The one exciting hike I took was the walk from Waipio Valley over the top of the pali to the next valley, Waimanu. Waimanu is almost deserted, although when we were there, a couple of people were living on the beach. The trail is nine miles one way and goes up and down over the pali fourteen times before you will finally descend into Waimanu Valley through a forest of lauhala trees. Many of the fourteen times we descended, we were greeted by a waterfall, often with a deliciously cool pool below it. You can make it into Waimanu Valley in one day, but there was also a shelter about two-thirds of the way along when I hiked the trail. I understand that large portions of the trail were destroyed in floods since I hiked it but have since been rebuilt by volunteers. Please obtain permission to camp in Waimanu from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, P.O. Box 4849, Hilo, HI 96720-0849, telephone: 808-974-4221.

There are two streams to cross when hiking from Waipio to Waimanu so travel lightly

The Big Island offers some of the most challenging hikes in the islands, including a trek to the top of Mauna Loa, almost 14,000 feet in the air. The Mauna Loa Trail offers a multi-day hike and is not for the occasional hiker. Complete lightweight hiking gear is required and the hiker may encounter snow, rain, extreme cold, high winds and, even, fog, but for the would-be adventurer, this could be perfect trek. You must register with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park headquarters for this hike and let them know when you return safely. For more information on the Mauna Loa hike and other hikes, please visit the park's hiking page.

The Waimanu trail can be wet and slippery and rain gear is an absolute requirement

For something completely different, try a walk through a lava tube. The one that I took was sponsored by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is a hike guided by park personnel. You cannot go into this lava tube unguided because the park wishes to preserve it. It is filled with stalactites and other interesting sights. Altogether, it may take about three hours to get to the entrance, walk the entire distance, and return. Please call the park in advance at 808-985-6017 to inquire about this very special tour, the Wild Lava Tube guided hike. Since it has been discovered, it has become very popular.

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