Hiking & Outdoors
Trails, valleys, ridge walks and waterfall hikes.
Hiking the Puʻu ʻŌʻō Trail: Kīlauea's Epic Eruption Site
Trek across a surreal landscape of hardened lava on the Puʻu ʻŌʻō Trail. This challenging hike offers a direct encounter with the powerful legacy of Kīlauea's historic 35-year eruption.
A Guide to the Best Big Island Surfing Spots for Every Level
While not as famous as Oʻahu, the Big Island offers uncrowded and unique surfing experiences. Our guide covers the best spots for beginners, intermediates, and experts.
Bird Watching on the Big Island: A Guide to Native Birds
The Big Island offers a birding experience unlike any other, with vibrant, jewel-like native species found nowhere else on Earth. Here’s our guide to where and when to find them.
Pololū Valley Lookout & Hike: An Essential Visitor Guide
At the northern tip of the Big Island, the road ends at the magnificent Pololū Valley. Our guide covers the epic lookout, the steep hike, and the wild beauty of the valley floor.
Rainbow Falls Hilo: A Guide to Visiting This Big Island Gem
Known for the stunning rainbows that form in its morning mist, Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is one of Hilo's most accessible and beautiful waterfalls. Here's how to plan your visit.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park: A Visitor's Guide to a 442-Foot Giant
ʻAkaka Falls is one of the Big Island's most famous waterfalls, plunging 442 feet into a lush gorge. This easy-to-access wonder is the highlight of a beautiful state park on the Hāmākua Coast.
A Visitor's Guide to the Best Big Island Waterfalls
The Big Island is famous for its dramatic waterfalls, most found along the lush Hāmākua Coast. Here’s our guide to the must-see falls, from towering cascades to those you can swim beneath.
Waipiʻo Valley: A Guide to Hawaiʻi's Sacred, Restricted Valley
Known as the Valley of the Kings, Waipiʻo Valley is one of the most sacred places in Hawaiʻi. While access into the valley is now restricted, you can still glimpse its majesty from a stunning public overlook.
A Guide to Umauma Falls: The Big Island's Triple Waterfall Park
Discover Umauma Falls, a stunning triple-tiered waterfall on the Hāmākua Coast. This private adventure park offers everything from thrilling ziplines to serene garden walks.
ʻAkaka Falls vs Rainbow Falls: Which Hilo Waterfall Is Better?
Deciding between ʻAkaka Falls and Rainbow Falls? We break down the pros and cons of these two popular Hilo-area waterfalls to help you plan your visit.
Kīlauea Iki vs Nāpau Trail: Which Volcano Hike is for You?
Choosing your volcanic adventure? We break down two classic hikes in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: the iconic Kīlauea Iki loop and the rugged, remote Nāpau Trail.
A Practical Guide to Visiting the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout
The view from the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout is one of the most sublime on Hawaiʻi's Hāmākua Coast. But with the valley floor currently closed to visitors, here's what you need to know for a respectful visit.
A Visitor's Guide to Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) in Hilo
One of Hilo's most accessible waterfalls, Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue) is famous for the rainbows that form in its mist on sunny mornings. Here's what you need to know.
A Realistic Guide to Waterfalls You Can Swim in on the Big Island
Few experiences are more magical than swimming in a waterfall pool. While the Big Island's most famous falls are off-limits, a few hidden gems offer this incredible experience if you know where to look.
ʻAkaka Falls State Park: A Complete Visitor Guide for 2024
Plunging 442 feet into a lush, jungle-like gorge, ʻAkaka Falls is one of the Big Island's most famous and accessible waterfalls. Here’s how to plan your visit.