The best walks and hikes around Waikoloa Village

Yes, the area has many family-friendly options. The Malama Trail is a very easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) walk perfect for all ages, offering a fascinating look at ancient rock carvings. Another great choice is the trail through Kalahuipuaʻa Historic Park, which features well-preserved ancient Hawaiian fishponds.

For a unique historical hike, visit the Puakō Petroglyph Park. This archaeological preserve contains thousands of ancient rock carvings. The trails here allow you to walk through a landscape etched with history, offering a direct connection to Hawaiʻi's past.

While most trails directly around Waikoloa Village are easy to moderate, more challenging hikes are within driving distance. For a strenuous, high-altitude adventure, consider the 6-mile trail to the summit of Mauna Kea from the Visitor Information Station. Closer to the coast, the hike into Pololū Valley offers a short but steep descent to a beautiful black sand beach.

Yes, you can find some enjoyable loop trails. The Mauna Kea Beach loop from Puakō is a moderate 6.3-mile (10.2 km) route that combines coastal and inland scenery. For an easier option, the Waipuhi Fishpond loop from ‘Aina L‘ea is a pleasant walk around historic fishponds.

Hiking on the volcanic terrain is a defining feature of the Kohala Coast. Trails like the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail section between Hāpuna and Mauna Kea beaches cross ancient lava flows. The terrain is often uneven and rugged, so wearing sturdy, closed-toe footwear is essential for safety and comfort.

The immediate Waikoloa area is quite dry and defined by lava fields, so you won't find waterfalls on the local coastal trails. To see waterfalls, you'll need to travel to the more lush, rain-fed parts of the Big Island, such as the Hilo and Hāmākua Coast areas, which are a significant drive from Waikoloa.

The Kohala Coast is sunny and can be very hot. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and sunglasses. Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the uneven lava rock trails. It's also a good idea to pack a snack and have your phone fully charged.

The region excels in coastal trails with stunning ocean views. The Kiholo-Puako Trail from Kalāhuipuaʻa Historical Park offers a beautiful walk along the shore. You can also explore sections of the ancient King's Highway Foot Trail, which follows the coastline and connects various historical sites.

Many of the coastal trails offer beautiful sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. A walk along ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay or the trail near Anaehoomalu Point provides a fantastic vantage point as the sun goes down. For a truly epic sunrise, the summit of Mauna Kea is unparalleled, though this requires a very early start and a significant drive.

The trails in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the unique experience of walking across ancient lava fields, the stunning coastal scenery, and the opportunity to easily access significant historical sites like petroglyph fields and fishponds.

There are over 35 designated hiking routes to explore around Waikoloa Village. The majority of these are rated as easy, making the region's unique landscapes and historical sites accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.

Many great hikes begin at well-known parks and reserves.

Lapakahi State Historical Park is a popular starting point for exploring the ruins of an ancient fishing village along the coast.

For a different experience, the Kohala Forest Reserve offers trails through a lush forest on lava fields, leading to rugged coastlines and a black sand beach.