The Big Island’s Top 7 Hikes that End on Pristine Beaches

Journey along some of the most glorious and diverse trails around the Big Island of Hawai’i to stunning beaches with black, white, and green sand.

Fabienne Lang

Images

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Pololū Valley from the lookout

by Fabienne Lang

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The view into the back of the valley

by Fabienne Lang

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Pololū's black sand beach

by Fabienne Lang

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Waipi'o Valley from the Lookout

by Fabienne Lang

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View into the valley from Muliwai Trail

by Fabienne Lang

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Waipi'o's black sand beach

by Michael Olsen

Licence Free

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Hi'ilawe Waterfall in the valley

by Martin Zangerl

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Kīholo Bay from above

by Fabienne Lang

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Coastline view from the trail

by Fabienne Lang

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View from the islet in Kīholo Bay

by Fabienne Lang

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Turtles resting in the bay

by Fabienne Lang

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View once you arrive in Kīholo Bay

by Fabienne Lang

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Sea and nature

by Jess Loiterton

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Aerial shot of Green Sand Beach

by Michael Olsen

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by Photo by Troy Squillaci from Pexels

Creative Commons: Attribution

Description

From lush rainforest to dry lava rocks and white sand beaches, and from erupting volcanoes to rolling green hills and even snow-capped mountains, the Big Island of Hawai’i has it all. In fact, Hawai’i is home to nearly 200 distinct ecosystems, making it a natural paradise with abundant flora and fauna. Add in the fact that it has great weather year-round, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a hotspot for hiking.

As the largest island in the archipelago, the Big Island, officially called Hawai’i, has a treasure trove of incredible hikes amongst its formidable and diverse landscapes. You can hike along the forest- and jungle-covered Hāmākua Coast with its dramatic cliffs, black sand beaches, and waterfalls that soar thousands of feet high. Or you can hike the desert-like landscape of the southern tip of the island or even to the flatter, rocky dried black lava trails of the Kona Coast dotted with white sand beaches. The choice is yours.

Along the trails, the vast deep blue ocean is a constant part of the backdrop, and you’ll typically be greeted with a colourful rainbow — it’s not called the Rainbow State for nothing.

This guidebook rounds up seven of the most glorious and stunning valley and coastline hikes on the Big Island. To truly make your time in Hawai’i unforgettable, you’ll end up on a beach after every single one of these hikes. Two of them are even famous for sea turtle sightings. There are dozens more to choose from, but this hitlist will get you headed in the right direction and experiencing as much of the island’s epic ecosystems as possible.

Two of the best valley view hikes on Hawai’i are Waipi’o and Pololū, which offer sweeping vistas of multiple deep valleys, dramatic black sand beaches, sparkling blue ocean, and cascading waterfalls — not to mention terrific climbs up and down the valleys’ sides.

For easier hikes to tranquil beaches, try Makalawena Beach or Kīholo Bay, both of which are regularly visited by beautiful green sea turtles.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an unattractive hike on the Big Island, so whichever one(s) you decide on, you’re guaranteed to have a blast and be rewarded with stunning views and amazing beaches.

Adventures

Kīholo Bay

A rugged, beautiful coastal hike to a turquoise lagoon filled with green sea turtles.

Kealakekua Bay

A historical hike with majestic bay and mountain views and some of the best snorkelling on the island.

Makalawena Beach

A rugged hike surrounded by dried lava and sand dunes to one of the best beaches on Hawai'i.