Hawi, Hawaii

Drive north along the Akoni Pule Highway for approximately 45 miles. When you reach Lapakahi State Historical Park, turn left of of the highway and find a parking spot.  The fishing village itself consists of several volcanic rock walls along the shore. It is a great stop while exploring the nort...

Take Hwy. 270 along the northern Kohala Coast and all the way to the end at the Pololū Valley overlook. You can park almost anywhere along the road there (besides the private homes), but spots fill up so get there early. Start at the Pololū Valley overlook. If you are not fond of hiking, you can...

Located near the northern tip of the Big Island, Waipi'o Valley is one of the most beautiful views that you can experience in all of Hawaii. Waipi'o Valley is an hour and 30 minute drive from Kona and an hour and 10 minutes from Hilo. To access the lookout, take HI-19 west to HI-240. Make sure to...

From the parking area, walk down the narrow, crazy steep four-wheel drive road for 0.75 mile until the road levels. A few 4WD vehicles, either foolhardy (tourist) or knowledgable (local) may be inching up and down. Head to the right toward the beach for 0.45 mile and arrive on the black sand beac...

Prep: Before you go, you must book purchase a permit/campsite for the number of nights that you wish spend. You can get the permits online from the State of Hawaii Department of Natural Resources Website. There are 9 sites located within the valley and some are most definitely better than other...

This beach is a great if you're looking for a more secluded beach in Waikoloa Village.  Rarely are there more than ten people there even during sunset when people flock to the beach.   If you aren't staying at the Hilton next door then this spot is a little harder to access. There are two beach a...

Located in Haleakala National Park on Maui's southeastern coast, this trail is well maintained by the National Park Service and is quite popular with visitors. Like most popular hikes, it is advised you get there early and try to go on a weekday and in the offseason if possible. Entrance to the p...

This hike departs from the Kpahulu Visitor Center and heads out along the Kuloa Trail. The trail will take you through a bamboo forest and past several pools and falls. Be sure to get there early as the later it gets in the day, the more crowded the pools get. Hike the route counter-clockwise and...

From the parking area at Kekaha Kai State Park, it's about a 20-30 minute walk to the beach. The walk is through black lava fields and is very exposed. Depending on how much gear you're carrying, it could seem like an eternity by the time you hit the beach. If you have a 4-wheel drive car with go...

Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Hana, Maui, Hawaii.

If you are looking for something akin to true backcountry travel and scrambling in Maui, the Lau'ulu trail and the Pohaku Palaha summit on the north/north east rim of the Haleakala volcano is a great option. You will find solitude, unparalleled views of the crater, surreal high-altitude tropical ...

Just off the road to Hana before entering the town, Waianapanapa State Park is a great place to stop and explore along the drive. Wainapapa SP offers tent and cabin camping, there is a great black rock beach with access to snorkeling and other beach activities, and lots of short trails for explor...

Wai'anapanapa State Park is located at mile marker 32 on the Hana Highway. The park has limited parking, but many of the tourists are making quick stops on their journey to Hana and the turnover for parking is fast. Once parked, check in at the office to obtain your overnight permit (must be orde...

Mauna Kea is one of the volcanoes that helped form the Big Island of Hawai’i. However, its last eruption was around 2600 BC. Mauna Kea sits at an elevation of 13,796ft above sea level making it the second highest mountain I’ve hiked as I write this post – just shy of Mt Whitney. Interestingly, mo...

Stop first at Hal Ho'okipa, the park visitor information center. It[s about 4.1 miles south of Kona Airport. Its a neat little building where you can pick up a map and learn more about the area. From there you can take the 0.5 mile Ala Hele Ike Hawai'i trail that leads to the coastal trail (Ala H...

If you're headed up to Haleakala to catch the sunrise or sunset at the summit, leave a few hours before or after to do a quick hike into the crater on the Sliding Sands Trail.This is not an easy hike (high elevation and therefore lower concentration of oxygen, altitude sickness concerns and steep...