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Another beautiful island hike: Ohia and Cinder Cone Trails

Posted on: Thursday, July 05, 2012

This spring our guests discovered yet another little-known Big Island trail that’s easily accessible and beautiful. It’s called Pu’u Wa’awa’a Ahupua’a: (www.puuwaawaa.org) and is located off the highway on the way up towards Waimea, so only about a forty minute drive from the Inn. The trail is on a cattle farm, so you open a gate and close it behind you when you enter the property, and then you stop and sign in at a little shelter. There are brochures and port-a-potty. For the first part of the trail, the road you’re walking on is actually paved, and slopes gently uphill. It’s relaxing, pleasant walking. You’re surrounded by dry, arid grassland, somewhat lonely and rugged in appearance, often with an ominous gray sky as a backdrop. But, like so many Big Island places, we love this natural environment: the solitude, the silence – save for bird call and the wind in the trees. We observed lots of interesting trees and plants, and regretted not bringing binoculars to better see the many birds. The road will lead you to a steep green cinder cone up which you can climb as much as you wish. We didn’t do it ourselves, having our little boys in tow, but our guests that climbed the hill said it was steep and difficult, but not too long a hike and worth it for the views. We look forward to going back without the boys, so that we can also complete the hike. It’s still amazing to us – and something that we love about the Big Island – that you can be so close to town, yet feel you’re in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature and silence. We recommend this hike for guests who love birds and quiet places and moderately difficult day hikes. Fantastic!