One of the most exciting things to do in Hawaii is to hike on one or more of the islands. Each island offers easy, moderate and difficult hikes. Three series of books offer excellent guides to hiking in Hawaii, the Trailblazer series by Jerry and Janine Sprout, the Day Hikes series by Robert Stone and Hawaii Trails series written by Kathy Morey.
1. Day Hikes on Maui
Day Hikes on Maui is a guide to 55 great hikes around this island's coastline and atop its breathtaking mountains. Explore world-class beaches, dormant volcanoes, waterfalls, lava flows, cascading swimming holes, steep canyons and the jagged coastline. Easy to moderately strenuous hikes accommodate all levels of experience. Ample maps and clear directions ensure a memorable hike.
2. Maui Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Paddle, Surf, Drive
Discover the best spots for hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, and biking, plus tranquil places for birdwatching, relaxing, and swimming. You'll find activities for families, day excursions to Lanai, Molokai, and Molokini islands, historical legends and archaeological sites. The book includes 137 hikes and strolls: tropical rain forests and remote valleys, coastal bluffs and lava tubes, Haleakala crater and the Hana Highway, cascading waterfalls, pools, beaches.3. Maui Trails
This guidebook contains walks that will satisfy everyone, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous, multi-day hikes. Maui Trails covers the entire island, describing 54 walking tours and trips in all the hiking areas. For each trip, author Kathy Morey describes the trail, and provides information on distance, difficulty, driving instructions, and average hiking time.4. Day Hikes on Kauai
Day Hikes on Kauai is a concise guide to 55 incredible hikes, from coastline paths to mountain vistas. These day hikes include waterfalls, swimming holes, coastal hideaways, canyons, lush jungles, plunging cliffs and some of the island's most spectacular scenery. The hikes accommodate all levels of experience - from easy strolls to moderately strenuous ridge trails.5. Kauai Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Bike, Paddle, Surf
You'll find all the mountain ridges, tropical gardens, beaches, coves and lagoons, jungles, rivers, historic landmarks and cultural sites, coral reefs, ancient ruins, and coastal bluffs-all the places to get wet, muddy, and have fun on Kaua'i. The book includes 119 hikes and strolls to mountain ridges, tropical gardens, beaches, jungles, coves, reefs, historic landmarks and ancient ruins, swamps, craters, forests, coastal bluffs and tide pools, towns, canyons, waterfalls and river valleys.6. Kauai Trails
From enchanted Hanelei Bay to the rainbows of Waimea Canyon, from Wailua Falls to the sculptured NaPali Coast, Kaua'i has an unmatchable landscape and miles of trails for hikers and backpackers. This new edition details 59 hikes: you'll walk along steep cliffs above turquoise water, relax next to immense waterfalls, drink in the sweet scent of Kaua'i hibiscus, and stroll on beaches at sunrise.7. Day Hikes on Oahu
Day Hikes on Oahu takes you to 57 of the island's best hikes. All levels of hiking experience are accommodated, from easy beach strolls to mountain climbs that reward the hiker with sweeping views. Highlights include spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, tropical preserves, volcanic craters, gardens, ancient shrines, swimming holes, tidepools, coastal cliffs and panoramic vistas. Each hike is an enjoyable day's adventure.8. Oahu Trails
With revised and updated maps, new trips, and new photos, this book continues to be the most popular dayhiking guide for the island of Oahu. 45 hikes are described in great detail, with information on elevation gain, hiking time, public transportation, plus the fascinating history and mythology of the island. Find peace and solitude just outside of Honolulu, and discover the beautiful rainforests and quiet beaches on Hawaii's most-visited isle.9. Hawaii: The Big Island Trailblazer: Where to Hike, Snorkel, Surf, Bike, & Drive
A guide for families and outdoor adventurers alike, this book takes you to all of the Big Island’s famous attractions, as well as its hidden spots. The book includes 142 hikes and strolls: the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the shores of Waipio Valley and Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, rain forests and tropical gardens, waterfalls, petroglyph fields, and the Kona Coast.10. Hawaii Trails
Pele's magical haunt, the big island of Hawai'i encompasses spectacular and diverse landscapes, from shimmering bays to exhilarating 14,000-foot volcanoes. In this thoroughly updated new edition, choose from 60 hikes that explore Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Kaumana Caves, and Mauna Kea State Park, among other fabulous places. Discover black sand beaches, sea turtle coves, lava lanes, and rainforest valleys.