Getting out into nature is one of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting
Hawaii. The Big Island of Hawai'i has a land area of approximately 4,000 square miles, with a variety of terrain types and elevation gains of up to 13,796 feet.
Hawaii also includes eight of the world's 13 temperature zones, which means that any trek on the island might be highly different.
If you enjoy being active, you'll enjoy all of the hiking opportunities available in Hawaii. This is the comprehensive guide to the best hikes on Hawai'i's Big Island.
We even ranked them for you in order of difficulty!
1. Mauna Loa Lookout
Distance: 1.5-miles
Difficulty: Easy
You'll drive up the mountain on the Mauna Loa Road, park your car at the top, and begin the short climb to the Mauna Loa Lookout.
You'll notice the ground is formed of dried, smooth red lava from the beginning of the trail, which will progressively transition into black a'a lava as you get closer to the top.
The views from the top, which stands at 6662 feet, are spectacular, and the loop can be completed in under an hour.
As you get closer to Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano, the drive to the Lookout becomes an adventure in itself.
Make sure you don't mix up the Mauna Loa Lookout hike with the 13-mile Mauna Loa Trail, which is more difficult.
2. Kilauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail
Distance: 4-miles
Difficulty: Moderate
For both visitors and residents,
the Kilauea Iki is one of the most popular hikes on the main island. This walk begins in the rain forest near a volcano crater.
You'll pass the crater floor, which is constantly steaming, as you begin your walk.
You may even look into the 1959 crater vent, which shot lava up to 1900 feet before subsiding 36 days later.
This trail descends into a solid lava lake, which you must then cross.
You'll observe a variety of amazing rainforest birds on your trip!
Because the Kilauea Iki Trail is located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you must pay a $15 per person or $30 per vehicle entrance fee.
3. Ka’awaloa Trail (Captain Cook Monument)
Distance: 4-miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard The Ka'awaloa trail is a popular trek on the large island because it does not require professional hiking skills but still offers a challenging hike.
This trail leads to and from the Captain Cook Monument. This monument was erected in 1874 to commemorate the death of British explorer Captain James Cook on the island in 1779.
The ascent will be challenging, but the descent will be simple and rapid.
This is a popular trail, so expect to see a lot of people on a sunny day. Along the way, you'll see beautiful wildflowers and be rewarded with a spectacular vista at the summit.
4. Waipi’O Valley Trail
Distance: 4.72-miles
Difficulty: ModerateThe Waipio Valley Trail, located near Honokaa, Hawaii, is a moderately strenuous trek.
To begin this path, travel to the Waipi'o Overlook and look for a parking spot in the little lot. Then take the trail down to Waipi'o Beach, which has black sand.
The Waipio Valley Trail is a great place to visit if you want to see some waterfalls on the main island.
The Kaluahine Falls is about a half-mile walk from Waipi'o beach along with the eastern coastline limits. On the walk, you'll also be able to observe Hi'ilawe Falls.
On the other side of the Valley, about halfway up the sea cliffs, the most spectacular view of the Hi'ilawe Falls may be found.
The finest part of this hike is seeing the wild horses that roam freely around the area. As long as you don't approach them, these horses are quiet.
You must return the same way you came because the Waipi'O Valley Hike is an "in and out" trail.
5. Waimanu Valley
Distance: 16-miles
Difficulty: Hard
Waimanu Valley is ideal if you're looking for a challenging all-day hike. Because this hike is so difficult, you're less likely to encounter people.
This allows for a far more pleasant encounter, but it also means that you must be vigilant.
This trip poses several challenges for hikers, including more than a mile of vertical elevation gain, parts with rockfall warnings, and a river crossing that should only be attempted when the tide is low.
Nonetheless, the advantages demonstrate why this hike is so popular.
Begin your journey from Waipi'o and make your way to the other side to see several beautiful waterfalls and lush vegetation. The trek comes to a close near the beautiful Waimanu Valley beach.
You'll need to turn around and return after touring the beach.
The only question now is: which hike on the big island would you tackle first?
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