Kalopa Nature Trail
The Kalopa Nature Trail is an intriguing destination on Hawaii’s Big Island, located miles from the island’s major natural park and tourist towns. The park has nearly 6,000 acres and is home to some exotic and magnificent birds. The island’s northern windward side is exposed to ample rain, resulting in a richly diverse and lovely forest.
Visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna of the indigenous forest on this interpretive trek that has 20 numbered stopping points. The thick canopy of the ohi’a trees screens out the sun, making for a pleasant but humid trek. Although the route is only 0.7 miles long, you may spend considerably longer here since so much information is on display. With everything to see and learn, it’s one of the most incredible hikes on the island with the family.
Pololu Valley Awini Trail
The Pololu Valley Awini Trail is a short walk at the northern end of the Kohala Coast, just south of Waimea. The Polulu Overlook is a popular roadside stop for road travelers to enjoy the beauty of the breathtaking Kohala Mountain and Polulu Valley.
However, if you walk just shy of a mile down the Pololu Valley Awini path, you’ll find more spectacular photo opportunities. The valley floor is only .25 miles from the trailhead. It’s a great place to view the majesty of the valley first-hand, and even better, it’ll most likely be empty. You may also continue down the trail a little farther and explore the coast, peppered with lava pebbles that the sea has smoothed.
Napau Trail
Being one of the most extended and most challenging hikes on this list, stretching twelve miles is recommended for more experienced hikers. Marked with spots, the first mile of the route is where you can discover lava flows and the flora and fauna that abound in this region. You can even get a travel guide to enhance your hike for a few dollars!
This long day hike will take you through a variety of terrains. The Napau Trail passes over a vast lava field, goes past many craters, cuts through thick rainforest, and comes to an end at the edge of Napau Crater, which offers the finest perspective of the recent Pu’u ‘O’o eruption. Although this path may be lengthy, it’s undoubtedly one of Hawaii’s most incredible hikes, if not the best.
Conclusion
There are so many amazing things to do and experience when visiting Hawaii. However, hiking one of these trails may be the best way to enjoy your surroundings when exploring the island! Each hike is different in landscape, difficulty, and surrounding area, so one of them is sure to pique your interest. Also, keep in mind that this list is just the tip of the iceberg. With a little more research, you can find many different trails near anywhere you might be staying!