Hiking on the Big Island

Shipman’s Beach Hike (Puna Trail) - 5 miles roundtrip. This is a great Puna hike to a secluded beach (Hā’ena Beach) where there are often large turtles. The lush trail through a rain forest travels a portion of the historic Alanui Aupuni Road from the 1800s.

Incredible views of the black sand beach at Pololu Valley.

Pololu Valley (Awini Trail) – A must-do hike on the island. Short (1/2 mile roundtrip) but steep trail to a stunning black sand beach.

Honokane Nui (3.2 miles roundtrip) – if you have time after exploring at Pololu Valley – continue on over the valley floor and up the other side to the next valley where the trail ends at a wooden bench that overlooks the Honokane Nui Valley. Gorgeous!

Kīlauea Iki Trail in Volcanoes National Park

Kilauea Iki Trail (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) (3.25 miles roundtrip) – An exciting and easy hike that traces the northern rim of the Kilauea Iki Crater and then returns to the trailhead across the center of the crater itself.

White Road Hike (Waimea) - (4.2 miles roundtrip or longer depending on where you end up!) A lush and stunning hike that takes you through the Kohala Forest Preserve to the back of Waipio Valley. If you can find it there is even a hidden waterslide. Part of this hike is on private property so please be respectful of the land and people in this area.

· Waipi’o Valley – 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. If you feel like having a very good workout this is the hike for you! It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an incredible beach. Options to continue on to Kaluahine Falls, the Muliwai Trail hike or the very challenging Waimanu Valley hike.

It is a steep walk down and a steep walk back up at Waipio Valley. — It is a ***steep*** walk down and a ***steep*** walk back up at Waipio Valley.

· Green Sand Beach (Papakolea) The hike is easy and flat (5.6 miles roundtrip) but be prepared to be HOT as it is out in the open. There is an option once you get there to get a ride back with a local in the back of a pickup truck for $10.

· Kiholo Bay Hike (2 miles roundtrip) – Black sand beach and many turtles!

Hiking to the Captain Cook Monument in the beautiful Kealakekua Bay on the Ka'Awaloa Trail.

· Captain Cook (3.8 miles round trip) – see description under snorkeling section

Narnia Hike (Hilo) - also known as Hookelekele Stream Pools and Falls. (3.2 miles roundtrip) - Spectacular spot with 7 waterfalls. Parts of the trail are private property so be respectful.

Makaula O’oma Trails (3.2 miles roundtrip for one option) - Rainforest trail in the slopes of Hualālai in the Honua'ula Forest Reserve. One very pretty path is called the Jurassic trail.

View of Mauna Kea from the top of Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone - 6.6 miles roundtrip. This place is also known as the jello mold hill. A steep walk up gets your heart rate going as you walk amongst many goats, sheep, cows and rams. Lovely bird sounds and vast views of the Kona Coast, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Hualalāi make this a special hike.

Maluhia Hale at Hualālai