From the Islands to the Coast (and Back Home): Some of My Favorite Hiking Trails in Hawaii, California, and the Philippines

Top of Mission Peak trail, Fremont, California - photo from one of my many hikes up there.

Hiking has become one of those rare things that completely resets my mind. It’s where I process life: the noise, the stress, the endless lists, and exchange it all for birdsong, wind, and dirt under my shoes. For me, hiking is part workout, part therapy, and part gratitude ritual. Every trail teaches me something different: patience, endurance, appreciation, humility, and occasionally… the art of not complaining while gasping for air. 😅

Between the lush, untamed landscapes of Hawaii, the golden, rugged terrain of California, and the wild tropical heart of the Philippines, I’ve had my fair share of “wow” moments that make you stop mid-step just to breathe it all in. The contrasts are wild: humid jungle air versus crisp coastal wind, ferns versus redwoods, soft mud versus dusty switchbacks. Yet these places share the same unspoken magic; that sense of freedom and awe that only comes from standing at the edge of something vast and beautiful.

So grab your boots, pack your snacks, and come wander with me through some of my favorite trails, the ones that made me laugh, curse, and fall in love with hiking all over again.

🌺 Hiking Trails in Hawaii

Nu‘alolo Trail — Kauai

📍 Waimea Canyon State Park | 8.42 miles round trip | Moderate to Difficult

We wanted a hike that didn’t require a permit, something challenging but not overcrowded. The Nu‘alolo Trail at Waimea Canyon was the perfect pick.

It begins beneath a dense canopy, where the air smells like wet earth and wild ginger. Every step feels like stepping deeper into the island’s heartbeat, the quiet rustle of ferns, the occasional chirp of unseen birds, and the distant hum of the wind through the canyon.

Hiking on the ridge with steep drop on each side.

As the trail opens up, you’re greeted by jaw-dropping views of Waimea Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The red, gold, and green layers of the canyon walls look painted by hand, and as you descend toward the ridge, you start to see the glimmer of the ocean far ahead.

By the time we reached Lolo Vista, we were standing on the edge of the world. The cliffs dropped dramatically to the Na Pali Coast, where lush valleys met deep blue water. It was pure magic. A rare moment when nature hushes you into silence. The climb back, though, was another story. It was a leg-burning 2,139-ft elevation gain that tested every ounce of my endurance. We finished in 3 hours and 52 minutes, muddy and smiling. 10/10 would do it again.

The breathtaking Na Pali Coast from the Nu‘alolo Trail overlook. It is one of Kauai’s best-kept secrets.

Kalalau Trail — Kauai

📍 Hanakapiai Falls Trail | 8 miles round trip | Moderate

Misty mountains early in the morning on the Kalalau trail

If there’s one hike that feels like a rite of passage in Hawaii, it’s Kalalau Trail. My husband and I decided to take it on despite the rain forecast because we’d already paid for the reservation and there was no turning back. The morning started gray and misty, but as we crossed the first stream, the clouds parted just enough for a perfect rainbow to arch across the cliffs. It was a cinematic moment that makes you forget your wet socks.

The trail wound through mud, slippery roots, and cliffside paths where the ocean crashed far below. It was a test of balance and patience (especially when your spouse keeps saying, “Just a little further!” every 30 minutes). But the reward was spectacular: a 100-foot waterfall pouring into a pool surrounded by emerald-green walls. We stood there, drenched, muddy, and completely in awe. It’s not an easy trail, but it’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after the hike.

Early morning rainbow in the distance

💦 Pro tip: Start early, bring trekking poles, and don’t wear white!

Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge — Oahu

📍 Honolulu | 4.7 miles round trip | Moderate to Difficult

My husband get to rest while waiting for me to catch up

This trail might be shorter, but don’t underestimate it. It’s a relentless climb that turns your legs into noodles and your lungs into alarm bells. We started at dawn, with the sky still soft and gray. The sound of the wind moving through the forest felt alive, like the island itself was loudly whispering encouragement.

The trail alternates between muddy steps, exposed roots, and stretches that make you question your shoe choices. But the moment you reach the top and the ridge opens up to reveal the entire east side of Oahu, every complaint vanishes. You’re standing above clouds, watching the world wake up. The ocean shimmers, the city below looks tiny, and for a few minutes, everything feels perfectly still.

Panoramic view from Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge — where Oahu meets the sky.

Koko Head Crater — Oahu

📍 Honolulu | 1.6 miles round trip | Difficult

Halfway up the stairs

Let me be clear: Koko Head Crater is not a hike. It’s a full-blown cardio workout. There are 1,048 old railroad ties that form a staircase and climbs almost vertically up the crater. The first few hundred steps feel doable until you look up and realize you’re not even halfway.

I nearly twisted my ankle once, paused to laugh at myself, and then kept going (because pride is stronger than pain, right?) The heat was no joke, and the incline never let up, but when I reached the summit, the view took my breath away. No photo can really capture it. From the top, you can see Hanauma Bay, the turquoise ocean, and miles of coastline that shimmer like glass.

🔥 Go early, wear grip shoes, and bring a lot of water. Also, maybe stretch your soul a bit. You will need it.

Diamond Head — Oahu

📍 Honolulu | 1.6 miles round trip | Easy

A view of Waikiki from the top of Diamond Head.

Every island visit deserves at least one Diamond Head sunrise. It’s the trail everyone does and for good reason. It’s short, accessible, and rewards you with postcard-perfect views of Waikiki, every time. The paved switchbacks and tunnel make it beginner-friendly, and it’s ideal if you’ve got kids or family in tow.

We started before sunrise, flashlights in hand, and reached the summit just as the sky turned gold. Watching the sun rise from Diamond Head never gets old. It's a Hawaiian welcome every time.

Sunrise from the Diamond Head summit

Bamboo Forest — Maui

📍 Pipiwai Trail, Haleakalā National Park | 4 miles round trip | Easy to Moderate

The Bamboo Forest, Pipiwai Trail, Maui.

The Bamboo Forest is pure enchantment. You start under a canopy of banyans, then enter a tunnel of towering bamboo that sways and clatters in the wind like hollow chimes. The light filters in soft and green, and for a moment, you forget you’re hiking; it feels more like stepping into a dream.

My husband and kids loved this one. We stopped often to listen to the sound of the bamboo knocking together, and to snack on home made trail mix that was mostly li'hing gummies from Foodland. The trail ends at a waterfall and heading back past the parking lot, it connects to the Seven Sacred Pools, making it a perfect day trip for families.

🌄 Hiking Trails in California

Mission Peak — Fremont, CA

📍 Stanford Ave Trailhead | 6.6 miles loop | Strenuous

Us at the top of Mission Peak, Fremont California

If Hawaii humbles you with beauty, Mission Peak humbles you with pure leg day. It’s steep, exposed, and unapologetically uphill: a 2,197-ft climb that demands determination (and hydration).

We always start early in the morning, chasing cool air before the sun took over. The trail is wide and dusty, dotted with cows that couldn’t care less about your suffering. The higher you climb, the more the Bay Area unfolds; San Jose, the bridges, the gleaming silver of the bay.

Reaching the top and posing with the famous Mission Peak pole feels like earning a badge of honor. It’s not glamorous, but it’s empowering and leaves you sore and proud all at once.

🥵 Bring a hat, snacks, and your best “I made it!” pose.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park — Santa Cruz Mountains

📍 Berry Creek Falls Loop | 10–15 miles | Moderate to Difficult

Our drive to Big Basin Redwood State Park early in the morning

Walking through Big Basin is like time travel. The redwoods here are ancient. They're tall, wise, and humbling. The 15-mile loop to the waterfalls is long, yes, but completely worth it. The air smells of pine and mist, and light filters through the canopy in golden beams.

We stopped to rest by one of the waterfalls, listening to the rush of water over rock and the occasional woodpecker tapping somewhere above. It’s peaceful in a way that cities can’t replicate. A reminder that nature doesn’t rush, and neither should we.

Wilder Ranch State Park — Santa Cruz, CA

📍 Old Cove Landing Trail | 7.78 miles round trip | Easy to Moderate

This one surprised me. What started as a casual weekend hike with my husband turned into one of the most peaceful and beautiful days we’ve had in a long time. Wilder Ranch is full of coastal charm with wide open meadows, wildflowers, and ocean views that stretch forever.

At the beginning of the Wilder Ranch State Park trail is an actual ranch

We took the Old Cove Landing Trail, a 7.78-mile route that leads straight to the cliffs and the coast. The sound of crashing waves grew louder as we neared the ocean, and suddenly, there they were, a group of seals sunbathing on the rocks below! It was one of those simple, joyful moments that remind you why you get outside in the first place.

We sat for a while just watching them, letting the sea breeze hit our faces. The cliffs were dotted with bright yellow flowers, the waves sparkled under the afternoon sun, and for once, time didn’t feel rushed.

If you’re ever near Santa Cruz, this trail is a perfect blend of serenity, scenery, and sea life. 🦭🌊

Alamere Falls — Bolinas, CA

📍 Palomarin Trailhead | 13 miles round trip | Moderate to Difficult

My daughter at the trailhead

Alamere Falls is one of my favorite mother-daughter memories. I've hiked this trail a few times. This particular trip was a first with my daughter. It was a girls trip! We decided to take on the 13-mile trek, snacks and stubbornness in tow. The trail winds through eucalyptus groves and bluffs overlooking the ocean before leading you to the grand finale; a waterfall that spills directly onto the sand.

We had a little beach picnic - shoes off, salty breeze in our hair. On the way back, there was a short but steep cliff to climb, and she tackled it like a pro. I remember thinking: this is what really matters. ❤️

Boccardo Trail — Alum Rock Park, San Jose

📍 Sierra Vista Preserve | 4–6 miles | Moderate

Me at the Boccardo Trail

My “reset” trail. Close to home, full of switchbacks, and always just the right length for a Saturday morning escape. The views at the top: rolling hills, city skyline, a stretch of blue sky. A reminder of why I love calling California home.

Many times I've hike this one alone, with a podcast in my ears and no destination in mind. It’s my version of quiet time.

Pinnacles National Park — Soledad, CA

📍 High Peaks Trail | 10 miles round trip | Moderate

Pinnacles - High Peaks Trail, on a ledge

This hike taught me humility and hydration. I brought only two liters of water, thinking it would be enough. It was not. The temperature hit 99°F, and by mile eight, I was rationing sips like a stranded explorer.

Despite the heat, the High Peaks Trail is spectacular with narrow rock tunnels, steep stairs carved into stone, and panoramic views that stretch for miles. You feel like a little ant crawling across a cathedral of rocks. By the time I made it back to the ranger station, dusty and dehydrated, I promised myself I’d always bring extra water and maybe a chocolate bar for morale.

Resting and out of water!

Montara Mountain Peak — San Pedro Valley Park

📍 Pacifica, CA | 8.3 miles round trip | Moderate

View from Montara Mountain — ocean breeze, coastal fog, and pure bliss.

A hidden gem just off Highway 1. My husband and I started mid-morning, parked at San Pedro Valley (free for military families!), and began the gentle climb through forest and fog. The trail is mostly shaded, with sunlight flickering through redwoods until you near the top where the trees part and the California coastline spreads out like a painting.

The hike is steady but forgiving, with plenty of benches to rest along the way. Compared to the steep grind of Mission Peak, this one really is a walk in the park. We didn’t make it to the waterfall this time, but it’s already on our list for next visit.

🌋A Hiking Trail in the Philippines

Casaroro Falls — Negros Oriental

📍 Valencia, Dumaguete | Approx. 1 hour hike | Difficult (Leg Day Approved!)

I took on the adventure to Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Negros Oriental and let me tell you, this one kicked my butt!

Casaroro Falls — proof that paradise sometimes makes you earn it.

What was supposed to be a short scenic hike turned into a full-on jungle trek. Think 650+ steep steps, slick rocks, and not one but three river crossings with strong currents that made balancing a real challenge. I almost lost my slippers halfway through. Yes, I realize now that wearing slippers to a mountain hike was a bold (and foolish) move. But the hike was unplanned! 😅

Took a quick dip before heading back up

The path winds through lush greenery, bamboo, and a tropical forest that feels untouched. Every sound, from the rushing water to the chirping birds, pulls you deeper into nature’s rhythm. Thankfully, our local guide was a pro and helped us navigate the slippery stones and crossings safely.

And then… you hear it. The roar of Casaroro Falls before you even see it. When it finally comes into view, it’s nothing short of spectacular - a single, powerful stream plunging into a cool basin surrounded by mossy cliffs. The mist hits your face, the air feels ten degrees cooler, and suddenly every aching muscle is worth it.

If you’re ever in the Philippines and made it to Dumaguete and up for an adventure (and a serious leg day), Casaroro Falls is a must-visit. And just maybe… wear actual hiking shoes. 😄💦

A Final Word on Exploring

Every trail tells a story of sweat, laughter, awe, and the occasional “why did I agree to this?” moment. From Hawaii’s lush ridges to California’s sun-soaked peaks and the untamed waterfalls of the Philippines, hiking has become more than just a hobby for me. It’s my way of staying connected to nature, to the people I love, and to the part of myself that still believes adventure is always worth it.

So whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a seasoned trekker, I hope these trails inspire you to lace up, step outside, and find your own breathtaking view.

Because the best souvenirs aren’t bought; they’re lived. 🌈🥾

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Aloha and Mabuhay always,— Tiffany 🌺