Images and text from https://www.explore-the-big-island.com/hiking-in-hawaii.html

Hawaii Island is geologically unique, made up of five volcanoes. Mauna Kea is the tallest volcano in the world, while Mauna Loa Volcano is the most massive mountain on earth. As the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, the Big Island continues to grow with the ongoing eruption of Kilauea Volcano. While you're here, be sure to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii's coastline is both pristine and rugged. While the calm, clear ocean laps gently along soft white sand beaches, not far away waves crash unrelentingly against a lava cliff coastline. The best Hawaii beaches include the unique Papakolea Green Sand Beach and Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. 

Hawaii Island is home to 14 State Parks, Monuments & Recreation Areas, seven National Parks & National Historic Sites, plus spectacular waterfalls, deep coastal valleys, black, white & green sand beaches. Humpback Whales, Spinner & Bottlenose Dolphins, Manta Rays & Green Sea Turtles (Honu) call Hawai'i home. Meet Nene, the Hawaii State Bird, and Ma'ohauhele, the Hawaii State Flower.

With unique reefs, variety of sea life, and stunning water clarity, the Big Island is the best snorkeling and diving playground in all Hawaii. Boogie boarding and stand up paddle boarding have their origins in Hawaii. We have plenty of suggestions for things to do in Hilo, activities in Kona, and adventures all across the Island.

Hiking in Hawaii offers impressive views and great scenery; shoreline trails, deep volcanic craters, valleys along the remote north coast, even hikes around the Kilauea volcano. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trailtraverses 175 miles of dramatic coastline, connecting to many great Hawaii beaches.