The 9 Best Mountains to Climb in Hawaii

Why Hawaii Is a Unique Tropical-Altitude Climbing Destination

Hawaii is fundamentally different from any other US climbing state. Generally, the islands offer a combination of accessible drive-up volcanic summits, world-class day hiking trails, and one genuinely committing multi-day backpack — the Mauna Loa Summit Trail. Specifically, Hawaii is NOT a glaciated mountaineering state in the sense that Washington, Alaska, or Colorado are — there’s no technical alpine climbing tradition equivalent to the Cascades or the Alaska Range.

Notably, what makes Hawaii distinctive is the tropical-altitude character of the major summits. Mauna Kea (13,803 ft) and Mauna Loa (13,679 ft) sit at altitudes that cause real altitude illness despite the tropical latitude — and winter brings snow to the Big Island summits. The state also hosts active volcanism — Mauna Loa last erupted November 27 to December 13, 2022, and Kilauea remains in continuous eruption activity that began in 1983.

The 9 Best Mountains to Climb in Hawaii

Organized by commitment level — drive-up and easy day hike summits, intermediate day hike objectives, and expert multi-day backpacks. Generally, this is the order most Hawaii visitors progress through during a trip. Specifically, casual visitors typically hit Diamond Head and Haleakala drive-up; fit hikers add Mauna Kea Summit Trail and Olomana; serious climbers commit to the Mauna Loa Summit Trail.

Tier 2

Intermediate: Day Hike Climbing Objectives

Class 2-3 day hikes · Real fitness required · Altitude considerations · 3 objectives

13,803 ftSUMMIT

Big Island · Mauna Kea Access Road

Mauna Kea Summit Trail

Humu’ula Trail · Class 2 · 12 mi RT, 4,500 ft gain · Altitude

● Class 2 Hawaii’s Tallest Significant Altitude Day Hike 13,803 ft

Mauna Kea is the tallest peak in Hawaii at 13,803 ft and home to one of the world’s most important astronomical observatory complexes. Generally, the Humu’ula Summit Trail ascends approximately 6 miles from the Onizuka Visitor Center at 9,200 ft to the summit at 13,803 ft — Class 2 hiking with about 4,500 ft of gain. Specifically, the trail crosses volcanic terrain (lava fields, cinder cones) with no technical scrambling but significant altitude challenges.

13,803 ft

Summit

4,500 ft

Gain

12 mi

Round Trip

Class 2

Difficulty

Most visitors access Mauna Kea via the 4WD drive-up route on the upper Mauna Kea Access Road. Standard rental cars are generally not permitted on the upper road (gravel surface, steep grades) per rental car agreements. Mauna Kea summit views span the Hawaiian Islands and on exceptionally clear days, the curvature of Earth’s horizon.

Altitude illness is THE major Mauna Kea hazard. 30+ minute acclimatization stop at the Onizuka Visitor Center (9,200 ft) is recommended even for the drive-up. Symptoms: headache, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Do not visit Mauna Kea within 24 hours of scuba diving (decompression sickness risk).

For full route details: See our Mauna Kea hub, altitude acclimatization guide, difficulty and safety information, and permits and logistics.

10,023 ftSUMMIT

Maui · Haleakala NP

Haleakala Sliding Sands Trail

Halemau’u + Sliding Sands · Class 2 crater traverse · 11 mi point-to-point

● Class 2 Crater Traverse Cabin Reservations Multi-Day Option

The Haleakala Sliding Sands Trail is Maui’s signature backcountry hiking objective. Generally, the route descends from the summit area (10,023 ft) into the Haleakala Crater floor (6,800 ft), traverses the crater for ~7 miles, and exits via the Halemau’u Trail (or returns via Sliding Sands). Specifically, this is a 11-12 mile point-to-point hike commonly completed as a multi-day backpack with overnight at Holua, Kapalaoa, or Paliku cabins.

10,023 ft

Highest Point

3,200 ft

Descent

11 mi

Point-to-Point

Class 2

Difficulty

Cabin reservations: Haleakala Crater Cabins (Holua, Kapalaoa, Paliku) require reservations via recreation.gov 90+ days in advance for peak season. Wilderness camping is also available with backcountry permits. See our Haleakala acclimatization guide for altitude considerations.

1,643 ftSUMMIT

Oahu · Windward Side

Olomana Three Peaks

Olomana Trail · Class 3 ridge scramble · 5 mi RT (all 3 peaks)

● Class 3 Knife-Edge Ridge Fatal Fall History Most Challenging Oahu

Olomana Three Peaks is Oahu’s most challenging popular day hike. Generally, the route involves three connected peaks along a narrow ridge — the first peak (Olomana, 1,643 ft) is Class 2 maintained trail; the second peak (Pakui) involves Class 3 exposed scrambling; the third peak (Ahiki) requires Class 3+ committed exposure on knife-edge terrain. Specifically, multiple fatal falls have occurred between the second and third peaks, particularly during wet conditions.

1,643 ft

Highest Peak

1,600 ft

Gain

5 mi

RT (all 3)

Class 3

Difficulty

First peak only is appropriate for most hikers. The traverse to the second and third peaks involves real Class 3+ exposure with fatal-fall potential. Multiple deaths have occurred on the Pakui-Ahiki traverse, particularly in wet conditions. Don’t attempt the third peak unless you have committed Class 3 scrambling experience and the ridge is dry.

Access: Trailhead on private land — past hikers have been required to obtain a waiver. Check current access status before visiting.

Tier 3

Expert: Multi-Day Backpacks + Technical Routes

Expert capability required · Multi-day commitment · Active volcanic terrain · 3 objectives

13,679 ftSUMMIT

Big Island · Hawaii Volcanoes NP

Mauna Loa Summit Trail

Mauna Loa Road · Class 2 backpack · 38 mi RT, 7,000+ ft gain · 5-7 days

● Class 2 Hawaii’s Signature Multi-Day Backpack NP Permit Required Active Volcano

The Mauna Loa Summit Trail is Hawaii’s signature mountaineering objective — and one of the most committing trail backpacks in the United States. Generally, the route starts at Mauna Loa Road (6,662 ft) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and ascends 38 miles round trip via Red Hill Cabin (10,035 ft) and Mauna Loa Cabin (13,250 ft) to the summit caldera Mokuaweoweo at 13,679 ft. Specifically, typical itinerary: Day 1 — Mauna Loa Road to Red Hill Cabin (7.5 mi); Day 2 — Red Hill to Mauna Loa Cabin (12 mi); Day 3 — summit attempt and return to Mauna Loa Cabin; Day 4-5 — descent back to trailhead.

13,679 ft

Summit

7,000+ ft

Gain

38 mi

Round Trip

5-7 days

Backpack

Mauna Loa is the world’s most massive single mountain by volume — comprising approximately 60% of the Big Island’s landmass. The summit caldera (Mokuaweoweo) is approximately 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The route crosses active volcanic terrain including recent lava flows, cinder cones, and pahoehoe lava fields.

Mauna Loa Hazards: Active volcano (last erupted November 27 to December 13, 2022 — check USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory status before climbing). Altitude illness on summit days. Winter snow possible December-March. Trail closures during volcanic activity. Significant exposure to weather with limited shelter between cabins.

Permits: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park backcountry permit required — free but issued at the Kilauea Visitor Center on first-come basis. Apply within 24 hours of trip start. Cabin reservations also required (free, first-come).

See our complete Mauna Loa guide for detailed route information, gear lists, and Hawaii Volcanoes NP permit logistics.

13,679 ftSUMMIT

Big Island · NOAA Observatory Road

Mauna Loa Observatory Trail

Observatory Trail · Class 2 · 13 mi RT, 2,500 ft gain · Day climb possible

● Class 2 Day Climb Option From 11,150 ft High Altitude Start

The Mauna Loa Observatory Trail is the alternative single-day route to the Mauna Loa summit. Generally, the trail starts at the NOAA Mauna Loa Observatory at 11,150 ft and ascends 6.5 miles to the summit at 13,679 ft — only 2,500 ft of vertical gain making this the only realistic single-day option for Mauna Loa. Specifically, the trade-off is acclimatization: starting at 11,150 ft without progressive acclimatization significantly increases altitude illness risk.

13,679 ft

Summit

2,500 ft

Gain

13 mi

Round Trip

8-12 hr

Day Climb

Altitude illness risk is significantly higher on the Observatory Trail vs the Summit Trail. Pre-acclimatize by sleeping at high elevation (e.g., Volcano area at 4,000 ft for 1-2 nights, plus a half-day at the Mauna Kea Visitor Center at 9,200 ft) before attempting the Observatory route.

Access: Mauna Loa Observatory Road from Saddle Road. 4WD recommended (gravel road). Pre-dawn start essential for safe completion before afternoon cloud formation.

~2,500 ftRIDGE

Oahu · Windward Side

Pu’u Manamana

Crouching Lion · Class 4 ridge traverse · 8 mi RT

● Class 4 Technical Ridge Expert Only Fatal Fall History

Pu’u Manamana is one of Oahu’s most technical ridge traverses — Class 4 climbing with sustained exposure on a knife-edge spine across the Ko’olau Range. Generally, the route starts from the Crouching Lion trailhead on Kahekili Highway and traverses the spine via Pu’u Manamana to the connected Pu’u Ohulehule peaks. Specifically, the technical climbing involves sustained Class 4 moves with significant exposure on both sides of the ridge.

~2,500 ft

Highest Point

~2,500 ft

Gain

8 mi

Round Trip

Class 4

Difficulty

For experienced scramblers only. Pu’u Manamana has had multiple fatal falls. The route is wet, vegetated, and exposed — Class 4 climbing with no fixed anchors or maintained route. Do not attempt without significant Class 4 scrambling experience and dry conditions. Some sections may require rope use.

Hawaii Mountains Comparison Table

Quick-reference comparison of all 9 featured Hawaii peaks. Generally, the table organizes peaks by difficulty tier (drive-ups first, expert multi-day backpacks last). Specifically, use this for planning your Hawaii climbing itinerary across islands.

Best Seasons for Hawaii Climbing

Hawaii’s climbing season is essentially year-round, with seasonal variations more about weather than accessibility. Generally, April-May and September-October offer the best balance — between rainy winter and hot summer. Specifically, the major Big Island summits (Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa) face different seasonal hazards.

Hawaii Permits and Access

Generally, Hawaii has multiple distinct permit systems across National Parks, State Parks, and county park lands. Specifically, four categories cover the major climbing objectives.

Hawaii Guides and Operators

For climbers seeking guided experiences on Hawaii’s major peaks, several established services cover the primary objectives. Generally, guided Mauna Kea summit experiences cost $200-400 per person; Mauna Loa Summit Trail backpacks $1,500-3,000 per person. Specifically, the major Hawaii guide services are:

• Hawaii Forest & Trail: Big Island guided hikes, Mauna Kea summit and stargazing tours, Hawaii Volcanoes NP excursions. hawaii-forest.com
• Mauna Kea Summit Adventures: Specialized Mauna Kea summit tours with included 4WD access, dinner, and astronomy programs.
• Hike Maui: Maui-based guided hikes including Haleakala crater hikes and remote waterfall objectives.
• Local backcountry guides for Mauna Loa Summit Trail: Guided 5-7 day backpacks typically run through Hawaii Forest & Trail, Hawaii Aloha Travel, or local Big Island operators. The NPS doesn’t maintain a guide directory — verify current operators via Hawaii Volcanoes NP visitor center.
• Oahu Hike Guide Services: Various local operators for Olomana, Koko Head, and the Honolulu-area hikes. Local knowledge is particularly valuable for Olomana (waiver requirements) and Pu’u Manamana (Class 4 route-finding).

Hawaii-Specific Safety Considerations

Hawaii climbing has several state-specific safety considerations that distinguish it from other US states. Generally, three concerns deserve specific attention beyond standard hiking safety.

1. Altitude Illness on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

Altitude illness is the #1 Hawaii climbing hazard despite the tropical setting. Generally, Mauna Kea has the highest altitude illness incidence of any US drive-up summit due to the rapid elevation gain from sea level for most visitors. Specifically, the standard approach (sea level → Onizuka Visitor Center at 9,200 ft → summit at 13,803 ft within a few hours) exceeds safe acclimatization rates. Notably, recommended protocol: spend at least 30 minutes at the visitor center before ascending; ideally, sleep at higher elevation (Volcano village area at 4,000 ft) for 1-2 nights before any Big Island summit. Do not visit Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa within 24 hours of scuba diving — decompression sickness risk combines dangerously with high altitude.

2. Active Volcanism on Big Island

Mauna Loa and Kilauea are both active volcanoes. Generally, Mauna Loa last erupted November 27 to December 13, 2022, and could erupt again with limited warning. Kilauea has been in continuous eruption activity since 1983. Specifically, climbers should check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) status page within 24-48 hours of any planned climb. Notably, volcanic activity can close Hawaii Volcanoes NP areas, the Mauna Loa Summit Trail, Mauna Loa Observatory Road, and various Big Island climbing access with little notice. Vog (volcanic smog) from Kilauea can also affect air quality during eruption phases.

3. Olomana and Oahu Ridge Falls

Oahu’s narrow ridge trails — particularly Olomana Three Peaks and Pu’u Manamana — have produced multiple fatal falls. Generally, the tropical setting masks the genuine technical difficulty and exposure of these routes. Specifically, the Olomana traverse from the second peak (Pakui) to the third peak (Ahiki) involves Class 3+ exposed scrambling on wet, vegetated terrain. Notably, conditions matter significantly — wet rock is dramatically more dangerous than dry. Don’t attempt third peak traverses or Pu’u Manamana ridge climbing without committed Class 3+ scrambling experience and dry conditions.

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