12 BEST HIKES ON THE BIG ISLAND
The top hiking trails across Hawaiʻi Island, organized by region.
A curated guide to the best hikes on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, organized by region with tips on distance, difficulty, and what makes each one unforgettable.
Hawaiʻi Island—often called the Big Island—is a hiker’s paradise, with a trail for every mood and ability. Here, you can descend into black sand valleys, trek across steaming volcanic craters, stroll through tropical rainforests, or follow the rugged coastline to secret coves and tide pools. Whether you're based in Kona, Hilo, or Volcano, this guide highlights the top hikes across the island, grouped by region so you can plan your adventures with ease. From short scenic walks to all-day treks through surreal lava landscapes, these are the trails that bring the Big Island’s wild, diverse terrain to life.
Kona, Kohala Coast & Saddle Road
This sunny western region offers some of the island’s most scenic coastal hikes, historic trails, and wildlife encounters. From the Captain Cook Monument to sea turtle lagoons at Kīholo Bay, it’s an accessible hub for day hikes.
Captain Cook Monument Trail (Kealakekua Bay)
Distance: ~3.8 mi out & back Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3–4 hrs Drive from Kona: ~20 min
This dry, sun-exposed trail descends roughly 1,300 feet into Kealakekua Bay, ending at the Captain Cook Monument. At the base, you'll find world-class snorkeling in calm, clear water. The uphill return is steep with no shade—come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water.
Kīholo Bay Trail
Distance: ~5.1 mi out & back Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2–3 hrs Drive from Kona: ~40 min
A relaxed coastal trail that winds past lava fields, tide pools, and a scenic lagoon. This spot is popular with Hawaiian green sea turtles, and the path is great for spotting marine life. Footing is uneven in places—wear sturdy shoes.
Mauna Kea Visitor Center Trails
Distance: ~1.2 mi out & back Difficulty: Moderate (altitude)
Time: 1–2 hrs Drive from Kona: ~1.5 hrs
AKA Sunset Hill Trail. A short but high-elevation walk offering expansive views over the Saddle Road and the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Cool weather and thinner air make this feel more challenging than the distance suggests. No 4x4 required.
Volcano Region
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is home to dramatic crater hikes, steam vents, lava fields, and native rainforest. Trails here showcase the island’s raw volcanic power and constantly evolving landscapes.
Kīlauea Iki Trail
Distance: 3.2 mi loop Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Time: 2–3 hrs Drive from Kona: ~2 hrs
This popular loop starts in the rainforest before descending into the solidified crater floor of Kīlauea Iki. Along the way, you'll see steam vents, lava rock formations, and remnants of a 1959 eruption. It’s one of the most iconic hikes in Volcanoes National Park.
Nāpau Trail
Distance: ~11.8 mi out & back Difficulty: Hard
Time: 5–7 hrs Drive from Kona: ~2 hrs
An immersive full-day hike through lava fields, rainforest, and desolate crater terrain. There’s little shade and no water along the way, so only experienced hikers should attempt the full route. Start early and plan carefully.
Mauna Loa Summit Trail (from Observatory)
Distance: 13 mi out & back Difficulty: Very Hard
Time: 7–10 hrs or overnight Drive from Kona: ~2 hrs
Beginning near 11,000 feet in elevation, this route takes you across barren volcanic slopes to the 13,681-foot summit of Mauna Loa. It’s remote, physically demanding, and subject to rapidly changing weather. For experienced hikers only—come prepared and tread with cultural respect.
North: Pololū, Waipiʻo & the Valleys
The North Shore of the Big Island is where cliffs drop into lush valleys and time slows down. Here, hiking isn’t just about scenery—it’s about reverence. Pololū and Waipiʻo are more than just epic lookouts; they’re living cultural landscapes. Trails here are often short but steep, leading into sacred spaces where visitors are guests. Approach with humility, respect local guidance, and prepare for terrain that’s as challenging as it is beautiful.
Pololū Valley Lookout & Trail
Distance: ~1 mi round trip Difficulty: Moderate (steep descent)
Time: 1–2 hrs Drive from Waimea: ~50 min
A short but steep trail drops from a breathtaking lookout into a lush valley with a black sand beach. The descent can be slippery and the return climb is tough—best attempted in good weather and proper footwear. Treat the land with respect, as this is a culturally important area.
Bonus: Pololū to Honokāne Nui Trail
Distance: ~5 mi round trip Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Time: 3–4 hrs Drive from Waimea: ~50 min
From the Pololū Valley lookout, descend into the valley and continue across a stream and up the far ridge to reach Honokāne Nui. This extension of the Pololū hike offers sweeping coastal views, native forest, and solitude—but it’s a real workout with steep, often muddy switchbacks. Come prepared with water, sturdy shoes, and deep respect for the cultural and environmental sensitivity of the area. Note: This trail is unofficially maintained and best attempted in dry conditions by sure-footed hikers. Stay on the path and respect any community signs or closures.
Hilo & the East Side
Hilo’s side of the island is all rainforest, waterfalls, and botanical richness. Trails tend to be greener, wetter, and more accessible—ideal for families, photographers, and anyone who appreciates the sensory experience of hiking through dripping ferns and orchid-filled paths. Many hikes here are close to town and reward minimal effort with dramatic scenery, including some of the island’s most iconic waterfalls.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park Trail
Distance: 0.4 mi loop Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30–45 min Drive from Hilo: ~25 min
An easy, paved loop through tropical rainforest, bamboo groves, and orchids. The trail leads to a stunning 442-foot waterfall—one of the most photographed on the island. Ideal for families or anyone short on time.
The Puna Trail (Kaimū to Kehena section)
Distance: ~2–3 mi one way Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1–2 hrs Drive from Hilo: ~1 hr
A low-key coastal path that runs through lava flows, groves of young coconut palms, and oceanfront cliffs. The walk is relatively flat but exposed to sun and wind. Locals often frequent this area for its scenery and vibe.