You might have a specific image in mind when you think of Hawaii: beaches, luaus, tropical drinks, hula dancing, and so forth. All very true, but Hawaii is much more than that! Look at this island paradise from another angle and with boots on the ground. Hawaii offers multiple hiking opportunities, providing beautiful perambulations through lush vegetation, over volcanic vistas, gorgeous waterfalls, and other bodies of water. Get ready to spend your time in Hawaii visiting these sites and sights if hiking several miles through this beautiful country is your idea of a vacation well spent. Thinking of hiking in Hawaii? Here’s a quick guide to hiking on the big island.
Why Hike the Big Island of Hawaii?
The question is why not hike Hawaii’s big island? Hawaii Island is the largest island in the archipelago. It offers plenty of ground to explore, and with so many types of terrain to offer it’s never a boring walk. Hawaii presents:
- Diverse landscapes, you’ll see everything from volcanic craters to lava tubes; tropical rainforests and tumbling waterfalls—sometimes at the same time!
- Most hiking trails in Hawaii lead to historical sites, some ancient and others more recent. You’ll enjoy the island’s myths, deities, and heroes.
- You’ll see plant and animal species that are truly one-of-a-kind. Hawaii’s distance from other continents allowed the evolution of beautiful and intriguing organisms you won’t find anywhere else.
- It’s simply a healthy and more exciting way to see Hawaii!
Gearing Up for a Hawaiian Hike
Be sure you’re ready for the journey before you hit the Hawaiian trail. Proper gear is essential, and preparation ensures fewer hiccups along the way. Here’s a checklist to help you prep!
- Hiking boots are indispensable and necessary for protecting your feet from the trail’s challenges. Pick sturdy, waterproof boots with excellent traction that fit comfortably and snugly to avoid blisters and rash.
- A backpack can hold all your tools, snacks, and other accoutrements. Pick a large or small one depending on whether it’s a day trip or you’re overnighting. Ensure it fits snugly and don’t overload it with nonessentials that will weigh you down.
- The island may be surrounded by water, but fresh drinking water may not always be available. Bringing at least two liters of water per hiker is a good rule of thumb.
- Keep yourself energized and loaded with nutrients. Opt for nuts, dried fruit, granola, and similar snacks that are portable and full of natural goodness.
- Bring sunscreen and wear a hat with a wide brim. Hawaii is known for its warm and pleasant sunlight, but after several hours it becomes oppressive, running the risk of sunburn.
- Even if a tour guide is accompanying you and the trails have clear markings, it doesn’t hurt to have a map and compass just in case you become separated from the group. It’s also smart to not rely on GPS, in case you reach an area with spotty coverage.
- A first aid kit always comes in handy for those scratches, scrapes, and other ailments and injuries that might crop up on any hike.
- Hawaii can get wet, and rainstorms spring up at the drop of a hat. Be ready for the change by packing a poncho or other protective rain gear in case of weather changes.
Safety first! Always check the weather before hiking so that a nasty storm or worse doesn’t catch you by surprise. Start early to avoid excessive heat, and always remain on marked trails to ensure you don’t get lost and you don’t damage the local flora and fauna.
Naturally, know your limits. Rough trails can challenge inexperienced hikers and won’t be much fun.
Top Hiking Trails
Still thinking of hiking in Hawaii? As part of this quick guide to hiking on the big island here are the top spots to see Hawaii’s prettiest parts.
Mauna Kea Summit
Ever stood atop a volcano? Here’s your chance. Mauna Kea is the tallest sea mountain in the world, meaning its base is below the water. While half of its mass is below the ocean, Mauna Kea is taller than Mount Everest. This challenging hike involves about six miles of hiking and takes you more than 4,500 feet into the air. As you climb higher the temperature will drop, so pack warm clothing. Hawaii is a sacred space demanding respect, so be respectful and keep the area clean and safe.
Kilauea Iki Trail
A slightly simpler hike, the Kilauea Iki trail is four miles round trip and is in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll witness the location of the 1959 eruption, a Martian-like landscape on the caldera floor, surrounded by verdant cliffs and an invigoratingly rich forest. Go from the lush greenness of the rainforest to the smooth and barren landscape of the lava fields, where you can see the earth’s inner heat work its way to the surface. The Thurston Lava Tube is a special treat. Wander through this long and lovely natural wonder, taking in the surrounding vegetation and wildlife. Be ready to get muddy on rainy days! Remember: look, but don’t touch.
The Akaka Falls Loop Trail
An easier hike for amateur and inexperienced hikers, the Akaka Falls Loop Trail is a short half mile jaunt over a well-kept trail through a gorgeous piece of rainforest. Two waterfalls highlight the trip: Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls, the second one plunges an impressive 442 feet into the gorge. Bring a camera to capture the moment!
Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone State Park
This seven-mile, round trip hike provides a good workout with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. Explore the cinder cone, a natural volcanic vent formation created by lava fragments thrown during eruptions. The cone provides a hard-won but beautiful view of the surroundings, and is one of the oldest of its kind on the islands—some 100,000 years old by scientific reckoning! One big benefit of this tough climb is that few folks are willing to attempt it, leaving it free and clear of crowds!
This was a quick guide to some wonderful hiking spots around the big island. Contact us for Hawaii big island tours and more information on exploring Hawaii on foot.
