Best Hiking Trails on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has a very diverse terrain. From warm sunny beaches to snowy mountain tops to lush rainforests, there is much to explore. Some areas of the Big Island are so remote you can only get to them on foot. The following is a guide to the best hiking spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Hawaiian Volcano National Park has some of the best hiking on the Big Island. There are so many great hiking trails it is hard to pick one. But if you are short on time and can only fit in one hike while visiting the park I suggest the Kilauea Iki. It is a three mile loop through forest into the barren Kilauea crater. There are steam vents all along the crater floor and you may see lava leaching from the vent. This is a considered a moderate hike so doable for most.

Over on the Kohala coast of the Big Island near mile marker 79 off of Highway 19 is a four mile trail along the beach. The beach is unique in that it has white sand on one side and black sand on the other. The beach was created after a lava flow in 1859 from Mauna Loa, the beach is so new that the black sand has not yet mixed in with the white sand. Walking north along the shore take the trail that leads to Weliweli Point , the trail leads to an oasis of fresh water pools surrounded by golden (literally) lava. This is one of the best spots to hike to on the Big Island of Hawaii.

If you are looking for a hike with a view, then check out the trail from Waimea to Back of Waipi'o Valley. The trail starts in Waimea at the end of White (Lindsey) Road. The sign reads no trespassing, but you can go on ahead walk through, just make sure you close the gate behind you. About two and half miles into the hike you will reach a lookout with about a two-thousand foot drop into the valley, it is absolutely breath taking, which is why this is on my list of best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii. And if you are lucky, there will be a waterfall falling from the mountain across the way. This hike is better during the winter months and early in the morning. This hike is not for the novice and good hiking shoes are recommended.

So you came all the way to Hawaii and gosh darn it you are going to see that erupting volcano. Well there is a hike to the Pu'u O'o Vent. It is a four mile trail called KahauaLe'a off of South Glenwood Road. The hike takes you through one of the most pristine rainforests on the Big Island. It is a rather hilly, muddy hike so hikers take caution for a real workout. Once you pass the crack you are almost there, as you continue walking you will notice less leaves on the trees and suddenly through the trees, the Pu'u O'o one mile away spewing sulfur dioxide. Get out your camera, this is a once in a lifetime moment.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many hidden natural wonders that require some walking. So when you are packing your bags for your trip, be sure to take your hiking boots and this guide to the best hiking on the Big Island of Hawaii.