Greatest Hikes in Hawaii Massive Island

Traverse throughout rugged landscapes, surrounded by magnificence, different and uncommon. Deep inexperienced jungles, open expanses of lava rock, sweeping vistas overlooking oceans, mighty waterfalls. These are simply a number of the experiences you’ll have while you tackle the very best hikes in Hawaii Massive Island. 

Whether or not you’re vacationing on Hawaii Island for the primary time, or returning repeatedly, mountain climbing is among the greatest methods to immerse your self within the island’s surprise. 

That’s why we’ve gathered up our favourite mountain climbing trails on the Massive Island. Stroll via the island with us as we uncover trails for all ranges and skills!

The Greatest Simple Hikes on the Massive Island of Hawaii

Rainbow Falls 

Location: Hilo (a couple of minutes away from downtown Hilo)
Distance: 0.1 Miles
Notes: Much less of a hike, extra of a “little stroll from the parking zone.”

Rainbow Falls Hawaii is barely a hike, however we nonetheless depend it as one as a result of it has a lot of our favourite mountain climbing components: waterfalls, banyan timber, and distinctive flowers. All you really want to do with a purpose to view this stunning waterfall is drive into the parking zone and stroll over to the lookout. Come within the morning for the very best likelihood to view the rainbow colours in opposition to the waterfall. Stick round to benefit from the surroundings.  

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Backyard

Location: Papaikou, about 15 minutes north of Hilo
Distance: 1.5 Miles
Notes: This can be a paid hike on personal property.

There are various free, public hikes throughout Hawaii Island, however there are additionally nice trails on personal property which are definitely worth the worth of admission. Although a go to to Hawaii Tropical Botanical Backyard prices over $30 per grownup, it presents a variety of bang in your buck. You’ll get superbly maintained trails with incredible picture ops and informational placards to information you thru the stroll. 

The deep rainforest has a lot to take a look at, and there’s an important ocean overlook so that you can take pleasure in. The admission value retains crowds down, and the boardwalk and paved trails make this an excellent hike for a lot of talents. Nonetheless, wheelchairs aren’t allowed. Strollers are allowed, however you’ll be able to’t use them on the boardwalk. 

Devastation Path

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, off of Crater Rim Drive
Distance: 1 Mile
Notes: Fully paved.

Devastation Path presents a novel view of how a volcanic eruption can alter a panorama. This straightforward, paved hike takes you thru the desolate lava fields and new progress that emerged after the 1959 Kilauea eruption. The climate modifications quick right here, so embark in your hike ready for solar, rain, or each.

Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, off of Crater Rim Drive
Distance: 1.5 miles
Notes: Stroll via an actual lava cave!

We expect Nahuku is a must-visit throughout any journey to Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park. This brief, paved hike takes you thru a lava tube cave that opens to a wealthy rainforest. This can be a brief, paved hike, however parking is extraordinarily restricted. Plan for an extended hike if you’ll want to use a special parking zone. 

The cave is lit between Eight AM and eight PM, so there isn’t any have to convey a flashlight except you’re visiting exterior of that timeframe. 

Akaka Falls State Park

Location: about 11 miles north of Hilo
Distance: 0.Four Mile
Notes: Pay for parking and a per-person admission price.

Akaka Falls is a 442-foot-tall waterfall that’s surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a pleasing stroll across the overlook, however there are lots of stairs, so this isn’t wheelchair accessible. Nonetheless, it’s an important family-friendly hike on Hawaii Massive Island that has numerous sights and sounds. It may possibly get busy right here throughout peak occasions, however we’ve at all times been in a position to go at our personal tempo and benefit from the views. 

This can be a state park, and also you’ll wish to plan to pay for parking and admission.

Kaumana Caves 

Location: Hilo
Distance: 0.5 Mile
Notes: Deliver a headlamp and/or a powerful flashlight.

Right here’s a novel hike on Hawaii Island! Use a steel staircase to descend into the doorway of a lava tube. The caves prolong a few miles, however most is on personal property, so that you’ll simply discover the doorway. This enjoyable spot is close to Hilo and is a pleasant solution to spend just a little little bit of time whilst you’re exploring the realm. 

Puʻuloa Petroglyphs

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, off of Chain of Craters Street
Distance: 1.Four Miles
Notes: See actual historic petroglyphs and get coastal views.

Embark on a stunning coastal path, surrounded by lava fields. Your vacation spot? Considered one of Hawaii’s largest galleries of historic petroglyphs. It actually feels such as you’re strolling via historical past right here, and the hike will enrich you whereas inspiring surprise on the stunning sights. 

Kaumana Path

Location: Hilo, off of Saddle Street
Distance: Three Miles
Notes: A preferred birding hike on Hawaii Massive Island. 

Saddle Road is a scenic drive that connects Hilo to Waimea, and also you positively wish to take your time on this journey. In reality, why not get out for a bit and revel in a straightforward Hawaii hike? Kaumana Path is a flat route that takes you thru distinctive timber, landscapes, and crops. Plus, you’ll get nice views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. 

Kaumana is a well-liked birding hike, so this can be a must-do for fowl watchers. 

Every finish of Kaumana Path is accessible from Saddle Street. So plan an out-and-back hike, or plan automobile rides to take simply half the hike. 

Kaulana Manu Nature Path

Location: Hilo, off of Saddle Street
Distance: 0.6 
Notes: A family-friendly path

Right here’s one other small mountain climbing path that gives loads. Kaulana Manu Nature Path is nice for birders, households with youngsters, and anybody trying to “get off the crushed path” on Saddle Street. Trek via previous forests that lava flows missed destroying and see what birds seem alongside the way in which. 

This can be a quiet hike with few individuals, and it takes little or no time to finish. 

The Greatest Reasonable Hikes on the Massive Island of Hawaii

Kīlauea Iki Path

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, off of Crater Rim Drive
Distance: Four Miles (or extra)
Notes: A best choice for Massive Island hikers.

Discover the rainforests surrounding the rim of Kilauea, after which descend into the steaming crater. This is among the most beloved hikes inside Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park.

Pololu Valley Path

Location: Northern Kohala Coast, on the finish of Akoni Pule Freeway
Distance: 1 Mile
Notes: Seaside entry hike. 

Pololu Path is a brief but exerting hike that takes you to a lovely, secluded seashore on a valley flooring. The journey to the seashore is beautiful – mountains encompass you because the ocean stretches out within the distance. And we at all times give 5 stars to any hike that results in the seashore!

Halema’uma’u Path

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, close to Volcano Home
Distance: 1.6 Miles
Notes: A rainforest hike within the Nationwide Park.

Sure, we maintain returning to the Nationwide Park as a result of it has a number of the greatest hikes in Hawaii Massive Island. And if you wish to expertise the various great thing about Kilauea, the Halemaumau path is a incredible trek. Undergo a rainforest that has been reestablished a number of occasions after eruptions, after which take pleasure in a sweeping view of the Kilauea Crater. 

Here’s the complete guide to hiking the Halemaumau Trail from the Nationwide Park Service. 

The 1871 Path to Kiʻilae Village

Location: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Nationwide Historic Park
Distance: 2 Miles
Notes: A preferred historic and coastal path.

The 1871 path is a incredible coastal hike in Hawaii’s Massive Island. You’ll catch unimaginable views and get perception into the realm’s fascinating historical past. Stand atop sea cliffs and stroll via the stays of a former Hawaiian village. 

Ka’awaloa Path at Kealakekua Bay

Location: Captain Cook dinner, Hawaii, in southern Kona
Distance: 3.Eight Miles
Notes: That is the way you snorkel at Captain Cook dinner Monument with out kayaking.

Captain Cook dinner Monument is among the prime snorkeling spots within the Massive Island, however it’s not straightforward to get to. Most individuals decide to e book a kayaking tour to the bay, however there’s an alternative choice for anybody in fine condition and up for a problem. 

A 3.8-mile out-and-back hike will take you from Napo’opo’o Street to the bay. You’ll get nice views and see historic websites as you discover the path, however take note of the grade. That fast downhill hike to the ocean is a complete totally different story when it’s time to get again to your automobile – an uphill hike, carrying snorkel gear, moist and uncomfy, and drained out of your time within the water. 

Price it? Completely, so long as you’re ready!

Papakolea Inexperienced Sand Seaside 

Location: Naalehu, on the southern tip of Hawaii Island
Distance: 5.6 Miles
Notes: A bucket listing hike for a lot of!

Do you know that Hawaii Island is residence to a uncommon inexperienced sand seashore? There are solely 4 of those seashores in your entire world! However accessing this emerald shoreline isn’t straightforward. You’ll should take a reasonably strenuous hike alongside the coast after which descend onto the seashore. 

But it surely’s an incredible hike, and such a deal with to see such a uncommon sight. Simply know that Papakolea Seaside isn’t good for swimming, so after the sunny, windy hike, you’ll wish to drive to a safer seashore to chill off and splash round. 

Difficult Hikes & Backpacking within the Massive Island of Hawaii

Humuula Path to Mauna Kea Summit

Location: Mauna Kea Guests Middle
Distance: 14 Miles
Notes: Entry America’s highest level!

Right here’s a problem for avid hikers: reaching the best level in america. Those that select to stroll from the Mauna Kea Guests Middle to the summit of Mauna Kea are definitely in for bragging rights and an unforgettable journey. 

You’ll attain an altitude 13,796, although you gained’t begin your trek at sea degree. It’s an estimated 5,000 ft of elevation achieve alongside Humuula Path. In order you hike this bucket-list route, you’ll take care of tough terrain, altitude illness, skinny air, and a way of awe. 

To hike to Mauna Kea’s summit, you’ll have to register and get a security briefing, so that they ensure you know what you’re in for. Nonetheless, nothing can put together you for the joys of finishing such a monstrous route, and the expertise you’ll have. 

Ainapo Path

Location: Mauna Loa Summit
Distance: 22 Miles
Notes: There are two in a single day cabins alongside this route. 

You’ll achieve 7,600 miles while you ascend to the summit of Mauna Loa alongside the Ainapo Path. This backcountry route is for extremely skilled hikers and requires four-wheel drive to entry. Register with the state to remain in a single day at Āinapō Cabin at Halewai; register with the National Park Service to remain in a single day on the Mauna Loa Summit Cabin. 

Napau Path

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes Nationwide Park, off of Chain of Craters Street
Distance: 12.Four Miles
Notes: Backpack via volcanic craters.

The Napau Path highlights the ability and surprise of volcanoes, however the 12.4-mile route is just for skilled hikers prepared for a problem. You would do all or a part of the Napau path in sooner or later, or you’ll be able to reserve a campsite at Napau crater and keep the night time. 

This path takes you over a brand new lava subject, so there’s numerous rocky terrain and lots to see. You’ll wish to perceive the dangers of mountain climbing throughout an lively volcano and be ready for an journey like no different. 

Your Hawaii Massive Island Journey

Possibly you’re visiting Hawaii Island with one goal: to hike as a lot as potential. Or, maybe you merely wish to embrace a couple of hikes in your trip. It doesn’t matter what you envision in your Hawaii trip, Hawaii Aloha Travel is right here to assist.

We may help with journey plans tailor-made to you. We’re locally-based journey brokers, and we’re wanting to share our information and recommendation about visiting the Massive Island or any Hawaii island!