Traverse across rugged landscapes, surrounded by beauty, varied and rare. Deep green jungles, open expanses of lava rock, sweeping vistas overlooking oceans, mighty waterfalls. These are just some of the experiences you’ll have when you take on the best hikes in Hawaii Big Island.
Whether you’re vacationing on Hawaii Island for the first time, or returning again and again, hiking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the island’s wonder.
That’s why we’ve gathered up our favorite hiking trails on the Big Island. Walk through the island with us as we discover trails for all levels and abilities!
The Best Easy Hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii
Rainbow Falls
Location: Hilo (a few minutes away from downtown Hilo)
Distance: 0.1 Miles
Notes: Less of a hike, more of a “little walk from the parking lot.”
Rainbow Falls Hawaii is barely a hike, but we still count it as one because it has many of our favorite hiking elements: waterfalls, banyan trees, and unique plant life. All you really need to do in order to view this beautiful waterfall is drive into the parking lot and walk over to the lookout. Come in the morning for the best chance to view the rainbow colors against the waterfall. Stick around to enjoy the scenery.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
Location: Papaikou, about 15 minutes north of Hilo
Distance: 1.5 Miles
Notes: This is a paid hike on private property.
There are many free, public hikes across Hawaii Island, but there are also great trails on private property that are worth the price of admission. Though a visit to Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden costs over $30 per adult, it offers a lot of bang for your buck. You’ll get beautifully maintained trails with fantastic photo ops and informational placards to guide you through the walk.
The deep rainforest has so much to check out, and there’s a great ocean overlook for you to enjoy. The admission cost keeps crowds down, and the boardwalk and paved trails make this a good hike for many abilities. However, wheelchairs aren’t allowed. Strollers are allowed, but you can’t use them on the boardwalk.
Devastation Trail
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, off of Crater Rim Drive
Distance: 1 Mile
Notes: Completely paved.
Devastation Trail offers a unique view of how a volcanic eruption can alter a landscape. This easy, paved hike takes you through the desolate lava fields and new growth that emerged after the 1959 Kilauea eruption. The weather changes fast here, so embark on your hike prepared for sun, rain, or both.
Nahuku – Thurston Lava Tube
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, off of Crater Rim Drive
Distance: 1.5 miles
Notes: Walk through a real lava cave!
We think Nahuku is a must-visit during any trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This short, paved hike takes you through a lava tube cave that opens to a rich rainforest. This is a short, paved hike, but parking is extremely limited. Plan for a longer hike if you need to use a different parking lot.
The cave is lit between 8 AM and 8 PM, so there is no need to bring a flashlight unless you’re visiting outside of that timeframe.
Akaka Falls State Park
Location: about 11 miles north of Hilo
Distance: 0.4 Mile
Notes: Pay for parking and a per-person admission fee.
Akaka Falls is a 442-foot-tall waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a pleasant walk around the overlook, but there are many stairs, so this isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, it’s a great family-friendly hike on Hawaii Big Island that has lots of sights and sounds. It can get busy here during peak times, but we’ve always been able to go at our own pace and enjoy the views.
This is a state park, and you’ll want to plan to pay for parking and admission.
Kaumana Caves
Location: Hilo
Distance: 0.5 Mile
Notes: Bring a headlamp and/or a strong flashlight.
Here’s a unique hike on Hawaii Island! Use a metal staircase to descend into the entrance of a lava tube. The caves extend a couple of miles, but most is on private property, so you’ll just explore the entrance. This fun spot is near Hilo and is a nice way to spend a little bit of time while you’re exploring the area.
Puʻuloa Petroglyphs
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, off of Chain of Craters Road
Distance: 1.4 Miles
Notes: See real ancient petroglyphs and get coastal views.
Embark on a gorgeous coastal trail, surrounded by lava fields. Your destination? One of Hawaii’s largest galleries of ancient petroglyphs. It truly feels like you’re walking through history here, and the hike will enrich you while inspiring wonder at the beautiful sights.
Kaumana Trail
Location: Hilo, off of Saddle Road
Distance: 3 Miles
Notes: A popular birding hike on Hawaii Big Island.
Saddle Road is a scenic drive that connects Hilo to Waimea, and you definitely want to take your time on this journey. In fact, why not get out for a bit and enjoy an easy Hawaii hike? Kaumana Trail is a flat route that takes you through unique trees, landscapes, and plants. Plus, you’ll get great views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Kaumana is a popular birding hike, so this is a must-do for bird watchers.
Each end of Kaumana Trail is accessible from Saddle Road. So plan an out-and-back hike, or plan car rides to take just half the hike.
Kaulana Manu Nature Trail
Location: Hilo, off of Saddle Road
Distance: 0.6
Notes: A family-friendly trail
Here’s another small hiking trail that offers a lot. Kaulana Manu Nature Trail is great for birders, families with kids, and anyone looking to “get off the beaten path” on Saddle Road. Trek through old forests that lava flows missed destroying and see what birds appear along the way.
This is a quiet hike with few people, and it takes very little time to complete.
The Best Moderate Hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii
Kīlauea Iki Trail
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, off of Crater Rim Drive
Distance: 4 Miles (or more)
Notes: A top choice for Big Island hikers.
Explore the rainforests surrounding the rim of Kilauea, and then descend into the steaming crater. This is one of the most beloved hikes within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Pololu Valley Trail
Location: Northern Kohala Coast, at the end of Akoni Pule Highway
Distance: 1 Mile
Notes: Beach access hike.
Pololu Trail is a short yet exerting hike that takes you to a beautiful, secluded beach on a valley floor. The journey to the beach is gorgeous – mountains surround you as the ocean stretches out in the distance. And we always give five stars to any hike that leads to the beach!
Halema’uma’u Trail
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, near Volcano House
Distance: 1.6 Miles
Notes: A rainforest hike in the National Park.
Yes, we keep returning to the National Park because it has some of the best hikes in Hawaii Big Island. And if you want to experience the varied beauty of Kilauea, the Halemaumau trail is a fantastic trek. Go through a rainforest that has been reestablished multiple times after eruptions, and then enjoy a sweeping view of the Kilauea Crater.
Here’s the complete guide to hiking the Halemaumau Trail from the National Park Service.
The 1871 Trail to Kiʻilae Village
Location: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Distance: 2 Miles
Notes: A popular historic and coastal trail.
The 1871 trail is a fantastic coastal hike in Hawaii’s Big Island. You’ll catch incredible views and get insight into the area’s fascinating history. Stand atop sea cliffs and walk through the remains of a former Hawaiian village.
Ka’awaloa Trail at Kealakekua Bay
Location: Captain Cook, Hawaii, in southern Kona
Distance: 3.8 Miles
Notes: This is how you snorkel at Captain Cook Monument without kayaking.
Captain Cook Monument is one of the top snorkeling spots in the Big Island, but it’s not easy to get to. Most people opt to book a kayaking tour to the bay, but there’s another option for anyone in good shape and up for a challenge.
A 3.8-mile out-and-back hike will take you from Napo’opo’o Road to the bay. You’ll get great views and see historical sites as you explore the trail, but pay attention to the grade. That quick downhill hike to the ocean is a whole different story when it’s time to get back to your car – an uphill hike, carrying snorkel gear, wet and uncomfy, and tired from your time in the water.
Worth it? Absolutely, as long as you’re prepared!
Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Location: Naalehu, on the southern tip of Hawaii Island
Distance: 5.6 Miles
Notes: A bucket list hike for many!
Did you know that Hawaii Island is home to a rare green sand beach? There are only four of these beaches in the entire world! But accessing this emerald coastline isn’t easy. You’ll have to take a pretty strenuous hike along the coast and then descend onto the beach.
But it’s an amazing hike, and such a treat to see such a rare sight. Just know that Papakolea Beach isn’t good for swimming, so after the sunny, windy hike, you’ll want to drive to a safer beach to cool off and splash around.
Challenging Hikes & Backpacking in the Big Island of Hawaii
Humuula Trail to Mauna Kea Summit
Location: Mauna Kea Visitors Center
Distance: 14 Miles
Notes: Access America’s highest point!
Here’s a challenge for avid hikers: reaching the highest point in the United States. Those who choose to walk from the Mauna Kea Visitors Center to the summit of Mauna Kea are certainly in for bragging rights and an unforgettable adventure.
You’ll reach an altitude 13,796, though you won’t start your trek at sea level. It’s an estimated 5,000 feet of elevation gain along Humuula Trail. So as you hike this bucket-list route, you’ll deal with rough terrain, altitude sickness, thin air, and a sense of awe.
To hike to Mauna Kea’s summit, you’ll need to register and get a safety briefing, so they make sure you know what you’re in for. Still, nothing can prepare you for the thrill of completing such a monstrous route, and the experience you’ll have.
Ainapo Trail
Location: Mauna Loa Summit
Distance: 22 Miles
Notes: There are two overnight cabins along this route.
You’ll gain 7,600 miles when you ascend to the summit of Mauna Loa along the Ainapo Trail. This backcountry route is for highly experienced hikers and requires four-wheel drive to access. Register with the state to stay overnight at Āinapō Cabin at Halewai; register with the National Park Service to stay overnight at the Mauna Loa Summit Cabin.
Napau Trail
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, off of Chain of Craters Road
Distance: 12.4 Miles
Notes: Backpack through volcanic craters.
The Napau Trail highlights the power and wonder of volcanoes, but the 12.4-mile route is only for experienced hikers ready for a challenge. You could do all or part of the Napau trail in one day, or you can reserve a campsite at Napau crater and stay the night.
This trail takes you over a new lava field, so there’s lots of rocky terrain and plenty to see. You’ll want to understand the risks of hiking across an active volcano and be prepared for an adventure like no other.
Your Hawaii Big Island Adventure
Maybe you’re visiting Hawaii Island with one purpose: to hike as much as possible. Or, perhaps you simply want to include a few hikes in your vacation. No matter what you envision for your Hawaii vacation, Hawaii Aloha Travel is here to help.
We can help with travel plans tailored to you. We’re locally-based travel agents, and we’re eager to share our knowledge and advice about visiting the Big Island or any Hawaii island!
