BEST HIKES: BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI’I

Here’s a good article on the best hikes on the Big Island by Best Island Hikes. Our Volcano Adventures guided hikes include Kilaueau Iki Trail and Thurston Lava tube and are the most luxurious way to see the best of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

• Pololū Valley – Kohala – A short hike to a picturesque valley on the dramatic Kohala Coast. (Pololū Valley is the header photo for this website).
• Kīholo Bay – Kohala – Calm, beautiful turquoise tidepools and lots of wildlife.
• Makalawena Beach – Kona – This is probably the best beach hike on the Big Island.
• Kealakekua Bay – Kona – This hike travels to gorgeous Kealakekua Bay, the site where Captain Cook landed on Hawai’i. Kealakekua Bay has excellent snorkeling.
• ‘Akaka Falls State Park – Hāmākua – This short stroll overlooks one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawai’i.
• Waimanu Valley – Hāmākua – One of the most remote and most beautiful places in Hawai’i. This extreme dayhike or backpack requires substantial effort.
• Kalōpā State Park – Hāmākua – The best rainforest hike on the island.
• Mauna Kea – Saddle Road – Climb above the clouds to the highest point in Hawai’i, 13,796 feet above sea level.
• Kīlauea Iki – Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – This is a great short hike that travels through a pit crater near erupting Kīlauea Caldera.
• Papakōlea Green Sand Beach – Kaʻū – Green sand beaches are extremely rare in the world. Hike to this unique geological feature along the southern coast.
• Kaumana Caves State Park – Hilo – A short, easy walk to a lava tube cave.
• The Puna Trail – Puna – Travel through a lush rainforest to Hā’ena Beach, a protected sandy expanse on the otherwise cliffy Puna Coast.