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Hiking Tips
Hawaii Hiking Tips
Stay on the Trail
 Most
accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard
warning signs. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of
having a serious fall or getting lost. Hawaiian forests are not like
mainland forests—the growth is very dense, and it is easy to become
disoriented. Thick overgrowth can mask dangerously steep drop-offs.
Thin, sharp lava rock can crack
beneath your weight above deep holes or lava tubes.
Stay Together
 Hikers
separated from their partners are more apt to make a wrong turn or lose
the established trail. Keep track of each other, and regroup
periodically, especially near junctions or when the trail gets obscure.
Monitor everyone’s condition. Dehydration, sunstroke, hypothermia, and
fatigue can hit even experienced hikers.
Avoid Undue Risks
 Climbing
waterfalls and following narrow ridgelines or gulches off the trail can
place you in danger. Rock climbing is extremely dangerous due to the
crumbly and porous nature of the volcanic rock. There have been fatal
accidents from crumbling rock...don’t take the chance.
Monitor the Weather
 Keep
an eye on the sky. When hiking into valleys or crossing streams, be
mindful of rain conditions along the mountain top or ridges that can
suddenly raise the water level in the stream. Use extreme caution if
attempting to cross a swollen stream...rushing water is very powerful.
It is better to find an alternative route, or wait until the water
subsides. Check the
Big Island Weather Online.
Assess Your Capabilities
 Compare
your level of fitness, ability, and experience with the trail
description. Be practical and realistic. There are a wide variety of
trails in Hawai`i, so pick one that suits your level.
Stay Hydrated
 Carry at least 2 liters of water per person for a full-day hike; more if
it’s a long hike or on a hot day. In tropical weather, dehydration can
become a serious problem. Make sure you have the right
hydration gear
to carry enough water.
Wear Proper Clothing
 Dress
in layers so you can protect your skin from the intense tropical sun. A
hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Hiking boots offer
traction and ankle sup-port to prevent slipping and injuries on muddy
trails and slick or sharp rocks. Light raingear or a
soft outer shell are good to carry because of the quickly changing
weather conditions
Be Safe - Plan Ahead
 If
you have a cell phone, bring it along. Though reception is not available
from all points on the islands, it is a good item to have in case of
emergency. Carry a
daypack or waistpack. You will need to keep your hands free and
unencumbered while hiking. Pack a brightly colored article (to attract
rescuer’s attention), a whistle (the sound travels farther and lasts
longer than a voice), sunscreen, mosquito repellant, a small flashlight,
food, and some basic first-aid (at least band-aids and antiseptic).
Camping Require Permits
Camping spots of all
kinds require inexpensive permits, which should be obtained well in
advance of your trip. (For State parks, contact the Hawaii State
Department of Land and Natural Resources at (808) 961-7200 and for the
volcano area, contact the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park at (808)
967-7321.)
Let's go hiking! Check
out our Big Island Hiking page with details
on the best hiking in Hawaii. Also, check out our
Volcanoes National Park section with lava
flow photos and videos.
Looking to gear-up for your
Hawaii trip? Check out the best prices on
hiking
shoes, clothing, and outdoors gear -- free shipping!
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Big Island Hiking
Activities
 Valley
Waterfall Adventure
The magic of the Hawaiian Islands will unfold before you as your
Interpretative Naturalist Guide teaches you the history
and ecology of this beautiful land. Imagine walking along a
cliff-side trail 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Breathtaking
views will stretch before you.
 Pololu
Valley Kohala Wai Adventure
Explore the remote Pololu Valley area on the northern tip of the Big
Island aboard a rugged off-road Pinzgauer 6x6 vehicle. Witness the
life-giving and land-sculpting power of water, as you ramble through
a changing landscape of rushing streams, towering ocean cliffs and
cascading waterfalls. You'll even have time to kick off your shoes
and take a dip in a cool mountain pool!
 Waipio
Valley Horseback Riding Tour
Take a horseback ride in a lush tropical paradise with jungle trails,
taro patches, magnificent waterfalls and historical and spiritual sites!
This 2 hour guided ride will take you deep into Waipio Valley, a
wonderland of natural Hawaiian beauty. Enjoy responsive, well-trained,
healthy horses. Your individual riding ability will be catered to.
Big Island Adventure Guides
 Hawaii Walks, Trails, Hikes
The most comprehensive
hiking guide
available to the spectacular island of Hawaii. This island has a
wealth of areas to explore, including: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,
the island's famous black sand beaches, shimmering blue bays, and
remote rainforest valleys. Includes both day hikes and backpacks
 Hawaii
Trailblazer
A guide for families and outdoor adventurers alike, the 2005
Trailblazer offers detailed descriptions of
142 hikes and strolls: the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the shores
of Waipio Valley and Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,
rain forests and tropical gardens, waterfalls, petroglyph fields, and
the Kona Coast.
71 snorkeling and swimming spots including remote hike-to specials; 39
surfing spots: boards, bodyboarding, and body surfing; 24 bike trails
for adventure cyclists: mountain, coastal, forest, pasture;
25 campgrounds and rustic cabin hideaways.
 Hawaii:
The Big Island Revealed
The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty may properly be placed among
the greatest guidebooks of Hawaii. Enhanced with 39 color maps, 132
color photos, and all the secrets necessary to fulfill the desires of
any tourist. Andrew Doughty enlightens the reader on the every given
shop, hotel, beach and cafe that only a Hawaii native might recognize
for the exceptional decency or beauty of. Strongly recommended read for
travelers planning a trip to Hawaii (or for those unsure where to go
once the have arrived), Hawaii: The Big Island Revealed will help to
make your destination Hawaii.
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Dress
in layers so you can protect your skin from the intense tropical sun. A
hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. Hiking boots offer
traction and ankle sup-port to prevent slipping and injuries on muddy
trails and slick or sharp rocks. Light raingear or a
soft outer shell are good to carry because of the quickly changing
weather conditions
