Hikes in Hawaii
The Aloha State is an inviting place for hikers. Trails on the Hawaiian Islands are like nowhere else in America, passing through rainforests that wouldn’t grow in the contiguous states and visiting turquoise bays that only Hawaii can offer. Stroll beautiful beaches, snorkel in tropical tide pools, watch waterfalls tumble, and witness volcanoes that mold the landscape.
Although beaches might by what come to mind when you think of the 50th state, Hawaii also has large volcanic mountains. The summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai‘i is the highest point in Hawaii, at 13,802 feet.
Hiking Hawaii
Currently, hikespeak offers information on hiking trails on just one of the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Explore Hawaii’s largest island to see gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, historic sites, and volcanic features. The Big Island is home to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
This collection of trails on the Big Island of Hawai‘i is arranged from north to south. The table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. Each trail links to its own report complete with photos, GPS maps, elevation profiles, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these day hikes. An interactive map is also provided.
| Trail | Description | Distance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
 100 | Waipi‘o Beach & Muliwai Trail Overlook This hike plunges into fantastically-wild Waipi‘o Valley, crosses a remote black sand beach (framed by cliffs and waterfalls), and climbs to a stellar view overlooking the ocean, beach, and valley. | 4.88 miles 1300 feet | 20.1177, -155.5836 |
 180 | Malama Trail This short hike visits rare rock carvings in Puakō Petroglyph Archeological District on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. | 0.2 - 1.2 miles 30 feet | 19.9552, -155.8594 |
 200 | Kalahuipua‘a Trail and Fishponds Loop This action-packed hike explores a lava field with a lava tube shelter and impressive fishponds along a gorgeous coastline. | 1.7 miles 35 feet | 19.9419, -155.8642 |
 220 | Kiholo Bay & Wainanali‘i Lagoon This coastal hike in Kiholo State Park Reserve has non-stop ocean views, crossing tide pools and beaches on the way to a turquoise lagoon. | 2 miles 15 feet | 19.85125, -155.93188 |
 300 | ‘Akaka Falls This short loop slips through a tropical valley to bold views of a 442-foot single-drop waterfall. | 0.55 miles 115 feet | 19.854, -155.1523 |
 350 | Rainbow Falls This short hike around Rainbow Falls Lookout explores a viewpoint facing a lovely waterfall and also ventures up to the top of the falls. | 0.2 miles 40 feet | 19.71885, -155.1085 |
 400 | Kaumana Caves This underground hike explores lava tubes on the edge of Hilo, created by an 1881 eruption of Mauna Loa. | 1 mile 50 feet | 19.6866, -155.1309 |
 430 | Royal Grounds – Pu‘uhonua Loop This loop on the coast south of Kona explores Hawaiian royal grounds and a place of sanctuary in Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park. | 0.5 mile 15 feet | 19.4215, -155.9102 |
 500 | Kīpukapuaulu Trail This nature trail loop visits a forest oasis within the lava flows below Mauna Loa. | 1.2 miles 185 feet | 19.4375, -155.3032 |
 505 | Sulphur Banks Trail - Crater Rim Trail Loop This hike tours a colorful hydrothermal area and looks into Kilauea Caldera from Steaming Bluff. | 1.6 miles 50 feet | 19.4296, -155.2575 |
 515 | Keanakāko‘i Crater & Overlook Trail This hike follows eruption-damaged Crater Rim Drive to views into Keanakako'i Crater and the far grander Kilauea Summit. | 2.15 miles 100 feet | 19.40531, -155.2531 |
 525 | Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs Trail This hike in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park traverses an old lava flow to a boardwalk loop within a special area of preserved petroglyphs. | 1.4 miles 25 feet | 19.28899, -155.1299 |
 530 | Hōlei Sea Arch This brief hike in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park crosses a basalt bluff to a landmark sea arch extending into the ocean. | 0.1 miles 15 feet | 19.29515, -155.0983 |
Points of Interest in Hawaii
 | Waipio Lookout This viewpoint on the rim of Waipi‘o Valley provides a great perspective over Waipi‘o Beach and the beautiful coastline on the north side of the Big Island. |
 | Tree Molds See molds cast by a lava flow at the hollowed sites of old trees. |
A word about the ‘okina: Although it may look unusual to mainlanders, the ‘ in words like Hawai‘i acts as a glottal stop. Aside from addresses and some titles, this website will strive use the ‘okina and other accents in the Hawaiian language whenever possible to be accurate and respectful of Hawaiian heritage.
