Land & Ecotourism

The Big Island’s varied terrain and landscape make it an exciting land counterpart of the surrounding ocean with a load of stunning natural venues to get out into.

Hiking

With more than 150 miles of marked trail, the best hiking in Hawaii may be found at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Other trails are located around the Island in State forest reserves and parks, county parks, national parks and coastal regions. Visitors can hike on their own (a hiking guidebook is essential) or take guided hiking adventures with companies such as Hawaiian Walkways or Hawaii Forest and Trail—from easy walks in the park, to extreme backpack treks through otherwise inaccessible mountain, valley or forest reaches.

Camping

Camping options on the Big Island may not be as plentiful as the Mainland U.S., but there are plenty of options, including 11 county parks around the Island (tents only), half dozen State areas (some with cabin shelters) and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with three drive-in areas. From ocean coast to mountainside, you can sleep under the stars in places seldom seen.

Biking

As with hiking, biking allows you to go at a slower pace and really enjoy the scenery. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is by far the best spot, but off-road trails for mountain biking can be found around the Island, along with major roads and highways. Bike treks provided by knowledgeable outfitters help avoid hazardous areas and get you to the best places to do what you want to do—cruise!

Horseback riding

With its paniolo (cowboy) heritage, the Big Island is a great place to saddle up and see the countryside at the speed of horse. Much of the trail riding is done by outfitters in upland ranch country, but other rides go to Kealakekua Bay and into Waipi`o Valley.

ATV tours

Another way to go off-road to experience the Big Island’s wild ranchlands and highlands, ATV companies are all concentrated in the North Kohala area. These easy-to-learn little vehicles are fast and fun for all ages, and take you places you otherwise never would go.

Birdwatching

Hawaii’s rare and unique birds can be seen in forested county and state parks around the Island and especially at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There are fun, educational guided birdwatching adventures offered by Hawaii Forest & Trail which take you into dryland and wetland forests to seek the rarer Hawaiian songbirds such as elepaio, iiwi and apapane.

Hunting

There is good hunting in the Big Island’s upland areas for wild board, mouflon sheep, goats and a variety of game birds (all non-endangered and plentiful) including turkeys. There are half a dozen guide services and outfitters to make arrangements and get you there.