Hawaii Holiday Hikes for Friends and Family

Description:

Located on the eastern side of the island, this 0.5 mile easy trail follows the alignment of the old government road into the Hawaii Tropical Botanical garden and splits at Alakahi Stream; one branch turns right to Kukilu Bay and the other continues directly across the garden to the east side of Kahali`i Stream. The stream may be forded at this point to connect with the Donkey Trail. Mosquito repellent needed.

Donkey Trail goes directly to the point between Kenenue and Kahali`i Bays. It is steep, with the tread uneven and often slippery. Use caution. Donkey Trail is part of a Hawaiian Kingdom government cart road used for hauling goods from the landing at Onomea. Mosquito repellent recommended.

Trail starts from the old Hawaii Belt Road (4 mile scenic route between Papaikou and Pepeekeo off Highway 19) about 0.5 mile on the Hilo side of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden Office. Limited parking.

Description:

Hikes on Ala Kahakai may begin or end at any of the listed public access points. The trail follows the coastline over ancient fishermen`s trails and Hawaiian Kingdom roads that have been connected through generations of use to form a single continuous route. It passes through both public and private lands, providing access to numerous beaches and resorts, and to both the Malama Trail to Puako petroglyph field near Holoholokai and the Kings Highway inland of the Mauna Lani Resort. The Ala Kahakai also provides access to some of the most pristine shoreline remaining in Hawaii, as well as numerous anachialine ponds, which are unique ecosystems given highest protection. Much of the trail receives only limited maintenance and short sections have been eroded by ocean waves. Only the Spencer-Puako section of the trail has signage. Caution is advised as the trail follows the edge of potentially dangerous sea cliffs in certain areas.

Description:

Devastation Trail leads visitors one mile over the cinder out fall and through a forest recovering from Kilauea lki's 1959 eruption. Along the path you'll find such volcanic formations as: cinder with olivine, Pele's hair and tears, tree molds and a cinder and spatter cone. The trail is paved and rated as easy. The trail starts four miles from the Hawaiin Islands National Park Vistior Center on Crater Rim Drive.

Description:

A short 0.6 mile, easy, double loop trail, constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps, encircles both crests of the hill. Trail provides an excellent opportunity to view native vegetation which was once abundant prior to the introduction of livestock and the lava flows of 1843 & 1935. The top of the Puu makes an excellent picnic site and provides panoramic views of the area. No open fires are allowed. The trail is short, easily traversed and ideal for youngsters on a day`s outing.

Access at junction of Saddle Road (Hwy 200) and Mauna Loa Observatory access road, 27.7 mi. from Hilo. Park in front of hunter check station.

Description:

Halemaumau Trail begins at the Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, descends 400 feet through rain forest, crosses the desert-like Kilauea Caldera and ends at Halemaumau Overlook. The trail is three and a half miles long, one way and rated as moderately difficult by the Park Service. The return trip may be made via Crater Rim Trail or another combination of short paths. Interesting volcanic formations along the path include: pahoehoe lava flows, steam vents, spatter ramparts and craters.
The trail continues into the Calera from the Halemaumau Overlook.

Description:

Located on the northeastern side of the island, this 10.5 mile difficult trail first passes through mixed exotic forest, then native Koa/Ohia forest, and finally through former pasture, before rising 3,250` in elevation in 5.5 miles to reach the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp and Ranger station at Keanakolu. The trail is not well maintained and can be difficult to negotiate in wet weather. Catchment water is available at Keanakolu, but purify before drinking. Area is open to year-round game mammal hunting. Wear bright colored clothing.

A partially paved, four wheel drive road leads mauka from Highway 11 at the 30 mile post in Ookala. Follow road 2.7 miles to the Hilo Forest Reserve boundary and Humuula Trail.