Muliwai Trail to Waimanu Valley, Big Island, Hawaii

The Muliwai Trail connects Waipio Valley to Waimanu Valley on the Big Island — around 8 miles of rainforest hiking with around 12 switchbacks, helicopter landing pads with distance markers, and a shelter near the Waimanu drop-in point. The trail starts with a steep hour of dried mud hiking before entering a lush Midwestern-looking forest with abundant pine groves that transition into rainforest.

Once you pass around 12 switchbacks you should be close to Waimanu Valley — then 1,200ft of elevation loss and 0.9 miles of steep muddy trail to the valley floor. The last segment is especially slippery from bark shed on the trail. Highly recommend trekking poles. Bring a water filter — there are refill opportunities along the trail. This trail is very easy to follow without a map.