Non touristy hikes on Big island, Hawaii.

We have been to Big Island, Hawaii before during the pandemic and you can read all about the hikes, food . But this time I had a different agenda in mind. This time I wanted to do all non touristy stuff, relax and explore some not so know hikes. We spent a week(Airbnb) on the big island and each day was similar in its schedule where we started with hike, roamed some farmers market(aka fruit stands) and then ended it with a swim on the beaches followed by a gorgeous sunset. I must say the Big Island has everything for a traveller; Beaches, mountains, volcanoes, rain forest, and the list goes on. Here are my recommended non touristy hikes that are dont go over private property or disrupt the local in anyway.

Makalawena Beach Trail

If there is one beach hike that you would do at your time in Kona, then it has be this one. This is a 2.8 km out and back trail that leads to the Makalawena Beach. You can also extend or reduce the hike if you like any of the beaches on the way. The trail is pretty open with no shade and you have to cross volcanic rock to get to the first beach. To reach to the parking spot, you need to have a AWD with high clearance. Ours was GMC terrian and it did the job. We did provide lift to 4 other people as they were aiming to go to the Mahaiula Beach. Make sure you have sturdy shoes and are not in flip flops.

Farmers Market of the day : Waimea midweek farmers market.

Puoa Point Trail

This is 3.5-km out-and-back trail near Captain Cook, Hawaii. The trail starts at Pebble beach. The community around is not that receptive for trail goers but this not a restrictive trail or does not go on any private land so dont stop anyone from doing it. There are merely 3 parking spots at the pebble beach but you can park all along the street if you couldnt grab these ones. We reached at 8:30 AM to do this trail and none of them were taken. The trail goes through a loose lava rock so bring sturdy shoes. On one side you see the coast and on the other side the beautiful Captain cook landscape. The view at the end is worth it on a nice sunny day. You will hardly find anyone other than locals in this trail.

Farmers Market of the day : There were some vendors near Randy Huli’s Chicken and Ribs. [Location]

Sunset: Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area.

Puu-huluhulu Trail

This was such an unexpected experience. We started driving to Hilo from Kona early morning before sunrise and there we were amidst clouds on Saddle Road. We decided to soak in all the moisture when we realized that there is small 0.8km trail here. The trail is at a higher elevation but the most easiest one. This one is more for stretching your legs as you go towards Hilo.

Farmers Market of the day : Hilo Farmers Market.

Hawaii Tropical(Onomea) Botanical Garden

This is a 1.4 km easy paved trail in Onomea Botanical Gardens with stunning views. We werent able to go here back in 2021 due to pandemic but this was on our list since then. This requires paid admissions per person of 32$ but I think its worth it for the variety of flora and fauna in the gardens. Please do stop at KoleKole beach for lunch or just for a stroll. The area has some picnic tables for shade and also a fun little small water fall/pond area if you are interested to dive in or boogieboard.

Sunset: ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

We started early morning from Kona and were enroute to Polulu. For local breakfast do checkout the Matsuyama Food Mart. This place is filled with locals flocking for early breakfast before work. I enjoyed the Haupia over here. Later we stopped at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site for a break and walked through the paved trail. This is such a cool spot to take the stroll and enjoy the coastal morning breeze with grass swaying all around and soak in all the history of the place. If you are in the area, do visit Spencer Beach, my favorite beach of Big island. It has everything from calm waters to shade to awesome facilities.

Polulu Trail

Polulu trail is my favorite. This short moderate hike has all in it. The drive to this place takes me back to village in India. The thrill of reaching the end of the valley , the serenity of that place is a different vibe. So we decided to go here again. The parking is limited here, the trail is full of switchbacks where you are basically descending down from top of the valley to a beautiful black sand beach. The path requires sturdy shoes and get quite slippery so descend down with caution. There is ample of shade at the beach and the view of the valley below is gorgeous. Dont forget to grab some icecream at Our Founding Farmers Icecream shop in Hawi.

Sunset : From the parking lot of Queens Marketplace at Waikoloa beach

1871 Trail

This trail starts from Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park. Last time we did tour this park but this time I wanted to do the 1871 trail. You can park right outside this park without having to pay for this and go onto the 1871 trail. This trail had so many goats and all of them were fun to navigate. The morning mist and sun just made it so awesome. The surrounding lava rock and picnic area are just beautiful.

Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach Trail

Our last day we decided to visit Hapuna Beach. This is a perfect place for boogieboarding, but our plan was different. We were looking for calm waters to laze around. So we decided to the trail from Hapuna to Mauna Kea Beach. Mauna Kea beach can only be accessible to non Mauna Kea Resort visitors via this way. The beach is calm and made of fine sand. It has limited shade but makes for a good swim spot. We walked all the way from Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, got wet in water and the sun literally dried us off as we came back to Hapuna beach. There is no shade on this trail so dont forget water and cap along with sunscreen.

Sunset: Maka'eo Walking Path

Bonus: Do not miss the shoreline park near Captain Cook. The area is just epic.