Hiking On The Big Island

Waimea Valley​ is a must do, must hike with your family! ​Using the sun, moon, stars, ocean currents and birds as guides, Polynesian voyagers ventured the Pacific Ocean and arrived in Hawai‘i as early as 400 AD. The large double-hulled canoes carried many plants needed for survival along with ​pua‘a​ (pigs), ​‘ilio​ (dogs) and ​moa​ (chickens) which were raised as a food source. Over the next several hundred years additional voyagers landed in Hawai‘i. As early as 1092 AD, Waimea was chosen on the island of O‘ahu to be awarded to the ​Kahuna Nui​ (High Priests) in perpetuity due to its lush valleys, abundant resources, free-flowing streams and geographic location.

Most hiking adventures begin in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which offers more than 150-miles of trails. Stroll through Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), take a day hike along Chain of Craters Road or walk over volcanic fields to witness the power of creation as lava flows into the sea in Kalapana. For the well-equipped and experienced backpackers, hike overnight in the park's backcountry. See a ranger at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get trail information, maps and permits.