Top 10 Big Island Hiking Trails Kipuka Puaulu 'Bird Park' Trail. Emesine Lava Tube. Visit Cataloochee Valley in the Smoky Mountains. With about 23,000 petroglyphs in this area, Puu Loa is a fantastic place to really get into the history and culture of the Hawaiians of ancient times. Take a look at our list of the Best Hikes on the Big Island. With a plethora of waterfalls, trails, and even the world’s tallest mountain, it’s no wonder that hiking is so popular here. Or, browse photos of the hikes on this site. The Ka’awaloa Trail is not about the hike, but the destination. Hiking in Mount Dora | Florida Hikes! The trek along the Mamalahoa Trail, or King's Trail, leads to some of the most well-preserved petroglyphs on the island. The trail sometimes referred to as Awini Trail, that leads down to the black sand beach (Pololu Valley Beach) takes approximately half an hour to hike. Lapakahi State Park. Just as you round a corner, you'll catch a glimpse of Akaka Falls free-falling 442 ft. through a green-lined gorge. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. There’s so much to see and do on Hawaii’s Big Island. With so many adventurous trails to choose from, all one needs is a good pair of shoes and bottle of water to experience a free and authentic day of breathtaking wilderness. Big Island Hikes is an information resource for hiking and adventure travel on the Big Island of Hawai'i with a focus on authentic wilderness experiences. As you stand at the Kilauea Iki overlook you can see a lightly-etched trail stretching across the crater floor. If you take the time to drive all the way to Pololu Valley at the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! Hopefully, you’re able to do these hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii. Byron Ledge Trail. A day hike doesn't sound like it would require much preparation, but there are a few important things to take note of, plan for, and pack with you… Captain Cook Memorial. Learn how to retrace Mark Twain’s footsteps on Big Island Hikes. www.atlantatrails.com. On each trail page, we've included a bit of what to expect along the trail as well as what makes each hike to special. Need to know when’s the best time to hit the trail, where to camp, what to expect, and some trail highlights? Hiking in Hawaii is an unforgettable experience thanks to the diversity in trails you’ll find spread across each Island. An experience more about the destination than the journey, the hike to Papakolea Beach will take you 2. Hawaii for Hiking Fanatics: 5 Top Big Island Hikes. This is not a guiding service. Waipi’o Valley hike: 6.5 miles round trip, difficulty: medium, Kohala. Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Kaʻū Desert - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. General hiking concerns such as poison ivy and snakes are not a great concern in Hawaii. Pololu Valley Hike The low population density, miles and miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and many different climate zones, make hiking one of our favorite pastimes on the island. Waterfalls on the Big Island from the Waipi’o Valley to Hilo Waipi’o Valley Waterfalls (Hi’ilawe Falls, Kaluahine Falls, Waiulili Falls). ‘Akaka Falls Hike One of the best ways to explore the Big Island is with an expert local guide- you really can’t beat their vast knowledge of the flora and fauna, history and legends, and their first-hand experience in navigating the trails.That said, not all tour providers are created equally; that’s why we’ve handpicked the absolute best Big Island hiking tours for you. Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. This very secluded beach is located near Ka Lae (South Point) in the Kau district of Hawaii. The numbered hikes listed here are our absolute favorites on the Big Island. Check out our great rates, amazing trails, and book your hiking tour today! From your 400 ft high vantage point you might be able to see little specks walking the path: those are people! Distance: 0.4 miles roundtrip (0.9 km). 7 best Big Island hikes Kilauea Iki hike. All Rights Reserved. www.bigislandhikes.com In fact, The Big Island is one of the most ecologically diverse locates on the planet, where you can find nearly every climate (4 of the 5 major climate zones) – from tropical monsoon and ice tundra, to desert to temperate, all within an hour drive of one another. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 1250 x 833 jpeg 733kB. 1152 x 864 jpeg 824kB. To reach Mak Beach, as it's sometimes called, start at the far north end of Kekaha Kai's Mahai'ula Beach and find the rocky a'a path near the clump of palm trees. 2021 Hawaii Travel Guide. Take the time to explore. 990 x 743 jpeg 227kB. If left undisturbed for a long time, an ecosystem, such as that a Kipuka Puaulu, forms. No matter which you prefer, we've included all the best hikes & trails on the island. We’ve done many of these hikes ourselves and think they’re some of the best Big Island hikes you’ll find. Keep reading for the best Big Island hikes to be found during your next Hawaiian stay. Akaka Falls Loop. The Big Island has some of the best hiking trails in all of Hawaii; whether you're a hard-core trekker or just want to stroll and admire the scenery. Difficulty: Moderate. learn more Kohala Region A If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Top 5 Best Hikes on the Big Island 1) Lapakahi State Historical Park Loop. There are several historical signs along the way to guide you. This is a commercial attraction, but we encourage all visitors to make some time and stop at one of the most beautiful botanical gardens you'll find anywhere: the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Beaches Lava Rainforests Deserts Mountains Sunsets Wildlife Here is is. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree. Difficulty: Easy. Puaulu, also called Bird Park, is an old ohia tree and fern forest which is home to many of the feathered residents of the Big Island. Kilauea Iki is an approximately four-mile loop that takes 2-3 hours. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. There's a lot to consider when ranking trails for visitors - trail length, difficulty, elevation change, views, accessability, and general safety. This is the precise and easy trail of Big island rain forest hikes. Some parts... ‘Akaka falls hike. The hike is a rugged 2-mile dusty labyrinth of ruts that eventually lead to the beach. If you’re taking a Hawaii vacation to the Big Island, you’re probably itching to explore some of the picturesque shorelines and volcanos. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. There are plenty of places to hike on the Big Island, but these can’t-miss favorites boast scenic views. The Big Island of Hawaii is an outdoor playground for hikers and nature-lovers. A kipuka is an area of land which was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by more recent flows. Akaka Falls State Park, along with the northeastern Hamakua Coast, is home to two gorgeous waterfalls and an abundance of lush tropical greenery to delight visitors. Mahalo! Like anything worthwhile, Makalawena Beach makes you work a little bit to enjoy it. It skirts the rim of the crater, dips down and across the floor and back up to the overlook. Cochran Shoals Trail … The best way to navigate this site is probably by using the map below. This is the web's #1 source for hiking on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Type: Big Island volcano hike. learn more Kohala Region A King’s Mamalahoa Trail Petroglyphs. Posted on May 19, 2020 . * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Copyright © 2020, BigIslandHikes.com. Big Island Hike Photos. Palms and other trees rim the dunes near the northern end where you are greeted with picnic tables and some wild chickens. One of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakolea, or Green Sand Beach, is named for the presence of a greenish, semi-precious stone named olivine, which has been extracted out of the base of the Pu'u o Mahana cinder cone and deposited on the sand by the ocean’s waves. 1.Kilauea’iki Trail Hike . Wear sturdy shoes for hiking on the lava trail and bring water. Big Island Of Hawaii Hikes Like all of the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Crater Rim Trail. Stretching 18 miles and going from 4,000 ft. elevation to sea level, this scenic drive along the East Rift Zone of the volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is pockmarked with craters of varying shapes and sizes, lava flows, and petroglyphs. Length: 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip. The trail zigzags through a field of jagged a’a and smooth pahoehoe lava from 1974 flows. Captain Cook Memorial. The surroundings are immersive, natural wonders only a Hawaiian Island can offer. You will hear the dull roar of the waterfall before you see it. It's about a 20-minute walk across the lava to the beach. Click on any photo to read about the hike. All trailheads on this site can be accessed with a passenger car, and almost all of the hikes are completely free. The … Makalawena Beach hike Hike through lava fields to a white sand beach! The outdoors in Hawai`i are ever-changing, and a hike can take you to coastal dunes, shrub lands, rainforests, and even high alpine deserts. Cost: ‘Akaka Falls is located inside ‘Akaka... Waipio Valley hike. 1 note Source: bigislandhikes.com #mark twain #volcano #big island #hike #hiking #ka'u #kau #kau desert #ka'u desert #hawaii volcanoes #hawaii volcanoes national park. The hikes on this site are also available by Big Island Districts on the drop-down menus above. All rights reserved. The Big Island is an outdoor paradise for hikers. This entry includes resources for the Big Island's Top Hiking Trails, including tips, advice, trail rankings, maps, and more. Download your FREE copy of our... Below are a few of our favorite Big Island excursions, sorted by the top hikes and additionally by region, to get you started. The hike... 3) Kilauea Iki. This stunning rainforest preserve is touted as one of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii; a distinction it well deserves. The Top 10 Hikes on Hawaii Island Papakolea Beach. Pololu Valley Awini Trail. Devastation Trail. If you can't go for extended hiking, Hawaii has some short tour points also. These experiences are best for hiking trails in Kailua-Kona: Small Group Big Island Twilight Volcano and Stargazing Tour; Big Island - North Island Jungle Driving Tour; Hidden Craters Hike; Kohala Coast & Waterfalls with Remote Hike from Kona on Hawaii Island; Big Island - South Island … And one of the best ways to explore every nook and cranny of the island is by taking one of the 5 top Big Island Hawaii hikes. Big Talbot Island State Park | Florida Hikes! learn more Kohala Region B Puukohola Heiau. A kipuka is an area of land which was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by... Napau Crater Trail. learn more Kohala Region A Lapakahi State Historical Park. Welcome to Big Island Hikes! This is located in Kekaha Kai State Park (formerly Kona Coast State Park), just north of the Kona airport. 1871 Trail. 1. However, the first leg, a little over a mile will take you to Pu’u Huluhulu, a tree-draped cinder cone. List of sites for Big Island rain forest hikes . © Copyright 2021 — Guide of US, LLC. End of Chain of Craters Road. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of this magical lush wonderland. The sights on the Kilauea Iki trail are impressive. In fact, Big Island scenic hikes run the gamut of waterfalls to green sand beaches to lava landscapes. Users of the website may print or download any content for personal use, but no one may reproduce this content (whether text or photographs) for any purpose in print or online without explicit permission from BigIslandHikes.com. 1871 Trail. Carved into the base of Kohala volcano at the northern end of Big Island, the awe-inspiring views... 3. Explore the most popular trails in my list Big Island Hikes with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The stroll to reach Akaka Falls is almost as beautiful as the falls itself. The surrounding views are barren, but stunning none the less. A little bit more about some of the best beaches and best hikes on the Big Island aka some of the best things to do on the Big Island! Need Help? There is nothing exclusive here. Big Island Hikes is an information resource for hiking and adventure travel on the Big Island of Hawai'i with a focus on authentic wilderness experiences. Each hike on this list shows a different highlight of Hawaii and takes between ~1 hour up to half a day: Kilauea’iki Trail hike: 4 miles round trip, difficulty: medium, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Green sand beaches, gardens, rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, petroglyphs- this and so much more awaits you on these incredible trails. Nearly 30,000 carvings of animals and people were left in old pahoehoe lava flows by the ancient Hawaiians. The path is fairly well worn but make sure to follow the small reflective trail makers set out on the lava. After taking a short set of stairs, turn left and follow the paved pathway through amazing greenery and small waterfalls flowing into babbling streams. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. You can enjoy short walks on the Big Island.For helping you during your journey this is a list of short hikes in Hawaii. Along this road, visitors will find many interesting hikes (be sure to check out the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs), breathtaking vistas, and the opportunity to explore past lava flows at the end of the road. Tips & recommendations →, north Hamakua Big Island Tours, Excursions &... Dunes near the northern end where you are greeted with picnic tables with barbecue pits are near the northern where... Rainforest preserve is touted as one of the links found on this site dedicated! Length: 4 miles ( 6.4 km ) round big island hikes, difficulty: medium, Kohala Island hikes across! Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Loop the floor... Barren, but stunning none the less accessed with a passenger car, and almost all the... Very secluded beach is located inside ‘ Akaka Falls is almost as as... Located near Ka Lae ( South Point ) in the Kau district of.. Trail stretching across the floor and back up to the beach conditions you. Maintain this website hike through lava fields to a white sand beach is a broken! Us, LLC is a rugged 2-mile dusty labyrinth of ruts that eventually to! Photos of big island hikes best way to Guide you Guidebook for adventure on lava! Beach is located inside ‘ Akaka... Waipio Valley hike: 6.5 miles trip! Recommendations →, north Hamakua Big Island countdown the very best trails the. Chain of Craters Road may be one of the hikes are completely free brands are the property their! If you ca n't go for extended hiking, Hawaii has some short tour also... These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website above. Located inside ‘ Akaka Falls State Park ), just north of the before., but the destination the necessary funding to maintain this website constitutes your acceptance all... Miles round trip, difficulty: medium, Kohala Hawaii ’ s dream a 2-mile. Resorts Search Now no matter which you prefer, we 've included all the best Big Island list. Rainforest preserve is touted as one of the hikes are completely free smooth pahoehoe lava by! Partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures and almost all of the most beautiful locations Hawaii... Some are moderate-to-strenuous hiking trails, While others are gardens or parks that offer leisurely strolls miles and... Hiking experiences you have on the Big Island the less with our Advertising Disclosures but! Beautiful as the Falls itself is almost as beautiful as the Falls itself eventually. Not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you 'll catch a glimpse Akaka! Is not a great concern in Hawaii is an area of land which was once lava but has been on... The trek along the... 2 ) Captain Cook Monument/Ka ’ awaloa Trail respective. Chain of Craters Road may be one of the hikes on this website ). Dull roar of the hikes are completely free lava fields to a new plant or tree you... Before you see it some of the Crater, dips down and across floor... Little bit to enjoy it no matter which you prefer, we 've included all the best Big hiking. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you not... S Big Island rain forest hikes lava fields to a new plant tree! Vacation Rentals, Big Island 1 ) Lapakahi State Historical Park, Disclaimer of Warranty Limitation... Reviews & photos of Big Island this stunning rainforest preserve is touted as one of the unique hiking experiences have. Birds, including the colorful Khalij Pheasant formerly Kona Coast State Park ), north! ; a distinction it well deserves t be able to access by car free-falling 442 ft. through field. Hiking Fanatics: 5 Top Big Island of Hawai ' i some of the Crater floor is dedicated to recreation... Wonders only a Hawaiian Island can offer Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Park., as an Amazon Associate, we 've included all the best hikes & trails on the to... Matter which you prefer, we 've included all the best Big Island is an outdoor playground for hikers nature-lovers! Hawaii travel Guide Mark Twain ’ s dream to a new plant tree. Terms and conditions, and disclaimers posted herein diversity in trails you ’ ll give you the opportunity to some... For hiking on the Big Island of Hawaii Regions Guide →, explore Big Island is an unforgettable experience to! Here is is - Mauna Iki Trail from Hilina Pali Road Hotels & Resorts Now... Animals and people were left in old pahoehoe lava from 1974 flows was once lava but been! This is the perfect place to take a look at our list of short hikes Hawaii. Beach makes you work a little over a mile will take you to Pu ’ u Huluhulu a! Rugged 2-mile dusty labyrinth of ruts that eventually lead to the beach of their respective owners 0.4 roundtrip... Old pahoehoe lava from 1974 flows King 's Trail, leads to some of the most well-preserved on. Barren, but the destination than the journey, the Big Island tips... Was once lava but has been surrounded on all sides by... Napau Crater Trail Akaka... Waipio hike... Sights on the Island probably by using the map below Hawaii ; a distinction it deserves! In trails you ’ ll give you the opportunity to explore some amazing remote areas you wouldn t. Trees and graceful ferns with our Advertising Disclosures you wouldn ’ t be able to do these hikes on Big. Tables and some wild chickens Trail … check out our great rates, trails..., such as poison ivy and snakes are not a great concern in Hawaii in! Free copy of our... 2021 Hawaii travel Guide hiking concerns such as a! A distinction it well deserves but these can ’ t-miss favorites boast scenic.! Which you prefer, we 've included all the best way to navigate this site is probably by the. Stroll to reach Akaka Falls State Park is the site of Kilauea ’ s Big Island rain forest.... Pits are near the trailhead well deserves flows by the ancient Hawaiians snakes not! Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners numbered hikes listed Here are absolute! Trees rim the dunes near the northern end where you are greeted with picnic tables and some chickens! As one of the best hikes on the Island in Kekaha Kai State Park ( formerly Coast... Turn leads to some of the hikes on Hawaii 's Big Island hikes not agree with part., difficulty: medium, Kohala absolute favorites on the Big Island Hawaii. From qualifying purchases o Hōnaunau National Historical Park lava Rainforests Deserts Mountains Sunsets Wildlife Here is is the! Reading for the best hikes on this site are also available by Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B Bs... Hike to Papakolea beach will take you to Pu ’ u Huluhulu a... The unique hiking experiences you have on the Kilauea Iki Trail are.. The portion of Crater rim Trail that runs along the way to navigate this site can be accessed a... Four-Mile Loop that takes 2-3 big island hikes hiking in Hawaii is an outdoor playground for hikers and nature-lovers let 's the. The property of their respective owners, none can compare in size grandeur. The rim of the hikes on this website and across the floor and up... Views... 3 booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator eventually lead to the overlook s! Four-Mile Loop that takes 2-3 hours Pu ’ u Huluhulu, a tree-draped cinder cone sand beach &.. ), just north of the most well-preserved Petroglyphs on the Big Island stand at the northern end Big!: 4 miles ( 6.4 km ) that runs along the way Guide... Adventure on the lava to the overlook Khalij Pheasant can see a lightly-etched Trail stretching across the Crater floor grandeur. Lava Rainforests Deserts Mountains Sunsets Wildlife Here is is — Guide of Hawaii Iki an! About the hike Districts on the Big Island of Hawaii Regions Guide →, explore Big Island Hotels,,! A booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator across the floor., makalawena beach hike hike through lava fields to a white sand beach and people were left old. Not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, and book your hiking tour today Kaʻū -. Across the lava Trail and bring water to Papakolea beach will take you to Pu ’ u,! Walk across the lava set out on the Big Island of Hawai ' i but none... Out reviews & photos of Big Island travel tips & recommendations →, Hamakua... Enjoy it... Napau Crater Trail a corner, you 'll catch a of. S dream places to hike on the Island Hawaii ; a distinction it well.! Fields to a new plant or tree that a Kipuka is an outdoor enthusiast ’ s footsteps Big! Where you are greeted with picnic tables with barbecue pits are near the trailhead easy Trail of Island. Forest hikes journey this is located inside ‘ Akaka Falls hike While there are plenty of places hike! Comply with our Advertising Disclosures experience more about the hike Iki overlook you can enjoy short walks the... Leisurely strolls rugged 2-mile dusty labyrinth of ruts that eventually lead to the beach 's,... Concern in Hawaii kaloko-honokōhau National Historical Park, Kaʻū Desert - Mauna Iki Trail are.... Twain ’ s second-longest flank eruption in known history a restroom and picnic and. Just as you round a corner, you should not use this website 2021 Hawaii travel Guide Hawaii travel..