Hikers
Volcanoes, sea cliffs, canyons and rainforest trails, matched to your pace.
A good hiking trip gives you trails that fit your fitness and time, and a place to rest your legs at the end of the day. Our picks cover volcano craters, sea cliffs, red rock canyons, cloud forests and coastal walks. Some trails are short and easy, with big views for little effort. Others are long and steep, and they need permits, early starts and good planning. We help you pick the right place and trails for your group. We also check which parks and trails need a reservation or permit, since many popular hikes now limit the number of people each day.
Kauai
Kauai is the top hiking island in Hawaii. The Kalalau Trail runs along the steep Na Pali Coast. The first section is a popular day hike, and going farther needs a permit. Waimea Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, has trails along the rim with views into deep red valleys. Trails can be muddy after rain.
Big Island
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park lets you hike on and around active volcanoes. The Kilauea Iki Trail goes down through rainforest and then across the floor of an old lava lake. Other trails cross lava fields and pass steam vents. Conditions change with volcanic activity, so check the park's alerts. The island also has green valleys and waterfall walks on its wet side.
Maui
Haleakala National Park has two very different sides. At the summit, trails lead down into a huge volcanic crater full of colored cinder cones. The air is thin and cold, so dress warmly. Near Kipahulu on the far side of the island, the Pipiwai Trail climbs past waterfalls and through a tall bamboo forest. Sunrise at the summit needs a reservation.
Oahu
Oahu has many short hikes that are easy to reach from Honolulu. Diamond Head is a classic climb to the rim of an old crater, with views over Waikiki. Visitors who are not Hawaii residents need a reservation. Manoa Falls is a short rainforest walk to a waterfall. Koko Crater has a steep stair climb for a hard workout.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has hiking for every level. Trails near Arenal Volcano cross old lava flows and rainforest. Monteverde has cloud forest trails and hanging bridges high in the trees. Manuel Antonio National Park has short, easy paths that end at quiet beaches, with monkeys and sloths along the way. Guided hikes help you see more wildlife.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia's two volcanic peaks, the Pitons, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gros Piton is the peak most visitors climb, a steep hike that takes several hours round trip with a local guide. The view from the top looks over the sea and Petit Piton. The island's rainforest also has trails to waterfalls, and the Soufriere area has volcanic sites you can visit with a local guide.
Sydney
Sydney is a great city for walkers. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk follows cliffs, beaches and ocean pools. Other harbor and coastal walks link quiet coves and lookouts. About two hours west of the city, the Blue Mountains have deep valleys, cliffs and rock formations like the Three Sisters, with trails from easy lookout walks to long, steep hikes.
Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon is about a half hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip. It has trails through red sandstone, canyons and Joshua trees, and the scenic drive needs a timed entry reservation in busy months. Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour away, has bright red rock and old rock art. Zion National Park is a longer drive away.
Hawaii can be hiked all year, but trails are muddier in the wetter winter months. Costa Rica's dry season runs from about December to April. St. Lucia is driest from about December to May. Las Vegas is best in spring, fall and winter. Sydney is pleasant for walking all year, with spring and fall the mildest.
Talk to us: (888) 520-3908For some popular trails and parks, yes. Examples include Diamond Head, the far part of the Kalalau Trail, sunrise at Haleakala, and the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive in busy months. Rules change often, so we check the current requirements for your dates and help you book ahead.
Many trails are well marked and safe to hike on your own. Others, like Gros Piton, require a local guide. In the rainforest, a guide helps you spot wildlife you would likely miss. For long or remote hikes, a guide adds safety and local knowledge. We tell you which hikes need one.
Bring good walking shoes or boots with grip, plenty of water, sun protection and a light rain jacket. Add layers for high places like Haleakala, where it can be near freezing at dawn. Pack snacks, a small first aid kit and a charged phone. Start early to avoid heat and crowds.
Many are. Short hikes like Manoa Falls, the Bondi to Coogee walk and the trails in Manuel Antonio work well for kids. Steep or long hikes like Gros Piton and the deeper parts of the Kalalau Trail are better for older teens and fit adults. We help you choose trails that suit everyone.