Hiking Hawaii

One of the most rewarding experiences to have on your island vacation is to go hiking Hawaii. Although you can find plenty of trails scattered throughout the island, there are six state parks with official trials to make your hiking Hawaii trek more accommodating.

The Akaka Falls Loop Trail is located on the southwest side of the island. This is a great walk through vibrant tropical vegetation ending up at scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling 'Akaka Falls. These falls make a 442 foot drop into a gorge. Although perfect for a family outing, this hiking Hawaii trail will require some physical exertion. You can make the full loop is about a 1/2 hour.

Another option for hiking Hawaii is the challenging 15 mile Ala Kahaki coastal hike. You can get onto this trail from the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. The trail winds through the coastline along the same paths once used by ancient Hawaiian fishermen. If you travel the entire length of the trail, youll be going through public and private lands as well as numerous beaches and resorts. This means youll have plenty of opportunities for pit stops. Hiking the Ala Kahakai means youll be exposed to some of the most pristine shorelines remaining in Hawaii. Caution is advised in some sections of this hike because of the proximity to the sea cliffs.

You can really get back to nature by hiking Hawaii along the Kalopa Nature Trail. This special trail winds it way through a burgeoning rainforest populated with old growth ohia trees. Make sure you allow at least an hour on this hike so you can really take in the total beauty of the island.

If you want to experience part of history on your hiking Hawaii treks, then check out the Lapakahi State Historical Park. Youll be hiking through the restored remains of an ancient coastal settlement. And if you happen to be on the island between November and May you might also be treated to glimpses of migrating humpback whales. This hike will require some effort but its still a good pick for a family walk.

Finally, you cant really be thinking about hiking Hawaii without finding volcano activity. At the Lava Tree State Monument youll be able to walk among a forest of lava trees were made as the result of a lava flow that swept through this forest and left behind lava fossils of the tree trunks. The bottom line is that no matter where you end up hiking Hawaii, youll be having an amazing walk.