore of Kaua‘i. Wai Koa is the largest mahogany
You’re on vacation. So you probably want to sleep in, right? Don’t. Get up early—at least one day—and hit one of these spots on Oʻahu to catch the sunrise. Sip Kona coffee in your Hydroflask, marvel at the glorious start to the day—then grab breakfast somewhere close by. (We provide recommendations below.) Trust us, you
