Best camping trails in Hawaii, Hawaii

Advance trek for the full hardy outdoorsman. Prepare to be challenged by the elements, and to use your navigation skills with topo and compass. Enjoy the Native Hawaiian jungle with expansive views of the coast, valleys and waterfalls. This trail is part of an old government road that led to the housing for staff that used to maintained the old North Kohala Ditch. There used to be settlements along the trail, which are now all abandoned and no longer active. The only users are now DLNR staff or Natural Reserve employees and researchers, who primarily come in via helicopter or via 4WD roads from Waimea/Kamuela. This track starts from Pololu Valley, traverses Honokane Nui, Honokane Iki, Honoke'a, Honopu'e, and Waimanu Valleys; to finally reach Waipio Valley. The trek is fairly open up to Honokane Iki, but expect to bushwhack the rest of the way; with a few open areas where the natural reserve personnel are conducting studies and maintaining rain gauges. There are about 3 shelters along the way, but expect to be camping in the rain. This area is a watershed and it receives a good amount of rain year round. Overall, this trail is a tough and challenging route that will sorely test your outdoor skills.Show more

Note: Mauna Loa Road past Kīpukapuaulu is open for hikers and bicyclists to Mauna Loa Overlook at 6,662 feet, but is closed to vehicles for wildfire prevention This is a long multi-day hike over strenuous terrain and lava fields. Eventually the trail reaches the peak of Mauna Loa where hikers can visit the Mauna Loa cabin. For a shorter version of this route, hikers can start at the Mauna Loa Observatory.Show more

This is one of the few trails that lets you view Waimea Canyon from the east looking west. To get to this trail, drive the 4WD Mohihi-Camp 10 Road - otherwise it will be a 4.6 mile walk on the 4WD road. The trailhead is well marked with the customary Na Ala Hele State Trail sign.Show more

Note: Mauna Loa Road past Kīpukapuaulu is open for hikers and bicyclists to Mauna Loa Overlook at 6,662 feet, but is closed to vehicles for wildfire preventionShow more

Please note: The road to the trailhead is very hard even for a 4WD. Public access is restricted to the hours of 4:30 am to 8:30 pm. Please consult the park's website before visiting.Show more

Amazing hike with beautiful beaches and fresh water holes to swim in. Make sure to find out about the water level at the bottom for drinking before making the trek in and leave early morning on the hike out for it can get brutally hot, especially with the incline. Well worth it!Show more