Big Island, Hawaii - Trails to Explore
On February 2021, we took a 7 day trip to Big Island with all the covid precautions. As Big island is more rugged compared to the other Hawaiian islands, it gives you more opportunity to explore all the diverse landscapes with varying heights and weather conditions. Even though by this time of writing , I have not visited the rest of the Hawaiian islands , I would still rank the Big Island the go-to if your planning to hike in your Hawaiian vacation.
Below is the list of my favorite hikes in Big Island. We drove around 1200 miles over a period of 7 days. So you might find the hikes mentioned below all over the island because whats the fun in staying just in one corner of the island when you can take it all in.
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Captain cook monument trail is a 4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail which is rated difficult. The trail starts at the top by a roadside with limited parking near the trail (Pro tip: Go early to get easy parking , sorted out since the Captain cook area does get busy until lunch time.). The trail descends down towards the shore with some steep , but watch for some rolling rocks as you step your feet. The end point of this descend is the captain cook monument , one of the best spots for snorkeling in Big Island. Make sure to take your snorkel gear with you if you plan to do so. The only other way to do this snorkeling is by boat, kayak in one of the tours. We started early for this hike and saw a lot of boats/kayaks that arrived for snorkeling , also there were hikers that came all way down to the shore do snorkel on their own. The hard part of this trail is the ascend uphill, when you return back up from the shore, dont forget to keep hydrating as the trail is partially shaded and as the day progresses you will need more water than you think, so carry one on this trail.
As you look into the water, dont forget to notice the butterfly fish which look just like yellow foliage from trees.
Kilauea Iki Trail
Kilauea Iki Trail is a 3 mile loop inside Hawaii Volcanic National Park which is open 24 hrs, so go early to witness the foggy tropical forest amidst a volcanic park and hear all the different early bird calls as you traverse the trail. For us, this was one of my favorite hikes in Kona. You can start counter clockwise if you want to avoid steep climbing steps at the end of your trail. As we went early the entire lava floor lake was all to us. This was our first time witnessing a steam vents standing on a crater lava lake.
Admire the new tiny seedlings and plants sprouting out from the lava rock ,its depicts the cycle of life and death.
Pololu Valley
Polulu Valley is 0.9 mile heavily trafficked trail that takes you to the polulu beach which is known for it rough tidal waves. The trail is 4-5 feet wide but a bit rocky, so make sure you pick a day without rains as it can get a bit slippery. The end of the 0.9 mile hike is a beautiful pebbled black sand beach. We did this trail in the afternoon , so do expect lots of crowd. Unless you do at sunrise, which they say is spectacular. Irrespective of time , the rolling hills and the park area lining the river with the view of the rough ocean makes this a unique experience. Also if you are around this area, do take a 1.5 hours drive to the Waipea Valley Lookout.
Touch the black sand with your feet but be careful of the waves as they are rough.Avoid if you can on rainy days.
Green sand beach(Papakolea)
Green sand beach also called as the Papakolea is one of the rarest green sand beaches and lies in the southern most tip of USA. The only way to access the beach is through a ~5.6 mile out and back hike from the parking lot. The beach has not facilities/lifeguard/food at all , so be careful to bring in lots of water. Best time to do this hike is early morning , by that you will get to escape the scorching heat as well as get the beach all to yourself. When we did this hike , the wind was pretty strong so be careful and look at the wind conditions before you do the hike. The payoff after all this will definitely be worth it with the astonishing scenery and stepping in green crystal sand.
Dont forget, you are at one of the four green sand beaches on planet. So soak it in.
Akaka Falls State Park Trail
This trail is on the other side of the Island near Hilo. A 0.5 mile heavily trafficked trail that passes through lush rain forests. It was raining heavily when we took this trail, but the trail was easy given it is paved all the the way through. Dont forget to get your raincoats since it can rain anytime. They do have restrooms as you enter the park. Since we went in February 2021 at covid times, though the park opens at 8:30 AM , you need to pay for your parking online by going to the website. Its a 10$ fee. We saw a lot of people turning back given that the gates were closed and there was only limited parking due to covid. Must go here whether you are in Hilo or even Kona. It is definitely worth the visit.
As the 440 ft water hits the stream eroded gorge , its a charismatic experience to feel the mist all in the air especially on an early morning visit. Also dont forget to spot the rainbows as you drive to and fro.
