The season of flannels, falling foliage, and pumpkin spice everything has arrived. On the Big Island, Autumn in Hawaii means that daytime temperatures have fallen… to the mid-70s. Aka, the perfect weather for exploring the great outdoors.
Ready to hit the trail? Check out some of the best day hikes near Kona.
Ala Hu’ehu’e & Mamalahoa Loop
Just a five minute drive from downtown Kona, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park offers a short, lovely walk along both beach and lava field.
Try the Ala Hu’ehu’e & Mamalahoa Loop for lava rocks, ocean views, and maybe even some sea turtle spotting. The terrain is varied (sand, lava rocks, and more), so be sure to wear sneakers or hiking boots.
There are a few ways you can customize this route. Stop at the visitor center to figure out the path that works best for you!
Total Length: 3.1 Mile Loop
Elevation Gain: 144 Ft
Makuala O’Oma Trail
The Makuala O’Oma Trail is a moderate meander through the rainforest. It’s a popular spot for birding, but you can also spot beautiful flowers, ferns, and fungi.
A short 15-minute drive from downtown Kona puts you at the edge of Honua’ula Forest Reserve, where you can take a wooded walk through some of Hawaii’s old growth.
Wear hiking boots as this shady trail can become muddy and slippery.
Total Mileage: 3.8 Mile Loop
Elevation Gain: 790 Ft
Captain Cook Monument Trail
Enjoy cliff-side ocean views on the hike down to Kealakekua Bay. It’s a short, steep downward ramble – so wear proper footwear.
The bay offers some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island. Keep an eye out and you might spot sharks and dolphins. Or maybe the ghost of Captain Cook who “fell near this spot” according to the monument.
Don’t forget. What goes down, must come up… And it’s a steep hike back to the trailhead.
Local tip: Reward yourself with a Gypsea Gelato on the way back to Kona.
Total Length: 4 Miles Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,256 Ft
Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone Trail
Just under an hour’s drive from downtown Kona, the Cinder Cone Trail is an out-and-back hike that includes a loop around the summit of Pu-u Wa’awa’a. This trail doesn’t offer much shade, so autumn is the best time to try it.
The first half is a moderate (but continuous*) uphill climb to the summit of Pu'u Wa'awa'a. Once you’ve made it to the top, enjoy sweeping mountain views. On a clear day, you might be able to spot five volcanoes: Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Haleakala, and North Kohala.
*The elevation map basically looks like an isosceles triangle. Hang in there. The views are worth it.
Total Length: 6.5 Miles Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,938 Ft
Kick Off Your Hiking Boots & Stay Awhile
Once you make it back to the trailhead, give me a call. I’ll help you get your bearings. Home might be closer than you think.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.