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Hawaii Hiking

If there was ever a genuine paradise that encompassed a breathtaking selection of all the natural beauty the world has to offer, then Hawaii is just that. With astonishing landscape, volcanoes and waterfalls surrounding you on your hiking journey along clearly marked trails, the splendor of the experience needs to be seen to be believed.

Arguably, the Big Island of Hawaii has a more variable selection of hikes than any other Hawaiian Island. The hiking Hawaii adventures include rainforest hikes, lava tube hikes, hikes through the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, waterfall hikes, and various wildlife hiking tours.

The Big Island of Hawaii is entirely formed by volcanic activity. There are five separate volcanoes which have, over the past million-or-so years, combined to form the island.

Of these five volcanoes, one is considered to be extinct (Kohala) and in transition between its postshield and erosional stage, one is considered dormant (Mauna Kea) and the three remaining volcanoes are categorized as active (Mauna Loa, Kilauea, and Hualalai).

Mauna Kea, the Big Island’s dormant volcano, which in Hawaiian means "White Mountain", is the tallest of Hawaii's volcanoes and in fact the tallest mountain in the world if measured from the floor of the ocean to its summit. It received its name, because snow, which can reach several feet deep, is frequently seen on the summit even from the distant shores.

The summit of Mauna Kea is home to numerous observatories. It is considered one of the best places to view the heavens from the surface of the planet. There are many tours that one can take to reach the summit of Mauna Kea, in order to view the sunset and then the stars.

Climbing Mauna Kea is a must for any hiker looking for adventure. (www.hawaii.aloha-hawaii.com/hawaii/big+island+volcanoes)

On O’ahu and tucked in the back of the lush Manoa Valley are the beautiful Moana Falls. This waterfall is commonly thought to be one of the most wonderful sights on O'ahu. It rushes over a precipice, drops 100 feet to the pool below, and the briskly cold water makes a refreshing change from the humid Hawaiian air. There is also the added opportunity to follow a clearly marked hiking trail to the waterfall, which takes approximately an hour to complete. (www.portaloha.com/SecretsOfHawaii/ManoaFalls)

The Waimea National Park
The Waimea National Park on Oahu perpetuates the kahiko (ancient) Hawaiian lifestyle with cliff diving, hula performances, music demonstrations and archaeological sites.

There are also self-guided walking tours through 35 tropical botanical gardens, recreated ancient Hawaiian living sites and exotic flower collections.

The 45-foot high Waimea Falls is the focal point of the park, visitors can enjoy a cool, refreshing dip in the pool below the falls or stand under a waterfall for a spiritual Hawaiian experience. (www.hawaiiweb.com/html/waimea_valley_adventure_park)

The Kalalau Trail, on the island of Kaua’i and originally built in the 1800’s, provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail however, drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau, a great place to take a well earned break. For most trekkers, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day.

Naturalists will also find a number of points of interest, including the sight of tropical plant species, rare native plants growing on inaccessible cliffs, and wild goats appearing along the trail route. (www.kalalautrail.com)

Haleakala National Park
On Maui hiking in the Haleakala National Park is fun and rewarding, a great way to experience the park.

Haleakala National Park stretches from the rugged Kipahulu coastline up through rainforest and shrub land to the summit of the volcano. Much of the rainforest and upper slopes are designated wilderness, ensuring that the primeval character of the area will remain.

The main feature of this part of the park is undoubtedly the famous Haleakal? Crater. It is huge, 11.25 km across, 3.2 km wide and 800 meters deep. The interior of the crater is dotted by numerous volcanic features, including large cinder cones.

Two main trails lead into the crater from the summit area, the Halemau'u and Sliding Sands trails. Hikers in the crater can stay in one of three cabins.

Each morning, visitors come to the summit of the volcano to watch the spectacular sunrise. Then more visitors come each afternoon to watch the equally amazing sunset.

The park is known for its unique volcanic features, its long scenic drive with numerous overlooks, and the unusually clear views of the night sky available. (www.haleakala.national-park.com) .