Trail guides and hikes already covered on BigIsland.org.
In terms of bang for the buck, the switchback-heavy trail zig-zagging down the cliffs of Pololu Valley at the northern tip of Big Island is the hike with the greatest payoff at the end for the least amount of huffing and puffing. The trail isn’t long: just a little over half a mile, but it …
Thinking of running on the Big Island. Just because you are on and Island doesn’t mean you can’t get your runs in. If you are looking for some great exercise look no further than the Big Island of Hawaii! With its breathtaking views and wide open spaces, it’s a runner’s paradise. From local stores to …
There is simply no better place on Hawaii Island to see the stars than from the summit and flanks of Mauna Kea – a dormant volcano towering more than 13,000 feet above sea level that makes up much of the island’s landmass and is indispensable to ancient Hawaiian spirituality. Above the cloud line, the night …
Mauna Kea- A Big Island Tradition of Stars, snow, and Lore Read More »
Some Hawaii guidebooks rank the 5-mile-roundtrip trek to Shipman Beach, otherwise known as Haena Beach, outside the town of Keaau to be the most underrated hike on all of Big Island. This might be because its often a muddy tromp through jungles as dense as they get in Puna District, rewarded at the end with …
Shipman Beach Hike: Deep Jungle and White Sand, Ancient Ruins and Endangered Species Read More »
When the ancient Hawaiian historical site of Pu’ukohola Heiau comes into view for the first time, it looks like a massive fortress of stacked reddish-black lava stones built atop a gently sloping hill. It slightly brings to mind the castles of Europe, with their high walls and stacked ramparts. But it’s not a castle; it’s …
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site – The Stone Castle By The Sea Read More »
Just a short walk down Hilo’s Bayfront brings Big Island locals and visitors to Waiakea Peninsula and its verdant and immaculately manicured epicenter, Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. The gardens comprise a portion of the 24-acre county park jutting out into Hilo Bay, which seems to have a little something for everyone; placid fishponds where colorful …
Liliuokalani Park and Gardens – Hilo’s Leafy, Seaside Recreation Spot Read More »
In the hills above the City of Hilo, near the approach to the inter-island highway known as “Saddle Road” which links East and West Hawaii on the Big Island, there’s a massive lava tube beside the road that goes unnoticed by most drivers. A portion of the tube’s ceiling collapsed many decades ago, creating entrances …
On an island seemingly overflowing with natural splendor, it’s no surprise that locals and visitors alike have become so fond of going on nature hikes. Hawai’i Island is, true to its nickname, a “Big Island”, and boasts a range of climate zones that simply cannot be found on any other island in the chain. The …
Hawai’i Island’s 4 Most Spectacular Hiking Trails Read More »