When Time Out rounded up the most breathtaking hikes in the world Earth—from the Swiss Alps to Chile's Patagonia region—only one U.S. trail made the cut. No surprise, it's in Hawaii. The Kalalau Trail on Kaua'i's legendary Nā Pali Coast is the kind of place that doesn't just look cinematic—it actually is cinematic (fun fact: Jurassic Park was filmed here).
Stretching 11 miles (18 km) each way from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Beach, this trail winds you through some of the island’s wildest, most untamed beauty. You'll climb steep ridgelines draped in tropical greenery, cross streams that gush after rain and look down on ocean cliffs that seem to drop straight into turquoise infinity. It’s one of the few hikes in the world where you can watch the sunrise over volcanic peaks and the sunset over the Pacific—all from the same path.
This isn't just a casual stroll, however. The full 22-mile round trip demands both stamina and grit—plus a permit if you plan to go beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley. The reward for your effort is Hanakoa Valley's secret waterfalls and the near-mythic Kalalau Beach, a golden stretch of sand that feels like it's at the edge of the world.
If you’re short on time, you can still get a taste of the trail’s magic with the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach, a day hike that packs in lush forest, cliffside vistas and plenty of salty, humid Hawai'ian air.
Any time of year is a good time to hike the trail, but beware that rain between May and October can turn sections into slippery mud slides and streams into small rivers. It's part of the adventure and part of why this coastline stays so pristine.
There's no shortage of beautiful hikes in the U.S.—in parks like Yosemite, Zion and Glacier just to name a few—but none match the raw, cinematic drama of the Kalalau Trail. This trail is a tropical odyssey, where every mile is full of beauty and joy. So add this destination to your list, secure your permits early and make plans for this sacred, unforgettable journey.
The most beautiful hiking trails in the world, according to Time Out
- Lycian Way, Türkiye
- The O Circuit, Patagonia
- Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland/Italy/France
- Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nepal
- The Great Ocean Walk, Australia
- The Transcaucasian Trail, Georgia & Armenia
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
- Kalalau Trail, USA
- The Bald Hills Trail, Canada
- The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru