Waimea Canyon, on the western side of Kaua‘i, is called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This 10-mile long, 3,000-foot-deep gorge offers nature trails for hiking. 

On Maui, as you take the two-hour drive through Haleakalā National Park on the way to the 10,023-foot summit of Haleakalā, you’ll pass through as many ecological zones as you would if you journeyed all the way from Mexico to Canada! Keep your eyes peeled for the rare silversword plants and endangered nēnē geese. 

This year, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is celebrating its Centennial, and this is a don’t-miss destination, due to the eruptive activity at Kīlauea Volcano’s summit. There aren’t very many places in the world where you can see an active lava lake, after all. The park has hiking options for all levels, from easy walks to backcountry wilderness trails.