Challenge yourself to get out of your hotel room and into nature with a memorable hike. A few natural wonders you can look forward to (even on easy hikes) include waterfalls, lush rainforests, native plants and breathtaking ocean panoramas. But if you’re ready for a more difficult hike, and review safety tips and guidelines, below are a few worth considering. 
 
Wa‘ahila Ridge Trail (Oʻahu) – This trail originates in the Wa‘ahila Ridge State Recreation Area near the top of St. Louis Drive, which overlooks Honolulu. The 2.4-mile hike negotiates a ridge separating Mānoa and Pālolo Valleys, alternately passing through a thick forest of ironwood and guava trees and open spaces. Native Hawaiian plant species, including ʻōhiʻa lehua and koa trees, are easily visible along the trail. Whether you’re headed for its highest peak and end point in the Koʻolau mountain range or merely escaping from the busy surroundings of Waikīkī, the Wa‘ahila Ridge Trail hike offers several hours of worthwhile distraction.
 
Ala Kahakai Trail (island of Hawaiʻi) – This 15.4-mile coastal loop hike – a portion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail – is best accessed from Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area. A trail for moderate-level hikers, it follows coastline over ancient fishing trails, passing area resorts and some of the state’s most captivating beaches and shoreline. 
 
Piʻilani Trail (Māui) – You’ll find the solace of the Piʻilani Trail in Waiʻānapanapa State Park, near the end of the Hāna Highway (Road to Hāna). The rugged, 3-mile coastal trail takes visitors across lava rock and through vegetation, offering spectacular views of the emerald northeast slopes of Haleakalā volcano and Hāna coastline.
 
Pihea Trail to Alaka‘i Swamp (Kauaʻi) – If you don’t mind getting dirty, Pihea Trail on the island’s northwest side in Kōkeʻe State Park might just be the perfect hike for you. The trail passes through mud, fog, brush and rainforest toward spectacular views of Wainiha and Hanalei Valleys. Be warned, however, that this 3.5-mile hike can take four to five hours on a trail that is often wet, slippery and muddy. Please take precautions before hiking and use appropriate clothing and footwear.
 
For more information on hiking trails in Hawaiʻi, visit Hawaiʻi State Parks or Hawaiʻi.gov/trails/#/">Nā Ala Hele Trail & Access Program.