Top 10 Hiking Trails on the Big Island

The Big Island offers some of Hawaii's most diverse hiking experiences. From sea level to 13,000 feet, through rainforests and lava fields, there's a trail for every ability and interest.

Easy Trails (Under 2 Miles)

1. Akaka Falls Loop

• Distance: 0.4 miles loop
• Difficulty: Easy (paved, some stairs)
• Highlights: 442-foot waterfall, tropical vegetation
• Time: 30-45 minutes

A must-do near Hilo. The paved loop trail passes through a tropical garden to viewpoints of both Kahuna Falls and the spectacular Akaka Falls.

2. Rainbow Falls

• Distance: 0.1 miles
• Difficulty: Easy (paved)
• Highlights: 80-foot waterfall with rainbows in morning light
• Time: 15-20 minutes

Right in Hilo, this quick walk leads to a viewing platform overlooking the Wailuku River waterfall. Visit in the morning for the best chance of seeing rainbows.

3. Devastation Trail

• Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
• Difficulty: Easy (paved)
• Highlights: Volcanic landscape, regenerating forest
• Time: 30-45 minutes

Walk through the remains of the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. The landscape shows nature's remarkable recovery as native ohia trees reclaim the cinder field.

Moderate Trails (2-5 Miles)

4. Kilauea Iki Trail

• Distance: 4 miles loop
• Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections)
• Highlights: Walk across a solidified lava lake
• Time: 2-3 hours

Our top-rated hike. Descend through rainforest into the crater, then walk across the still-steaming floor of a lava lake that erupted in 1959.

5. Pololu Valley Trail

• Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep descent)
• Highlights: Dramatic valley views, black sand beach
• Time: 1-1.5 hours

A steep but rewarding trail down to a remote black sand beach. The viewpoint at the trailhead alone is worth the drive to the island's northern tip.

6. Pu'u Huluhulu Cinder Cone

• Distance: 0.8 miles loop
• Difficulty: Moderate (steady climb)
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kilauea
• Time: 45 minutes

A hidden gem on Saddle Road. This forested cinder cone offers rare views of all five Big Island volcanoes on clear days.

Challenging Trails (5+ Miles)

7. Mauna Loa Summit Trail

• Distance: 13 miles one-way
• Difficulty: Strenuous (altitude, length)
• Highlights: World's largest active volcano summit
• Time: 2-3 days

For serious hikers only. This multi-day trek to 13,681 feet requires permits and preparation for high altitude conditions.

8. Waipio Valley to Waimanu Valley

• Distance: 18 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty: Strenuous (steep, muddy)
• Highlights: Remote wilderness valley, waterfalls
• Time: 2 days (overnight camping)

The Muliwai Trail connects two spectacular valleys. The trail is challenging with steep climbs, but Waimanu rewards with pristine wilderness.

9. Crater Rim Trail

• Distance: 11 miles (full loop)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Highlights: Kilauea caldera views from multiple angles
• Time: 5-7 hours (or do sections)

Circle Kilauea's summit caldera through diverse environments—rainforest, lava fields, and steam vents. Can be done in sections.

10. Pu'u O'o Trail (Napau Trail)

• Distance: 14 miles out-and-back
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Highlights: Active volcanic landscape, native forest
• Time: 6-8 hours

Traverse recent lava flows and native rainforest. Permits required. Check current conditions as volcanic activity can close trails.

Hiking Tips for the Big Island

• Start early: Afternoon clouds and rain are common
• Bring rain gear: Weather changes quickly
• Sun protection: Even on cloudy days
• Plenty of water: More than you think you need
• Stay on trails: Lava can be unstable, vegetation is fragile
• Check conditions: Visit nps.gov/havo for volcano park updates