6 Best Hiking Shoes for Hawaii for the Ultimate Adventure
When planning a trip to Hawaii, it’s crucial to bring the right gear.
With all the beautiful scenery Hawaii offers, hiking is a great way to experience it. You’ll want to be comfortable on your hike, so proper hiking shoes are one of our must-have items. They’ll ensure you’re comfortable and don’t end up with blisters or sore feet at the end of the day.
Several hiking shoes are available for sale, and they all claim to be perfect for island hikes. What makes one pair better than the other?
We’ve done our research and found that the six pairs below are the best for hiking in Hawaii:
How did we come up with this decision? It took many hours of research and gathering feedback from consumers, plus personal experience. We considered things such as the grip on wet surfaces, water resistance, durability of the soles, and the shoe’s overall design.
We are experienced hikers and have spent a lot of time in Hawaii, so we know what works and doesn’t. We have personally tested these shoes, and they performed great compared to the other ones we’ve used.
Without further ado, let’s check out the best hiking shoes for Hawaii:
KEEN Newport H2 Sandal
The Keen Newport H2 sandal is extremely durable and will stand up to lots of hiking in Hawaii. It has enough grip and is also great for boating, kayaking and any activity where you might slip on wet surfaces.
Why do we love these shoes?
Breathability, Comfort, Design
These shoes are a hybrid between a shoe and a sandal, meaning they have that open-air feel and won’t make your feet feel sweaty or uncomfortable.
The sole is thick enough to cushion your feet on uneven surfaces but not so thick that it’s too heavy to walk in.
These shoes are versatile and lightweight, which is a significant factor when hiking in Hawaii.
You want to feel as comfortable as possible on Hawaii’s trails, and the Keen Newport H2 sandals are perfect for achieving that! They weigh about 14. oz. and can easily fit in your carry-on suitcase.
These sandals are more secured to your feet than traditional sandals because they’re closed-toed and go up to your ankles, using a bungee-like fastener to lock them in place. The closed-toe design is perfect for protecting your feet while still letting them breathe.
I wore these sandals while visiting some of the best stops on the road to Hana in Maui, and I was impressed. They’re great for places where you may get your feet wet, as their grip is exceptional on wet surfaces. They dry pretty quickly as well.
These sandals would also be perfect for visiting the best black sand beaches on the Big Island, the best waterfalls on the Big Island, and the best waterfall hikes in Oahu. I wore them to all the places mentioned above, and they did very well.
Eco-Friendly Material
Keen is committed to safe, sustainable materials that will last for years while being environmentally friendly. The company ensures that the material used in its products are safe for workers, consumers, and the environment.
Some Downsides
These sandals might not be perfect for steep trails, walking on jagged volcanic terrain, or heavy-duty hiking. However, they work very well for easy hikes and exploring waterfalls.
Reviews From Other Hikers
The Keen Newport H2 is a reputable product that is highly rated among hikers. Hikers like the versatility of the sandal, its lightweight design, and its cushioned soles that offer more support than traditional sandals.
Note: Some customers have reported the shoe running half a size smaller and recommend sizing up half a size. I have these sandals in size 8.5, and they fit perfectly. I mainly wear a size 8 in open-toe shoes but 8.5 in boots.
| PROs | CONs |
| Versatile | Not perfect for heavy-duty hiking |
| Lightweight and very comfortable | Dirt and sand can get inside |
| Toe bumper protects toes | Not waterproof |
ASICS Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes
The Asics Gel-Venture 7 trail running shoes are the perfect multi-purpose shoes for Hawaii, and they feature GEL technology and an EVA midsole. They’re lightweight, slip-resistant, and offer excellent traction.
Gel technology in the heel area of the shoe provides shock absorption so your feet won’t be tired at the end of the day.
Why do we love these shoes?
We love the multi-purpose function of these trail running shoes. The ASICS Gel-Venture can be worn as an everyday shoe at the airport, walking around Waikiki, and hiking paved trails like the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail.
However, it’s still perfect for hiking intermediate hikes, such as the Pillbox Hike and Koko Crater in Oahu. I wear these shoes to the airport and use them as my everyday walking shoes on the island.
Reviews From Other Hikers
Online Color Issues
Some consumers have reported that online pictures might display a false color. This issue was mainly for the lavender/grey colors. A few customers noted that the image looks lavender/grey online, but the shoes look much darker in person.
Arch Issues for Customers With a High Arch
A few customers with a large arch reported that the shoe was too tight on top of their feet. Please note that even though a few customers reported this issue, it was only a small percentage compared to the total number of reviews from all buyers.
Some Downsides
These Asics trail running shoes are not perfect for heavy-duty hiking. However, I wouldn’t stress so much about needing heavy-duty hiking shoes in Hawaii unless you are a very experienced hiker wanting to do some strenuous hikes.
Most hikes in Hawaii can be done with trail running shoes. With that being said, I wouldn’t wear these shoes to do the more heavy-duty hikes.
I have worn trail running shoes on most of Oahu’s easy or moderate hikes, including Diamond Head, Ehukai Pillbox Trail, Lanikai Pillbox Trail, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, and Koko Crater Trail, and they did exceptionally well.
| PROs | CONs |
| Very comfortable | Not enough arch support |
| Lightweight | Not waterproof |
| Great grip | No ankle support |
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot is perfect for heavy-duty hiking and experienced hikers. This shoe is very durable and built for trail hiking.
These boots offer great ankle support, making them ideal for walking on rugged terrain.
Advanced Technology: This waterproof hiking boot features a lightweight, durable midsole for long-lasting comfort, superior cushion, and high energy return.
Handy Features: The boot’s waterproof full-grain leather and mesh bootie construction, plus the durable mesh tongue for breathability, are perfect for extreme trails.
The mesh lining provides additional comfort, and the molded nylon arch shank offers added support and stability.
Omni-Grip: This boot features a multi-terrain traction system that matches formulated compounds and treads to specific environments, providing solid tracking no matter the conditions.
Why do we love these shoes?
The Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots are perfect for those who want to do heavy-duty hiking in Hawaii. The advanced traction outsole provides excellent grip and stability in every environment, helping to prevent slipping.
The cushioned insoles make these boots very comfortable for hiking. They’re very durable, and the interior lining is quite breathable, helping to reduce sweating.
I have worn these boots hiking all over Oahu and Kauai, and I love them so much. Also, they look great too, which is a plus.
Things to Note:
If you are planning on just doing the popular hikes in Hawaii, I would stick with regular trail running shoes or the Keen sandals mentioned above.
One downside of hiking boots is that they can get too hot in the summer months, causing discomfort.
That said, I always bring hiking boots to Hawaii and can confirm that they came in handy when hiking trails such as Three Peaks, the Wa’ahila Ridge Trail, and Wiliwilinui Access Road trails in Oahu. Get these boots if you are an experienced hiker wanting to do challenging trails.
Reviews From Other Hikers
Consumers love how these boots are very comfortable and hold up in different types of climates and weather.
Compared to other hiking boots, most customers mentioned that these boots are very lightweight and easy to walk in.
These are some of the lightest hiking boots I’ve ever worn. They are my go-to shoes for hiking those challenging trails on the island. I wore these while hiking the Olomana trail to three peaks, and I honestly don’t know if I would have survived that hike without them.
Consumers have recommended ordering half a size larger, as these boots run on the smaller side. I usually wear a size 8 or 8.5, depending on the shoe. I ordered a size 8.5, and it fits me perfectly.
| PROs | CONs |
| Leather makes them easy to clean | Too narrow for people with wide feet/high arch |
| Lightweight compared to other boots | Not perfect hot summer weather |
| Great traction | |
| Waterproof |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hiking shoes needed in Hawaii?
This depends on the type of hikes you plan to do while in Hawaii.
If you are an experienced hiker who desires to hike challenging trails, I recommend getting a hiking shoe such as the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot.
I would stick with regular trail running shoes or sandals if you are doing popular or paved road hikes, such as Diamond Head or the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail.
What are the benefits of wearing hiking shoes?
Unlike regular running shoes, hiking shoes provide better traction, which helps prevent slipping while hiking.
They also have thicker soles suitable for rocky areas where you could easily cut your foot open with thinner sandals.
What are some different types of hiking shoes?
The most popular hiking shoes are trail running shoes, sandals, and hiking boots.
Hiking sandals are great for dry and hot climates that are not rocky.
Trail running shoes are great for easy to intermediate hikes that are not too rocky or muddy.
Hiking boots are great for experienced hikers looking for challenging trails where your feet and ankles need extra support and traction.
Hiking boots differ from trail running shoes in that they have a thicker sole, additional support for your arch, and higher ankle support to keep you more stable on more strenuous trails with rocks or mud.
This makes them great for doing more strenuous hikes but not so great if you plan on doing regular road hikes.
Which shoes are best for road hiking in Hawaii?
Depending on the season, if you plan on hiking paved trails, I recommend going with trail running shoes or sandals.
If it is hot out and you want a breathable shoe with a thick sole, go with trail running shoes. These shoes will be most comfortable if you do not plan on hiking challenging trails. For hotter months, sandals are great as they are even more breathable and lightweight.
I recommend getting hiking boots if you want to do more than just paved road hikes and traverse some extremely rocky areas.
The Wrap-Up: Which Hiking Shoes Are Best for Hawaii?
The type of hiking shoes to purchase for your trip to Hawaii will depend on the activities you plan to do while there.
Hiking sandals such as the KEEN Newport H2 Sandal are versatile and can be used for hiking and casual water activities, which is a plus because you get the benefits of two in one shoe.
The ASICS Gel-Venture 7 trail running shoes are perfect multi-purpose shoes that can be worn casually and are great for easy to intermediate hikes hiking.
The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boots have high ankle support and enhanced traction. This prevents you from slipping on muddy trails or unsteady rocks, making them perfect for experienced hikers looking to explore the more challenging hikes on the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
We hope these tips help you find the best hiking shoes.
Lastly, please remember to break in your shoes before heading to Hawaii to ensure the best experience.
Until next time, Aloha, and happy hiking in Hawaii!
