View 7 Big Island hikes

Big Island Hikes

1 - 7 of 7
  • Honokaa hike: Kalopa State Park

    Kalopa State Park

    Honokaa, Big Island
    Kalopa is a great hiking spot, as several trails can be inner connected to create a looping hike exploring the 100 acres of native, and 515 acres of introduced forest growing atop Kalopa Gulch. Maintained by the State Park System, these trails... Read more
  • Hilo hike: Onomea Trail to Onomea Bay

    Onomea Trail to Onomea Bay

    Hilo, Big Island
    Just north of the central eastside town of Hilo along a 4-mile long scenic route known as "Old Mamalohoa Highway" you will find a State trail for public access to the beautiful Onomea Bay. This easy to follow trail crosses through a botanical... Read more
  • Captain Cook hike: 1871 Trail at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau

    1871 Trail at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau

    Captain Cook, Big Island
    Within the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park is an historic trail that contours the rugged coastline of stark black lava rock. Named the "1871 Trail" due to the work done on the traditional coastal hiking trail to make it accessible to pack... Read more
  • Volcano hike: Crater Rim trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Crater Rim trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Volcano, Big Island
    The Crater Rim Trail is a great way to get in a hike or some peace and quiet along the rim of the famed Kilauea Caldera, located within the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A portion of the trail is closed due to its proximity to the sulphur... Read more
  • Honokaa hike: Waipi'o Valley

    Waipi'o Valley

    Honokaa, Big Island
    This hike is a uniquely Hawaiian experience, bringing you into the valley that seems paused in an era from long ago. The rural inhabitants have numerous agricultural properties in the center of the valley, but the beachfront is undeveloped with... Read more
  • Volcano hike: Kilauea Iki Trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Kilauea Iki Trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Volcano, Big Island
    This hike is truly epic Hawaiian experience. Maintained by the National Park, it exposes the lava rock origins of the Islands by giving you access to the Kilauea Iki crater floor. The added bonus of National Park hiking is the added... Read more
  • Hilo hike: Akaka Falls State Park

    Akaka Falls State Park

    Hilo, Big Island
    This Hamakua Coast area park is just 13 miles north of Hilo and has a pleasant self-guided hike through lush tropical rainforest. The State Park facilties include a paved pathway that loops along the Kolekole stream gulch featuring views of... Read more
About Big Island Hikes

The Big Island of Hawaii is the most diverse and contrasting island containing the most expansive landscape of any of the Hawaiian Islands. From barren lava rock to lush rainforest, one of the best ways to get exercise and explore the undeveloped and wild parts of the island is through the joy of hiking.  Each area of the island has trails, both maintained and unmaintained that can get you started on finding your way deeper into nature.  Even the most timid of explorers can try hiking with a sense of calm in Hawaii as we have very few hazardous plants or animals in our environment. Many Big Island hikes can be built into a day trip format, combining shopping, eating and sight seeing in the journey to and from your hiking destination.

At a Glance:

Highlights: A great activity for exercise plus you can get deeper into the natural beauty of the islands while exercising.
Activity Level: Mild to strenuous
Options: A private, or professional tour provider can take you to a variety of locations. Research via web or through trail guides can give you great self-guided hike. The State Parks have marked trails and orientation for safest self-guided touring
Warnings!: Hazards vary by terrain, but the islands are inherently lava rock that is brittle, jagged, and often unstable. Be aware of unstable rocks or boulders in the hiking environment, watch for slippery algae covered rocks by streams or ocean edges. Flash flooding can occur in streams so be aware of the weather in the area and mountains above. Before venturing into the islands hikes it is best to be prepared for the conditions at hand, sunscreen, hydration, rain protection, and bug repellent are all recommended preparations before going hiking in Hawai'i.
Price Range: $0 to $150 per person

Our Top Big Island Hikes:

  1. Hawaii Volcanoes Park, Kilauea Iki Trail
  2. 'Akaka Falls State Park
  3. Kalopa State Park
  4. Waipi'o Valley

Public Resources:

The State of Hawai'i maintains a trail system throughout the islands, visit the  website for details http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/island.php?island=Hawaii