Adventure: Hiking the Waipio Valley

Paddle Boarders Deep in the Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley: Hawaii’s Garden of Eden Waipio Valley, often called the Valley of the Kings, is easily among the most beautiful places in the world. It is considered the cradle of life for Hawaiians. Few sites on the planet combine its rich history with such lush vegetation and pristine beaches. It stands out on the Hamakua coast as a popular … [Read more...]

Hawaii Hiking Tips

  Stay on the Trail Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of having a serious fall or getting lost. Hawaiian forests are not like mainland forests—the growth is very dense, and it is easy to become disoriented. Thick overgrowth can … [Read more...]

Waipi’o Valley, Hawaii

The Beautiful Waipi'o Valley Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the KohalaMountains. Waipi'o is a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep. At the coast there is a beautiful black sand beach … [Read more...]

Pololu Valley, Hawaii

Polulu Valley, where North Kohala's main artery, Hwy-270, comes to a dead end, is the last of the chain of inaccessible valleys, and for the moment is every bit as pristine as Waipio. The fear of tsunami, which led the Hawaiians to abandon these once densely populated valleys, is probably their best defense against the rapacity of the … [Read more...]

Hiking the Big Island of Hawaii

Deep in the Waipio Valley

Hawaii is an outdoorsman's paradise and a marvelous place to hike.  Hiking in the Hawaiian Islands offers  many opportunities to experience a unique natural environment and a variety of climate zones.  Known throughout the world for a wide variety of ecosystems, trails in Hawai`i can take you to coastal dunes, shrublands, rainforests, and high … [Read more...]

Question - Hiking the Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley

This question was received by email: In planning a trip to Hawaii for later this year your site has been very, very helpful in sorting out things to see and do. Hopefully you will also be able to help me fill in a few details. I am really, really looking forward to hiking the Muliwai Trail that goes from Waipio Valley to the Waimanu Valley and … [Read more...]

Question - Where to Buy Camping Fuel and Trekking Food?

This question was submitted by email: We are heading for Big Island this May. We are doing some backpacking. Therefore my question: Are there any stores around where to buy camping gas and trekking food? Derk  ---------------------------------------------- Answer: Derk,  You can buy camping fuel (white gas and /or large Coleman canisters) … [Read more...]

Big Island Adventures with Kids (Part 4 – Waipio Valley)

I've hiked into the Waipio Valley several times - most recently about 2 years ago.  Ever since then I've wanted to return, yet again, to explore further and to really enjoy the beauty and serenity of this magnificent valley.  With a 4 and 3 year old on the trip with me this time, I thought it would be best to drive into the valley - which I … [Read more...]

Visitors Up Close with Kilauea Lava Flow

The saga of the Kilauea Volcano lava flow continues. Last year, the lava flow changed direction, flowing further east and through more remote areas - unfortunately preventing the general public from viewing the geological phenomenon. Since then, the lava flow threatened the edge of a few austere housing communities, but for the most part remained … [Read more...]

Backcountry Hiking Plans

My brother and I have laid out some plans to do some backcountry overnight hiking on the Big Island sometime in the next several months. I have wanted to hike deep beyond the Pololu Valley, past the Honokane Nui and beyond. I previously read a blog (that I can no longer find online) that described a wonderful hike many valleys beyond the Pololu, … [Read more...]