Mountains in Hawaiʻi County

Hawaiʻi County, the Big Island, is formed by five major shield volcanoes. This page aggregates routes and guides for four of them: Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai, and the Kohala Mountains. The fifth, Kīlauea, is also a significant volcano on the island.

The primary activities across the mountains in Hawaiʻi County are hiking, road cycling, and jogging. There are more than 200 routes available, including over 70 hiking trails and over 40 road cycling routes across the four main volcanic areas featured on this page.

Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano, offers a range of hiking experiences across its vast lava fields and gentle slopes. There are nearly 30 distinct hiking trails available, providing options for exploring this unique volcanic landscape. Many routes are challenging and require preparation for high-altitude conditions.

Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano with a distinct high-elevation environment. The area offers more than a dozen hiking routes that traverse its alpine stone desert landscape. These trails are often strenuous due to the altitude, which reaches 13,803 feet (4,207 meters) at the summit.

Hualālai features more than 30 routes suitable for road cycling and touring bicycles. The routes ascend the slopes of the volcano, passing through the Kona coffee belt and areas of rich volcanic soil. These rides often involve significant elevation gain.

The Kohala Mountains are the oldest of the island's volcanoes and are considered extinct. Erosion has carved deep valleys and dramatic cliffs into the landscape. The region includes lush, green terrain in North Kohala and drier conditions along the South Kohala coast.

This collection features over 70 hiking trails across Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai, and the Kohala Mountains. Mauna Loa has the largest number of hiking routes, with nearly 30 options available for exploring its volcanic terrain.

Yes, there are more than 40 road cycling routes across the four main volcanic areas. These routes offer challenging climbs and descents on paved roads, with significant elevation changes. Hualālai alone has over 15 distinct road cycling routes on its slopes.

Trails on Mauna Kea are considered difficult primarily due to the high elevation. The summit is at 13,803 feet (4,207 meters), and the thin air makes physical exertion very strenuous. Hikers must be well-acclimatized and prepared for alpine conditions, which can include cold temperatures and strong sun.

Trails on Mauna Loa cross vast, barren landscapes shaped by historical lava flows. A key feature is the summit caldera, Mokuʻāweoweo, which is a destination for long-distance, multi-day treks. The routes are rugged and offer a wilderness experience within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

While many routes on the high volcanoes are strenuous, there are easier options available, particularly in the lower elevations and coastal areas of the Kohala Mountains. The Easy hikes in Hawaiʻi County guide provides a selection of less demanding trails.

Hawaiʻi's weather is relatively stable year-round at lower elevations. However, the high-altitude environments of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa have distinct seasons and can be hazardous. Winter months can bring snow and freezing temperatures to the summits, making access difficult or impossible.