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Best Hikes on the Big Island

If you’re looking for the best hikes on the Big Island, you’ve come to the right place. The Big Island is a diverse landscape full of natural wonders, and one of the best ways to see the island is by hiking!

If you have been wanting to explore, I recommend taking one of the best hikes on the Big Island. Whether you want volcano hikes or waterfall hikes, all your Big Island hiking adventures will show you the island’s hidden beauty.

Don’t forget to check out the best hikes in Oahu, the best hikes in Maui, and the best Hikes on Kauai if you’ll be visiting multiple islands. 

If you’re visiting the Big Island, you MUST have a rental car! The Big Island is Big and has little public transportation, so you’ll definitely need a rental car. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best prices on rental cars in Hawaii.

Best Hikes on the Big Island

Here are the best Big Island hikes, in no particular order!

Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail

This is a looped trail within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is one of the best volcano hikes inside the park and is open year-round. During this hike, you will start at the crater’s rim before descending down to the crater floor. 

If you want a full guide to Volcanoes National Park, I have that too!

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Length of Hike: 3.2 miles

Entry Fee: $30 to enter the park – fee is valid for 7 days

Fun Fact: You can see the steam from the vent that created the Pu’u Pua’i cinder cone.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

You won’t find too many beaches filled with green sand in this world. This is why this is one of the best hikes on the Big Island. I recommend spending a little extra time on the sand, so you can remember this journey forever.

Location: Naalehu, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 5.6 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Listen closely to the waves coming up on the shoreline. It’s a sound you most likely won’t hear anywhere else in the world!

This is very important, do not attempt to drive to the beach or accept a ride from anyone offering them. This is highly illegal and is devastating the natural area. When tourists continue to ignore the rules, beautiful places like this become off limits and then we can’t enjoy them anymore! That is what happened to Waipio Valley; let’s not let it happen here!

Ka’Awaloa – Captain Cook Monument Trail

This is one of the more challenging hikes on the Big Island. And yet, at only four miles, it isn’t very long. Rolling rocks are a possibility on this hiking trail on the Big Island. So, stay alert.

Oh, and you may want to take your snorkeling gear. Rumor has it that the water near the monument is perfect for snorkeling.

Location: Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

Length of Hike: 4.0 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: This monument was constructed in 1874 to commemorate the British explorer that was killed there in 1779.

Pololu Trail

The Pololu Trail is one of the best Big Island hiking options, because it is short. This steep trail begins at the overlook. As you get closer to the bottom, you will see the black sand on the beach.

This trail can get slippery after rainstorms. Be cautious of that, as well as the rocky patches on the trail.

Location: Kohala Forest Reserve

Length of Hike: 0.9 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Views of the Hamakua Coast can be seen from the overlook area, and there’s a beautiful black (although it’s more of a grey) sand beach at the bottom!

Akaka Falls Trail

This hiking trail on the Big Island is one of the shortest ones. It is also easy, which makes it perfect for people of all ages.

The path to the left will lead you to Akaka Falls. If you want to see both waterfalls on this hiking trail, continue around the entire loop.

Location: Akaka Falls State Park

Length of Hike: 0.5 miles

Entry Fee: $5 entrance fee per person plus $10 parking fee

Fun Fact: The Akaka Falls plummets 442 feet into the gorge below.

Thurston Lava Tube Trail

The Thurston Lava Tube Trail is short and easy. It is best to do this hike before 9 am or after 4 pm. If you do it between those hours, you will find lots of other people on the trail.

The lava tube is lit between 8 am and 8 pm. If you visit outside those hours, you should take a flashlight.

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Length of Hike: 0.4 miles

Entry Fee: $30 to enter the park – fee is valid for 7 days

Fun Fact: When lava tubes are active, lava can travel through these tubes at temperatures that average 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Makuala O’Oma Trail

The Makuala O’oma Trail is part of the Honua’ula Forest Reserve. That reserve is a cloud forest. Hikes in this area of the Big Island are usually cool and wet, thanks to the higher elevation and forest.

Please use caution while completing this hike on the Big Island. Some of the land around the trail is considered private property.

Location: Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 3.8 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The Jurassic Trail on this hike may remind you of the Jurassic movies. No dinosaurs can be found on this hike though!

Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone Trail

The Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone Trail is one of the easier, yet longer, hikes on the Big Island. This hiking trail is on a working ranch. There are other hiking trails in the area. This is the only one that will take you to the top of Pu’u Wa’awa’a though.

You can see all the main mountains on the island from the top of Pu’u Wa’awa’a.

Location: Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 6.5 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The cinder cone on this hike looks just like jello!

Halema’uma’u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks

This is another one of the volcano hikes on the Big Island. The trail is considered easy, with the exception of a couple steeper areas. Strollers and wheelchairs can be used on this trail, thanks to it being paved.

As you walk along this trail, keep an eye out for the steam vents and sulfur deposits. There is also interpretive signage to let you know what everything is.

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Length of Hike: 1.3 miles

Entry Fee: $30 to enter the park – fee is valid for 7 days

Fun Fact: Natural hot springs can be seen near this hiking trail on the Big Island.

Crater Rim Drive to Keanakakoi Overlook

The trail that leads to the Keanakakoi Overlook used to be a paved road. You should be cautious as you hike down this road turned trail. There can be loose rocks and uneven sections.

However, the views of nearby craters make the journey worthwhile.

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Length of Hike: 2.1 miles

Entry Fee: $30 to enter the park – fee is valid for 7 days

Fun Fact: This road was destroyed by earthquakes back in 2018.

Awini Trail to Honokane Nui Lookout

The best time to hike the Awini Trail to the Honokane Nui Lookout is between the months of April through September. It is a moderately challenging hike on the Big Island.

This hike begins at the Pololu Valley. You head towards the beach before connecting with the trail that will take you to the bench at Honokane Nui Lookout.

There are ropes on this trail. They are to be used as guides to get up and down the hills.

Location: Kapaau, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 2.8 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Part of this trail will take you through a bamboo forest.

Makalawena Beach

The hike to Makalawena Beach is very easy. This is what makes it one of the best hikes on the Big Island.

You must be cautious when driving down the road to this trail. The road is quite rough and may be difficult to drive along unless you have a 4WD vehicle.

It is possible to make this hike longer by hiking to some of the other nearby beaches.

Location: Kekaha Kai State Park

Length of Hike: 2.7 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: Opae’ula Pond is behind Makalawena Beach. That area is a National Natural Landmark. It is where native Hawaiian birds can nest and breed in a protected area.

Puna Trail

Puna Tail will take you directly to Shipman Beach. There are lots of sea turtles at this beach. Make sure you take your camera to capture these memories!

You should not try to swim while visiting this beach. The water is quite rough and rescues are common for those who do go into the water.

The Puna Trail can get quite muddy if it has recently rained. Actually, it can be muddy at any time. Keep this in mind when planning this hike on the Big Island.

Location: Kea’au, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 5.2 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The Puna Trail follows an old carriage trail. The carriage trail was used to connect all the fishing villages in the Puna area.

Rainbow Falls Upper Lookout

I’m not sure if the hike to the Rainbow Falls Upper Lookout is truly a hike. However, I thought it should be included on the list of best hikes on the Big Island due to the gorgeous views of the waterfall!

This is obviously a very short walk. There are stairs that you will need to climb to reach the lookout area.

When you get to the lookout, you will be rewarded with views of the 80 foot waterfall.

This hiking trail on the Big Island does close when flash flooding occurs. Keep this in mind and check to make sure it is open before you drive there.

Location: Wailuku River State Park

Length of Hike: 0.1 mile

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: A rainbow can be seen at this waterfall early in the morning most of the time.

Mauna Kea-Humu’ula Trail

You can hike the highest mountain in Hawaii when you choose this best hike on the Big Island. The Mauna Kea-Humu’ula Trail is quite challenging. It is best to be prepared with lots of water, food, and other essential hiking items.

There are a few switchbacks on this trail. There is also loose cinder and rough lava, so use caution while hiking.

You can choose to hike along the paved service road on the way down. It is a little longer, but easier.

You must register to hike this trail. Registration begins at 6 am.

Location: Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve

Length of Hike: 13.4 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: There is an altar at the very top of Mauna Kea. Some people believe it is disrespectful to hike all the way to the altar. Keep this in mind while completing this hike.

Kaumana Caves

This is another one of the best hikes on the Big Island that may not even actually qualify as a hike! The Kaumana Caves were created when the skylight of a lava tube collapsed.

You cannot go too far into the cave, because it turns into private property. It is best to take a flashlight with you, so you can see once you have entered the cave.

Location: Hilo, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 0.1 miles

Entry Fee: None

Fun Fact: The lava tube that extends out from this cave was created by lava flow from Mauna Loa in 1881.

Pu’upua’i Overlook via Devastation Trail

This is a short paved trail. That is why it is one of the best hikes on the Big Island. On this volcano hike, you will see a large cinder cone. That cone was created back in 1959 when Kilauea Iki erupted.

When you reach the overlook, you will find yourself looking down into the Kilauea Iki crater.

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Length of Hike: 1.0 mile

Entry Fee: $30 to enter the park – fee is valid for 7 days

Fun Fact: Pu’upua’i means gushing hill in Hawaiian.

Kiholo Bay and Wainanalii Lagoon

This slow hike on the Big Island will take you from Kiholo Bay to the beautiful water in the Wainanalii Lagoon. Along the way, you will pass by multiple coves and beaches.

There is a black sand beach in the opposite direction of the lagoon. I recommend heading in that direction too, if you have the time!

Location: Waikoloa Village, Hawaii

Length of Hike: 5.1 miles

Entry Fee: none

Fun Fact: Keanalele, or Queen’s Bath, is a lava tube located on this hiking trail on the Big Island. There is an opening that shows the water underground.

Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trail

The Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trail is one of the many volcano hikes on the Big Island. The hike to the petroglyphs is quick. When you reach the petroglyphs, you will see a wooden walkway.

Everyone must stay on the walkway while looking at the petroglyphs. I recommend taking binoculars with you. This will allow you to see the drawings better.

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Length of Hike: 1.2 miles

Entry Fee: $30 to enter the park – fee is valid for 7 days

Fun Fact: There are more than 23,000 petroglyphs (or ki’i pohaku) in this area. It is the largest piece of rock art on all of the Hawaiian Islands.

Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail

This volcano hike will take you to the top of a cinder cone. The cinder cone has become overgrown and is now considered a rainforest. The views from the top are magnificent on a clear day.

You can combine this hike with the actual Napau Crater Trail hike if you have the time.

Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Length of Hike: 2.5 miles

Entry Fee: $30 to enter the park – fee is valid for 7 days

Fun Fact: There are two hills with the name Pu’u Huluhulu on the Big Island. The other one is an old cinder cone that is located between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

The best Big Island Hikes

These are some of the best hikes on the Big Island. If I missed your favorite hike, let me know in the comments below! Looking for more things to do on the Big Island? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

• Kona Coffee Farm Tours
• Guide to Volcanoes National Park
• The best beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii
• 25 best things to do in Kona
• The Best Happy Hours in Kona
• 7-day Big Island Itinerary

The best hikes on the big island

If you need some help planning your Big Island vacation, reach out! I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, and that is what I do. I am selective about how many clients I work with, so reach out as soon as possible for the best availability. You can contact me to learn more.

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