The Kohala Mountains, located on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a region shaped by its ancient volcanic origins, offering a diverse and captivating landscape for outdoor activities. This area features a unique blend of rugged terrain, lush valleys, and dramatic coastlines, providing varied experiences for those exploring several sports like touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, and jogging. As the oldest of the five volcanoes forming the Big Island, its deep gorges and contrasting wet and…
49
Routes
4.5
(36)
Average rating
882
People visited

5.0
(1)
32
riders
108km
05:28
1,590m
1,580m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

1
riders
83.3km
04:35
1,490m
1,490m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

62.7km
03:43
1,170m
1,170m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

77
riders
39.6km
01:46
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(1)
19
hikers
3.89km
01:01
30m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
hikers
1.54km
00:24
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
6
hikers
1.39km
00:22
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(12)
298
hikers
2.41km
00:59
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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8
riders
9.97km
00:37
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
41.1km
02:36
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
33.8km
02:29
800m
800m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6.20km
00:35
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
runners
14.2km
01:32
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
6.22km
00:58
180m
180m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

1
runners
3.15km
00:20
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.22km
00:39
150m
150m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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The Kohala Mountains region offers a range of outdoor activities including Touring cycling, Road cycling, Hiking, and Jogging. There are 25 routes available across these sports, with more than 3,700 visitors having rated them an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The Kohala Mountains offer diverse cycling experiences. Notable routes include the Kohala Mountain Road, an approximately 60-mile route with varied landscapes, and the Old Mamalahoa Highway, a 4-mile scenic section. The Hawi via Kapa'au loop is an easy 6.4-mile touring cycling option. More details can be found in the Cycling in the Kohala Mountains guide.
Yes, the Kohala Mountains offer family-friendly options, particularly for hiking. Specific routes designed for families can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in the Kohala Mountains guide.
The Kohala Mountains feature several easy hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. Hikers can explore options that lead to viewpoints or historical sites. For specific recommendations, consult the Easy hikes in the Kohala Mountains guide.
Key natural highlights include the Pololū Valley Overlook, offering views of steep cliffs and black sand beaches, and the dramatic Waipi'o Valley. The region also features a striking contrast between lush northeastern slopes and drier southwestern areas, along with rolling green pastures.
The Kohala Mountains region is popular among outdoor enthusiasts on komoot. It has 25 routes across various sports, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 187 ratings. More than 3,700 visitors have explored routes in this area.
Komoot offers several guides for the Kohala Mountains, including Cycling in the Kohala Mountains, Hiking in the Kohala Mountains, and Running Trails in the Kohala Mountains. There are also guides for specific interests like family-friendly hikes and traffic-free bike rides.
Yes, the Kohala Mountains offer several road cycling routes. These routes often feature challenging climbs and scenic, winding roads. Detailed information on these routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes in the Kohala Mountains guide.
The Kohala Mountains region includes options for traffic-free bike rides, providing a more serene cycling experience. Cyclists can explore these routes for a quieter journey. Consult the Traffic-free bike rides in the Kohala Mountains guide for specific routes.
Many scenic roads and trails suitable for cycling and hiking in the Kohala Mountains also lend themselves well to jogging. These routes offer varied levels of challenge and beautiful backdrops. The Running Trails in the Kohala Mountains guide provides specific options.
The Kohala Mountains region is rich in historical significance. Visitors can explore Lapakahi State Historical Park, an ancient 600-year-old fishing village, and Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, an ancient Hawaiian temple built in 1791. Charming historic plantation towns like Hawi and Kapa'au also offer insights into the island's past.
The Kohala Mountains region is unique due to its status as the oldest of the five volcanoes forming the Big Island of Hawaii, its deep gorges carved by erosion, and its diverse ecosystems. It is also significant as the birthplace of King Kamehameha I and features well-preserved ancient Hawaiian settlements.

