Here’s a List of Hiking Trails Near You on Hawaii’s Big Island:
Kīlauea Iki Trail
Facilities/Features: Parking lot, restrooms, interpretive signage, dramatic volcanic terrain, 400-foot descent into crater, forest and crater floor hiking, visible steam vents, access to Thurston Lava Tube nearby, drinking water available at visitor center
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Devastation Trail
Facilities/Features: Paved accessible path, parking lot, interpretive signs, restrooms nearby, short 1-mile roundtrip, easy terrain suitable for families and mobility-impaired visitors, volcanic devastation landscape, bird watching opportunities
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Mauna Loa Trail
Facilities/Features: Backcountry cabins (reservation required), primitive camping allowed with permit, no water sources (carry all water), high altitude hiking (up to 13,677 ft), challenging multi-day trek, extreme weather conditions possible, stunning panoramic views, volcanic terrain
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Loa Road, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Mauna Kea Summit Trail
Facilities/Features: Visitor Information Station at 9,200 ft (restrooms, water, gift shop), no water on trail, extreme altitude (13,803 ft peak), challenging 6-mile roundtrip, no shade, high UV exposure, spectacular views, world-class observatories, potential for altitude sickness, hiking poles recommended
Address: Mauna Kea Access Road, Hilo, HI 96720
Pololu Valley Trail
Facilities/Features: Small roadside parking area (limited spaces), no restrooms, no water sources, steep descent to black sand beach, 0.5 miles one-way, stunning coastal views, photography opportunities, stream crossing may be impassable after heavy rains, no lifeguard at beach
Address: End of Highway 270, Kapaau, HI 96755
Waipio Valley Trail
Facilities/Features: Lookout with parking and restrooms, extremely steep road (25% grade), 4WD vehicle recommended for driving down, black sand beach, river crossings, no facilities in valley, private property restrictions, taro farms, waterfalls, horseback tours available nearby
Address: End of Highway 240, Honokaa, HI 96727
Akaka Falls Loop Trail
Facilities/Features: Paved path, restrooms, parking lot ($5 fee), accessible for most fitness levels, short 0.4-mile loop, lush rainforest, two waterfalls (Akaka Falls 442 ft and Kahuna Falls), railings and stairs, interpretive signs, gift shop nearby
Address: 875 Akaka Falls Road, Honomu, HI 96728
Contact: (808) 961-9540
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/akaka-falls-state-park/
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Facilities/Features: 175-mile coastal trail network (sections accessible at various points), ancient Hawaiian settlement sites, cultural and historical significance, beaches, lava fields, sections range from easy to difficult, limited facilities (varies by section), parts follow ancient fishing trails
Address: Multiple access points along the west and south coasts
Contact: (808) 326-6012
Website: https://www.nps.gov/alka/index.htm
Kalōpā State Recreation Area Trails
Facilities/Features: Cabins (reservation required), camping (permit required), restrooms, picnic areas, drinking water, parking, native forest, 0.7-mile nature trail and other connecting trails, interpretive signs, birdwatching opportunities, cool climate at 2,000 ft elevation
Address: 44-3480 Kalaniai Road, Honokaa, HI 96727
Contact: (808) 974-6200
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/kalopa-state-recreation-area/
Muliwai Trail (to Waimanu Valley)
Facilities/Features: Primitive camping in Waimanu Valley (permit required), no potable water (must filter), no facilities besides composting toilets at campground, challenging 9-mile one-way trek, significant elevation gain, 13 gulch crossings, stream crossings can be dangerous in heavy rain, spectacular remote valley destination
Address: Trail begins at Waipio Valley Lookout, end of Highway 240
Contact: (808) 974-4221 (DLNR for camping permits)
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/hawaii/muliwai-trail-waimanu-valley/
Puna Trail
Facilities/Features: Limited parking, no facilities on trail, moderate 5-mile one-way trek, coastal views, Hawaiian cultural sites, passes through Keauohana Forest Reserve, lava fields, minimal shade in sections, historical significance (part of old government road)
Address: Hawaiian Beaches, near Kahakai Boulevard, Pahoa, HI 96778
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Kaumana Caves Trail
Facilities/Features: Small parking area, restrooms, picnic tables, stairway entrance to lava tube, no lighting inside cave (headlamps required), slippery surfaces, cool temperature inside cave, formed in 1881 eruption, approximately 2 miles of explorable cave
Address: Kaumana Caves County Park, Hilo, HI 96720
Contact: (808) 961-8311
Website: N/A
Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail
Facilities/Features: Parking lot, interpretive signs, 1.2-mile loop trail, relatively flat terrain, lush forest surrounded by lava flows, excellent birdwatching for native species, large koa and ohia trees, picnic tables, no restrooms or water
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, off Mauna Loa Road
Pu’u O’o Trail
Facilities/Features: Small parking area, no restrooms or water, moderate 7.5-mile round trip, relatively flat terrain, unique vegetation in kipukas (forest islands surrounded by lava), volcanic features, potential for extreme weather changes, elevation around 6,000 ft
Address: Saddle Road (Highway 200), between mile markers 22 and 23
Puu Huluhulu Trail
Facilities/Features: Small parking area, no facilities, short 2.5-mile roundtrip, cinder cone summit with panoramic views, bird habitat, native plants, junction of multiple lava flows, views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea
Address: Saddle Road (Highway 200), near mile marker 28
Napau Crater Trail
Facilities/Features: Wilderness permits required for overnight camping, limited designated camping sites, no water sources (bring your own), challenging 14-mile roundtrip, active volcanic area, forests and lava landscapes, views of Puu Oo crater (when active), trail may be closed due to volcanic activity
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Chain of Craters Road
Halema’uma’u Trail
Facilities/Features: Parking at Volcano House, restrooms at trailhead, interpretive signs, 1-mile one-way steep descent from rim to crater floor, connects to other trails, volcanic landscape, cultural significance, views of active crater (when open), may be closed during volcanic activity
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Crater Rim Trail
Ka’aha Trail
Facilities/Features: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping, no facilities, no water sources (bring your own), challenging 7.8-mile one-way trek to remote coastline, difficult terrain through lava fields, limited shade, anchialine pools at destination, historic sites, primitive camping at Ka’aha
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilina Pali Road
Hilina Pali Trail
Facilities/Features: Parking at Kulanaokuaiki Campground, composting toilet at trailhead and campground, no water sources, moderate 3.3-mile one-way steep descent, spectacular cliff views, coastal plains vistas, connects to other backcountry trails, wilderness camping with permit
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilina Pali Road
Puna Coast Trail
Facilities/Features: Wilderness permit required for overnight stays, no facilities along trail, no water sources, challenging 10-mile one-way coastal trek, ancient Hawaiian sites, coastal views, tide pools, rocky terrain, hot and dry conditions, high UV exposure
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Chain of Craters Road
Pepeiao Cabin Trail
Facilities/Features: Backcountry cabin (reservation required), wilderness permit required, no water sources, challenging 12.4-mile one-way trail, remote coastal access, diverse terrain from forest to lava fields, archaeological sites, cabin has water catchment system (not for drinking without treatment)
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, end of Hilina Pali Road
‘Ainapo Trail
Facilities/Features: No facilities, no water sources, extremely challenging historical route to Mauna Loa summit, 35 miles roundtrip, significant elevation gain, permit required, limited access through private property (advance permission needed), extreme weather conditions possible
Address: Access via private ranch road off Highway 11, near mile marker 40
Hawai’i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden Trails
Facilities/Features: Entrance fee ($25 for adults), parking lot, restrooms, gift shop, guided tours available, paved and maintained paths, 1.5 miles of trails, waterfall views, stream crossings, botanical collection of over 2,000 species, covered rest areas, wheelchair accessible sections
Address: 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou, HI 96781
Contact: (808) 964-5233
Website: https://htbg.com/
MacKenzie State Recreation Area Trails
Facilities/Features: Parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms, camping (permit required), shoreline access, easy trail network, ironwood forest, lava cliffs, fishing spots (no swimming due to dangerous conditions), cultural sites
Address: Highway 137, between mile markers 13 and 14, Puna
Contact: (808) 974-6200
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/mackenzie-state-recreation-area/
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Trails
Facilities/Features: Limited access (permit or tour required), no facilities on trails, no water sources, moderate to difficult trails, rare bird habitat, native forest, high elevation (4,000-6,600 ft), cool and wet conditions, guided bird watching tours available
Address: Located off Mana Road, accessed through Kuka’iau Ranch (by permission only)
Contact: (808) 443-2300
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hakalau-forest/
Manuka State Wayside Trail
Facilities/Features: Parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms, 2-mile nature trail loop, interpretive signs, native forest, lava tube, minimal elevation gain, suitable for most fitness levels
Address: Highway 11, near mile marker 82, South Kona
Contact: (808) 974-6200
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/manuka/
Makalawena Beach Trail
Facilities/Features: Limited parking, no facilities, no water sources, moderate 1.5-mile one-way trek across lava field to pristine beaches, limited shade, hot conditions, unmarked trail sections, anchialine pools, excellent snorkeling, no lifeguards
Address: Access via Kekaha Kai State Park, off Highway 19 north of Kona
Contact: (808) 327-4958
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/kekaha-kai-state-park/
Kiholo Bay Trail
Facilities/Features: Limited roadside parking, no facilities, no water sources, easy 4.5-mile round trip coastal walk, black sand beaches, anchialine pools, historic sites, turtle viewing opportunities, no swimming facilities, hot conditions with limited shade
Address: Access at mile marker 82 on Highway 19, pull-off on ocean side
Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary
Facilities/Features: Entrance fee ($20 for adults), parking, gift shop, maintained botanical garden paths, meditation areas, spiritual labyrinths, art installations, galaxy garden, plant collection, relatively flat terrain, guided tours available
Address: 83-5401 Painted Church Road, Captain Cook, HI 96704
Contact: (808) 328-8084
Website: https://www.paleaku.com/
Keauhou Trail
Facilities/Features: Wilderness permit required for overnight camping, no facilities, no water sources, challenging 6.8-mile one-way coastal trail, historic sites, boulder hopping sections, hot conditions, limited shade, primitive camping area at destination
Address: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, end of Chain of Craters Road
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Sarah McLane is a passionate travel enthusiast and healthy living advocate who believes that exploration and wellness go hand in hand. With a zest for discovering new cultures and cuisines, she shares her adventures from around the globe, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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