Big Island Hiking Trails Map
Are you planning a trip to Big Island in Hawaii and looking for the best hiking trails to explore? Then you’ve landed in the right place! In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything from top attractions to hidden gems, outdoor adventures to cultural immersion, and more. So, let’s dive in!
Top Attractions
Big Island is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders, beaches, and mountains in the world. Here are some of the top attractions that you should include in your itinerary:
- Volcanoes National Park
- Akaka Falls State Park
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Mauna Kea Summit
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Big Island has plenty of hidden gems to offer. Here are some of the best:
- Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
- Kalopa State Recreation Area
- Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Kahalu’u Beach Park
- Pololu Valley Lookout
Food Scene
Big Island is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse range of local and international cuisines to choose from. Here are some of the best restaurants and food markets to try:
- Kona Farmers Market
- Da Poke Shack
- Merriman’s
- Holukoa Gardens & Cafe
- Ulu Ocean Grill & Sushi Lounge
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to Big Island doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to save money on your trip:
- Visit during the off-season to get better deals on accommodation and activities.
- Stay in a vacation rental or hostel instead of a hotel.
- Take advantage of free activities such as hiking and beachcombing.
- Eat at local food trucks and markets instead of restaurants.
- Use public transportation or rent a bike instead of a car.
Outdoor Adventures
Big Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, surfing, and more. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures to try:
- Hiking at Kalopa State Recreation Area
- Biking on Mauna Kea Summit
- Surfing at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Ziplining at Umauma Falls
- Kayaking at Kealakekua Bay
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, Big Island has plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Here are some of the best:
- Snorkeling at Kahalu’u Beach Park
- Visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Exploring the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens
- Taking a horseback ride at Dahana Ranch
- Learning about Hawaiian culture at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Natural Wonders
Big Island is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Here are some of the best:
- Kilauea Volcano
- Waipio Valley
- Mauna Kea Observatory
- Waialea Beach
- Pe’epe’e Falls
Vibrant Nightlife
After a day of exploring, unwind with the vibrant nightlife scene in Big Island. Here are some of the best bars and clubs to check out:
- Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse
- Brews & Cues
- Laverne’s Sports Bar
- My Bar
- Gertrude’s Jazz Bar
Local Markets
Get a taste of local culture by visiting the bustling markets in Big Island. Here are some of the best:
- Kona Farmers Market
- Hilo Farmers Market
- Keauhou Farmers Market
- Parker Ranch Shopping Center Farmers Market
- Waimea Mid-Week Farmers Market
Beaches and Mountains
Big Island’s beaches and mountains are some of the most beautiful in the world. Here are some of the best:
- Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
- Mauna Kea Summit
- Waialea Beach
- Mauna Kea Beach
- Pololu Valley Lookout
Cultural Immersion
Experience the rich culture and history of Big Island by immersing yourself in its traditions. Here are some of the best cultural activities to try:
- Visiting the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
- Attending a traditional hula performance
- Taking a lei-making class
- Learning about ancient Hawaiian agriculture at Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
- Exploring the Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hฤmฤkua
Art and Music Scene
Big Island has a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, concerts, and festivals to enjoy. Here are some of the best:
- Holualoa Village Art Walk
- Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
- Hilo First Friday Art Walk
- Merrie Monarch Festival
- Ukulele Festival
Walking Tours
Explore Big Island on foot with these top walking tours:
- Kona Historical Walking Tour
- Hilo Historic Walking Tour
- Kealakekua Bay Historical Walking Tour
- Parker Ranch Walking Tour
- Waimea Walking Tour
Architectural Marvels
Big Island is home to some of the most stunning architectural marvels in the world. Here are some of the best:
- Hulihe’e Palace
- St. Benedict’s Painted Church
- Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
- Imiloa Astronomy Center
- Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
Historical Sites
Learn about Big Island’s rich history by visiting these top historical sites:
- Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
- Hulihe’e Palace
- Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
- Kona Coffee Living History Farm
- Mokuaikaua Church
Biking Routes
Explore Big Island’s beautiful scenery on two wheels with these top biking routes:
- Mauna Kea Summit
- Waimea to Hawi
- Hilo to Kapoho
- Kona Coast
- Hamakua Coast
Wellness Retreats
Relax and rejuvenate at one of Big Island’s top wellness retreats:
- Kalani Oceanside Retreat
- Mauna Lani Spa
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
- The Spa at Hualalai
- Big Island Retreat
Adventure Sports
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Big Island has plenty of adventure sports to get your heart racing. Here are some of the best:
- Ziplining at Umauma Falls