Waimea, Hawaii

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...

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...

Enjoy a 2 hour horseback ride on Kohala Mountain in Waimea on the north side of the Big Island! There are several ranches in the area through which you can take a guided tour - I would recommend Paniolo Adventures, but you can look up the ranches in the Waimea / Kohala Mountain area. The ranches ...

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...

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...

While you can drive right to the summit of Mauna Kea on the 14 mile access road, the last 7 miles are on a very bumpy dirt road, so make sure your vehicle has plenty of clearance and good tires. All wheel drive will help a lot.The drive up is amazing itself. Usually there is some fog lingering ar...

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...

Located just south of Kailua-Kona International Airport, Wawaloli Beach is a hidden gem that many tourists miss completely on the way out of the airport.   To get there just simply turn into the Natural Energy Lab on Makako Bay Dr from Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (HI19). About a mile down the road i...

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...

Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous and easily accessible pull-off from Highway 11. This is not really a hike - just a short walk from the parking lot to a gorgeous 80 foot waterfall (making this fun for all ages!). Hit up Cafe Pesto in Hilo for a meal after.  If you want to learn about the mythology sur...

Within walking distance of downtown Hilo, jog around Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens for beautiful views of Mauna Kea, the Pacific, and Eastern art! A loop around the park, including Coconut Island, is approximately 1 mile. On your jog, you will see lots of people walking and running in addition t...

Finding the location is fairly simple. If you are just going to snorkel and relax you don't need to go into Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park. Instead park just outside of it and facing the entrance of the park you will walk down a one way street on the right. You can attempt to park down the on...

A beautiful beach for swimming less than 10 minutes from downtown Hilo! Because Hilo is more rocky and jungly than the western side of the island, this beach is more of a swimming hole than a traditional beach. Carlsmith is also frequented by big turtles (like the ones in Finding Nemo!), but plea...

Starting at the Kilauea Visitor Center, this 18.8 mile drive begins its 3,700 foot elevation change by meandering through the rainforest. Follow signs from the visitor center (near the entrance of the park) to Crater Rim Drive. Chain of Craters Road begins off of Crater Rim Drive, 3.3 miles south...