🏔️ The Ultimate Hiking Itinerary for Big Island – 5 Days of Adventure!

Day 1: Waterfalls & Rainforest Hikes in Hilo

🌿 Akaka Falls Loop Trail (0.5 mi / 0.8 km, easy)

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii, standing 442 feet (135m) tall and surrounded by lush rainforest.

Akaka Falls

@alenazachov

🌿 Scenic loop trail – A short circular hike that also passes Kahuna Falls, another waterfall, but mostly hidden by vegetation. 💲 Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle or $5 per person (walk-in). 🚗 Parking Tip: Many visitors park outside the entrance and walk in to save on parking fees. 📍 Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and have the best lighting for photos! 📸

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🌈 Waiʻale Falls Trail (1.2 mi / 1.9 km round trip, easy-moderate)

A hidden gem just a short distance from Hilo, Waiʻale Falls is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall with a natural swimming pool at the base.

Waiale Falls

@alenazachov

🌿 Trail Type: A short but slightly overgrown path leading to an upper viewpoint of the falls. 🏊 Swimming: The pool at the base is deep enough for a refreshing dip. ⚠️ Caution: The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so wear good shoes. 📍 Tip: Many locals swim here, but always check the current and avoid jumping from cliffs.

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🌈 Rainbow Falls (Short Walk, Easy Access)

One of the most famous waterfalls in Hilo, Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is an easily accessible 80-foot (24 m) waterfall that cascades into a large pool surrounded by lush rainforest. The falls get their name because, on sunny mornings, a beautiful rainbow often appears in the mist.

Rainbow Falls

@alenazachov

🌊 Quick & Easy Stop: The waterfall is just a short walk from the parking lot. 🌿 Lush Scenery: Surrounded by giant banyan trees and tropical vegetation. 🌞 Best Time to Visit: Arrive in the morning (before 10 AM) for the best chance to see a rainbow. 🌳 Nearby Jungle Trail: To the left of the waterfall, a lush vine-covered forest leads to hidden smaller waterfalls further upstream. 📍 Tip: If you have time, walk up the short trail to the top of the falls for a different perspective! 🚶‍♂️🌿

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🌿 Kaumana Caves Lava Tube Hike

This natural tunnel offers a true underground exploration experience, with no artificial lighting, rough terrain, striking lava formations, and lush monstera plants growing around the entrance. 🌿

Kaumana Caves

@alenazachov

🌿 Entrance: A steep metal staircase leads down into the lush cave entrance, covered in ferns and tropical plants. 🌑 Inside the Lava Tube: The cave is completely dark, with no artificial lighting – bring a flashlight or headlamp! 🌋 Geology: You’ll see solidified lava formations, jagged rock walls, and tree roots hanging from the ceiling. 🥾 Exploring the Cave: The lava tube extends for miles, but most visitors explore only the first few hundred meters, as the floor is rocky and uneven. 💧 Conditions: The cave can be damp and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. 📍 Tip: If you’re claustrophobic or uncomfortable in total darkness, this might not be the best hike for you. Go with a buddy for safety, and be mindful of low ceilings and sharp rocks!

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🥾 Historic Puna Trail (2.5 mi / 4 km one way)

The Historic Puna Trail is a scenic coastal hike that takes you through muddy jungle paths, ancient lava flows, and rugged shoreline. This lesser-known trail offers a mix of lush greenery and ocean views, but requires some preparation.

Historic Puna Trailhead

@alenazachov

🧼 Trail Etiquette: At the beginning of the trail, use the boot cleaning station to remove any invasive seeds and help protect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem. 🌿 Terrain: The path can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, so wear sturdy, waterproof shoes. 🌊 Coastal Views: You’ll walk through old lava fields and lush vegetation, with occasional stunning ocean views. 🐢 Protected Turtle Cove: At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Haʻena Beach, where a small bay serves as a resting spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). Please do not disturb them, as they are protected by law. 🚗 Safety Tip: Do not leave valuables in your car – break-ins are common in this area. 📍 Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and bring plenty of water.

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🌋 Day 2: Volcano National Park & Lava Adventures

🥾Sulphur Banks & Steaming Vents (0.7 mi / 1.1 km, easy)

A short and easy walk through an active geothermal area where you can see steam rising from underground vents and smell the strong scent of sulfur. This trail is a great introduction to the volcanic activity of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Sulphur Banks Trail

@alenazachov

🌡️ Geothermal Activity: Steam and volcanic gases escape from underground cracks. 🌋 Volcanic Minerals: The ground is covered in yellow, red, and white mineral deposits from sulfur and other gases. 🥾 Easy Walk: The well-maintained boardwalk and gravel path make this trail accessible for most visitors. 📍 Tip: The strong sulfur smell can be irritating—if you have respiratory issues, avoid prolonged exposure. 🚶‍♂️💨

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🌋 Kīlauea Iki Crater Hike (4 mi / 6.5 km, moderate)

One of the best hikes in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Kīlauea Iki Trail takes you down into a volcanic crater where you’ll walk across a solidified lava lake from the 1959 eruption. The landscape is otherworldly, with steaming vents, cracks in the lava, and towering crater walls.

Kīlauea Iki Crater

@alenazachov

🥾 Trail Type: A loop hike that starts in the rainforest, descends into the crater, and then climbs back up. 🌿 Lush Start: The first section takes you through a tropical rainforest, with birds chirping and lush vegetation. 🌋 Crater Floor: Once you descend, you'll walk across a hardened lava lake, where you can see steam vents and deep fissures from past volcanic activity. ⬆️ Steep Climb Back Up: The final section is a switchback climb up the crater wall. 📍 Tip: The crater gets extremely hot during midday—start early and bring plenty of water. 🔥

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🔦 Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) (0.4 mi / 0.6 km round trip, easy)

A short and easy walk through a 500-year-old lava tube formed by flowing lava. This cave-like tunnel, located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, was once filled with molten lava rushing beneath the surface. Today, it’s a well-lit and accessible attraction surrounded by a lush rainforest.

Nahuku - Thurston Lava Tube

@alenazachov

🌿 Lush Entrance: The trail starts with a short walk through a dense fern-filled rainforest. 🌋 The Lava Tube: The tunnel is well-lit from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, making it easy to explore. Outside these hours, the cave is completely dark—bring a flashlight if visiting early or late! 🚶‍♂️ Easy & Quick: The full walk, including the rainforest loop, takes about 15-20 minutes. 📍 Tip: Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. If you want a more rugged lava tube experience, check out Kaumana Caves! 🔦

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🪨 Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs Trail (1.4 mi / 2.3 km, easy)

A fascinating walk through history, the Pu‘u Loa Petroglyphs Trail takes you to the largest petroglyph field on the Big Island, where ancient Hawaiians carved over 23,000 petroglyphs (ki‘i pōhaku) into the hardened lava. These centuries-old symbols provide insight into Hawaiian culture, with many believed to represent births, journeys, and spiritual beliefs.

Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs

@alenazachov

🌋Trail Type: A mostly flat walk across rugged lava fields, with a boardwalk at the petroglyph site. 🪨 Ancient Rock Carvings: Some of the petroglyphs are over 500 years old! ☀️ No Shade: The trail is fully exposed, so bring water and sunscreen.

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🌋 Kīlauea Overlook – The Best Nighttime Lava Viewing Spot

One of the best spots to watch the lava at night, Kīlauea Overlook offers unobstructed views of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, where active lava flows may be visible. After sunset, the sky darkens, making the glow of molten lava even more dramatic as it illuminates the crater. If the volcano is erupting, this is one of the most breathtaking sights in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Kilauea Overlook

@alenazachov

🌋 Epic Viewpoint: Panoramic views of the vast Kīlauea Caldera and the surrounding volcanic landscape. 🔥 Potential Lava Glow: If lava is active, you’ll see a fiery red glow illuminating the crater. 🌅 Best Time to Visit: Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to find a good spot and watch the sky change colors. 📍 Tip: Bring a jacket, as it gets chilly and windy in the evening at this elevation. If you have binoculars, you might get a closer view of the lava activity! 🔭🔥

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🌿 Day 3: The Coastal Lava Trails & Hidden Beaches

🐢Punaluʻu Beach Walking Trail (Short Coastal Walk)

You can walk along the shoreline at Punaluʻu Beach and explore the surrounding coastal area.

Punaluʻu Beach

@alenazachov

Honu (green sea turtles) are often seen sunbathing! Snorkel in the waters – you might even see turtles swimming next to you! 🏊‍♂️🐢 Great for photography & a short walk along the shore. Explore the small local shops selling Hawaiian souvenirs, handmade crafts, and tropical snacks. Try fresh coconut water 🥥 – vendors sell ice-cold coconuts that they cut open fresh for you!

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🌊 Hike to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach (5 mi / 8 km round trip, moderate)

One of the most unique beaches in the world, Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is famous for its rare green olivine sand, a result of volcanic activity.

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

@alenazachov

How to get there: ✅ 🚶‍♂️ Hiking – 5 km (3 miles) from the parking lot along a dusty, rough trail. No shade at all! 🌞 ✅ 🚙 Local shuttle ride – $20 per person round trip. Downsides: Vehicles are in poor condition, the ride is extremely bumpy, and you may have limited time at the beach depending on the driver. Experience: The ride is on an open truck bed, with little to no safety features. Not for the faint-hearted! ⚠ Important: The final descent to the beach requires climbing down metal stairs attached to the cliff. Not recommended for those with balance or knee issues.

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📍 Trail to the Southernmost Point of the U.S. (Ka Lae) (1.2 mi / 2 km round trip, easy-moderate)

Ka Lae, is the southernmost point in the United States. This area is windy, rugged, and historically significant, as it is believed to be the first landing spot of Polynesians in Hawaii. The short hike to the point follows the coastline, past ancient fishing shrines and dramatic cliffs.

Southernmost Point of the United States

@alenazachov

🥾 Short Trail to the Southernmost Point: A quick walk leads you to the official southernmost marker. ⚠️ Ancient Burial Site: At the very southern tip, there is an old Hawaiian burial ground with warning signs—please respect the area and do not enter. 🤿 Cliff Jumping for Thrill-Seekers: A popular but high-risk cliff-jumping spot. Be cautious! The currents are extremely strong, and getting back up requires climbing a metal ladder. 📸 Stunning Views: The perfect place for incredible photos, especially at sunset. 📍 Tip: There are no facilities or shade, so bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The winds can be very strong, so hold onto your belongings! 💨

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🏝️ Day 4: Hawaiian History, Coastal Trails & Secluded Beaches

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Trail (0.5 mi / 0.8 km, easy)

Step back in time at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a sacred place of refuge where ancient Hawaiians could seek forgiveness and sanctuary if they broke kapu (sacred laws). This short and easy trail takes you through one of the best-preserved historical sites on the Big Island, with thatched huts, wooden ki‘i (Hawaiian statues), and royal fishponds.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

@alenazachov

🌿 Cultural & Historical Experience: Walk through a restored Hawaiian village and sacred grounds. 🌊 Beautiful Oceanfront Views: The park sits on a stunning lava rock shoreline with tide pools and coconut palms. 🐢 Wildlife: You may see green sea turtles (honu) basking on the rocks. 🚶‍♂️ Easy Walk: The loop trail is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for all visitors. 📍 Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Take time to learn about Hawaiian history and respect the sacred significance of this site. 🙏🌿

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⚓ Captain Cook Monument Trail (Ka‘awaloa Trail) (3.8 mi / 6.1 km round trip, moderate-strenuous)

This trail is a scenic but challenging hike leading to one of the best snorkeling spots on the Big Island. The trail descends through dry lava fields and dense vegetation before reaching Kealakekua Bay, where the monument to Captain James Cook stands.

Captain Cook Monument Trail

@alenazachov

⬇️ Steep Descent & Ascent: The way down is easy, but the return hike is a tough uphill climb. 🐠 Amazing Snorkeling: Kealakekua Bay is a marine sanctuary, home to vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. 🌞 Hot & Dry Conditions: There is no shade—bring plenty of water and sunscreen! 📍 Tip: If you don’t want to hike back up, you can book a kayak or boat tour to return. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best snorkeling visibility. 🐢🌊

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🏝️ Makalawena Trailhead (2.2 mi / 3.5 km round trip, moderate)

One of the most beautiful hidden beaches on the Big Island, Makalawena Beach is only accessible by hiking across a lava field, making it much less crowded than other white sand beaches. The Makalawena Trailhead starts from Kekaha Kai State Park and leads to pristine turquoise waters, soft white sand, and lava rock tide pools.

Makalawena Trailhead

@alenazachov

🌋 Trail Type: Mostly flat but rocky terrain, as you'll be walking across old lava flows. 🏖️ The Beach: A secluded, postcard-perfect beach with calm, clear water on most days. 🌊 No Facilities: No restrooms, no shade—bring water, sunscreen, and a hat! 🧴☀️ 📍 Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the heat, and wear good shoes—the lava rocks are sharp and rough.

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🏔️ Day 5: Ancient Legends & Mountain Peaks

🪨 Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve (1.4 mi / 2.3 km round trip, easy-moderate)

The Puako Petroglyphs are one of the largest collections of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings, with over 3,000 petroglyphs  etched into the lava fields. These carvings, believed to be hundreds of years old, depict warriors, canoes, animals, and spiritual symbols. The hike to the site takes you through a dry kiawe forest, leading to an open lava field covered in petroglyphs.

Puakō Petroglyph Park

@alenazachov

🌿 Trail Type: Mostly flat but rocky terrain, with some shade from kiawe trees. 🪨 Historical Significance: Petroglyphs were possibly used to record important events like births, travels, and ceremonies. ☀️ Hot & Dry Conditions: There is little to no shade, so bring water and sunscreen. 📍 Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better lighting—shadows make the petroglyphs easier to see! 🔆

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🌅 Waipi‘o Valley Lookout

Waipi‘o Valley, also known as The Valley of the Kings, is one of the most breathtaking and historically significant places. You’ll get a panoramic view of lush cliffs, taro fields, and a black sand beach, framed by waterfalls cascading down the valley walls.

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout

@alenazachov

🌄 Stunning Viewpoint: The lookout offers one of the best photo spots on the island, with a direct view into the valley. 📜 Rich History: Once home to Hawaiian royalty, Waipi‘o Valley is considered sacred. 🚶‍♂️ No Public Access to the Valley Floor: As of 2022, the road into the valley is closed to the public for safety reasons, but you can still enjoy the breathtaking view from the top. 📍 Tip: Arrive in the morning for the best lighting and to avoid afternoon clouds. If you want to hike a similar valley, consider the nearby Pololū Valley instead! 🏔️

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🌊 Pololū Valley Hike (1.4 mi / 2.3 km, moderate)

One of the most stunning coastal hikes on the Big Island, the Pololū Valley Trail takes you down into a lush green valley with dramatic sea cliffs and a secluded black sand beach. The hike is short but steep, offering breathtaking views of the Kohala coastline.

Pololū Valley

@alenazachov

🌅 Scenic Overlook: Before starting the hike, enjoy a panoramic view of Pololū Valley and the Pacific Ocean. 🥾 Steep Descent: The trail is short but can be slippery, especially after rain. 🏝️ Black Sand Beach: At the bottom, you’ll find a beautiful and peaceful black sand beach, surrounded by towering cliffs. 🌊 Strong Currents: Swimming is not recommended, as the waves and currents are powerful. 📍 Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—the trail can be muddy and eroded in some sections. Go early for fewer crowds and better parking. 🚗🥾

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🌄 Mauna Kea Pu‘u Kalepeamoa Trail (Short Hike from the Visitor Center to Sunset Hill) (1 mi / 1.6 km round trip, moderate)

If you want to experience breathtaking views this shorter hike from the Visitor Information Station is a great option. Often called Sunset Hill, this trail leads to a stunning overlook where you can watch the sunset above the clouds.

Mauna Kea Summit Trail

@alenazachov

📍 Starting Point: Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS) at 9,200 feet (2,800 m) elevation 🌄 Stunning Sunset Views: A 360-degree panoramic view of the volcanic peaks and clouds below 💨 High Elevation: The air is thin and dry, so take it slow and be mindful of altitude sickness 📍 Tip: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before sunset to find a good spot. Dress warmly—temperatures drop below freezing after dark, even in summer! 🥶🌅

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📌 Tips for Hikers:

✅ Wear sturdy hiking boots – Lava terrain is rough and uneven!

✅ Bring lots of water & snacks – Many trails have no food or drink available nearby.

✅ Check weather conditions – Rain can make trails slippery, and high surf can close certain coastal areas.

✅ Start early for long hikes – Fewer crowds, better parking, and afternoon clouds won’t block your views. Never leave valuables in your car!

✅ Use reef-safe sunscreen – Help protect Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem.

✅ Check trail conditions on AllTrails – Download offline maps in case of no cell service.

✅ Clean your boots before starting the trail – Many trails have boot cleaning stations to help prevent the spread of invasive species.