Discover the Best Hikes in Hawaii Big Island: Nature-Lover's Paradise
Embark on the ultimate adventure with the best hikes in Hawaii Big Island. Traverse lava fields, discover enchanted waterfalls, stroll through Japanese gardens, and savor sunsets from high-altitude volcano flanks. Just a short drive from our Volcano bed and breakfast, escape with your special someone, exploring hand in hand, trail by trail.
Off the Beaten Path in Volcanoes National Park
At over 500 square miles, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is massive, stretching from the impressive peaks of Kilauea and Mauna Loa down to the shoreline, where active lava flows have dramatically reshaped the landscape. It’s worth visiting classic spots like Kilauea Iki and the Thurston Lava Tube during your stay, but to get away from the busy touristy areas, head for a scenic drive down Chain of Craters Road. About halfway to the ocean, having descended a couple thousand feet from the Kilauea caldera, pull off at the Mauna Ulu lookout. Here, a trail leads 2.5 miles across lava fields formed during one of Kilauea’s extended eruptions in the early 1970s, when over 350 million cubic meters of lava flowed from the East Rift zone. It’s an awe-inspiring experience to cross the hardened pitch-black lava together, marveling at the volcanic cinder cone midway and the still-steaming Mauna Ulu shield pushed up nearly 400 feet during the eruption 50 years ago. Because it’s not in the more heavily visited zone of the park, you’ll likely have the trail to yourselves, enjoying the magnificent volcanic views while hiking side by side.
After your hike, finish the day by driving to the end of Chain of Craters Rd (it descends 4,000 feet over 20 miles), where rugged and pristine cliffsides meet the Pacific Ocean. Hike ¼ mile along the pathway to an observation point, where you’ll get a mesmerizing view of the Holei Sea Arch. Worthy of a National Geographic photo, the 90-foot-tall arch formed during a lava flow over 500 years ago, the power of crashing waves carving out the arch formation from lava over time. The arch embodies the raw power and beauty of Hawaii’s volcanoes, constantly transforming the islands, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime view to take in together.
Trekking to a Waterfall and Discovering Hidden Coves on the Coast
The Big Island’s waterfalls are just as famous as its volcanoes, with several waterfalls just a short drive away from your rainforest lodging in Volcano Village. Each waterfall has its unique appeal, including Rainbow Falls in downtown Hilo, which is the most accessible. But for a more adventurous outing, grab some delicious Kona-grown coffee in Hilo before driving 15 miles north of town. At Akaka Falls State Park, a paved trail leads through 65 acres of dense rainforest, where you’ll see an incredible variety of orchids (the Big Island is famously known as the “Orchid Isle”), the kaleidoscopic multi-colored trunks of rainbow eucalyptus trees, and gigantic bamboo. After a half-mile, you’ll arrive at one of the most breathtaking sights on any of the islands – Akaka Falls, with water cascading down from 442 feet above, surrounded by lush greenery on both sides. The waterfall is so iconic and stunning that it inspired some of the footage from Avatar, and it’s hard to imagine a more romantic backdrop.
Halfway back to Hilo, take a detour off Hawaii Belt Rd to hike at Onomea Trail. Although only 0.5 miles, the trail includes a stream crossing and ends at a secluded bay, perfect for some private time together in a gorgeous setting. Once an ancient Hawaiian village and later a sugar plantation, today, this little gem of a spot has returned to its natural splendor, with tropical foliage, wild-growing flowers, and scenic coves making it a must-experience and one of the best hikes in Hawaii Big Island.
Best Hikes in Hawaii Big Island: Japanese Gardens and Sunset Views From a Volcano
One of the most picturesque places for a nature walk is in the heart of downtown Hilo, where paths lead through the ornately manicured grounds of the Liliuokalani Gardens. Hand-carved stone bridges lead over koi ponds, authentic Japanese lanterns add ambiance, and patches of green lawns are ideal for a picnic overlooking Hilo Bay. Share our Picnic Bag for Two with sandwiches, local chips and cookies, and world-class wine from Volcano Winery.
As you enjoy the tasty bites and ocean breeze at Hilo Bay, you’ll also have unobstructed views of Mauna Kea, the highest point on all the Hawaiian islands. For a truly unique experience, spend the first part of the day at sea level in the gardens in Hilo and finish it with a sunset on the flanks of Mauna Kea. In just 40 minutes, taking Saddle Road out of Hilo, you can be at over 9,000 feet in elevation, where the Hawaiian goddess of snow, Poli’ahu, is believed to make her home. The Ellison Onizuka Visitor Center on Mauna Kea is free and open to visitors until 9 pm – it’s one of the most spectacular places to see a sunset while taking a late afternoon hike on the Humu’ula Trail leading from the visitor center area. After the sun sets, enjoy the astrological show above as more stars than you’ve ever seen brighten up the sky – it’s a magical scene to share.
Stay with us and discover the beauty and adventure of the Big Island’s trails together!