Mountain View, Hawaii, is a peaceful gateway to Big Island’s volcanic wonders and lush forests. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers seeking authentic experiences amid lava flows, native birds, and tropical landscapes.
Mountain View, Hawaii, is a peaceful gateway to Big Island’s volcanic wonders and lush forests. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers seeking authentic experiences amid lava flows, native birds, and tropical landscapes.
Outdoor Adventure in Mountain View, Hawaii
Nestled on the eastern flank of Hawaii Island, Mountain View offers travelers a peaceful and authentic Hawaiian experience surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush tropical forests. This small town is the perfect basecamp for adventurers eager to explore the Big Island's natural wonders with fewer crowds.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Mountain View, Hawaii special.
★ 7.8⌖ 9.48 milesExplore the Kaumana Caves near Hilo, Hawaii. This lava tube, formed in 1881, offers an adventurous unlit exploration. Be prepared for uneven ground and low ceilings. Drive-in access and open year-round.
★ 7.9⌖ 11.50 milesModerateWai'ale Falls near Hilo, Hawaii offers scenic waterfall views amid tropical forest. Moderate hiking trails lead to viewpoints and natural swimming pools. Best visited mornings or late afternoons for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
★ 8.6⌖ 11.54 milesModerateExplore Wailuku River State Park near Hilo, Hawaii, featuring Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots. Suitable for moderate hiking, this scenic spot is ideal for sightseeing and picnicking, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Best visited year-round.
★ 8.7⌖ 11.58 milesEasyVisit Rainbow Falls in Hilo, HI, an easily accessible and stunning waterfall famous for its morning rainbows. Part of Wailuku River State Park, it's a great spot for family-friendly sightseeing and photography.
★ 4.5⌖ 11.60 milesEasyWailoa River State Recreation Area in Hilo offers easy riverfront walking paths and shaded picnic spots. Ideal for birdwatching and fishing, this peaceful park blends cultural heritage with natural beauty and provides a quiet outdoor retreat close to town.
★ 8.5⌖ 11.75 milesVisit Waiale Falls near Hilo, Hawaii for stunning waterfalls and serene swimming spots. Enjoy easy access, tranquil surroundings, and hiking opportunities. Ideal for families and photographers with clear waters and lush greenery all year.
★ 8.8⌖ 12.00 milesExperience waterfall rappelling at Kulaniapia Falls near Hilo, Hawaii. Descend a 120-foot waterfall with guidance and gear provided. Suitable for adventure seekers, this activity offers private access and is best enjoyed year-round.
★ 8.8⌖ 12.77 milesModerateExplore Kīlauea Iki Trailhead near Pāhoa, HI on a 4-mile moderate loop crossing volcanic crater floor. Enjoy hiking, volcanic photography, and ranger tours. Accessible by car with great views of lava fields and native forest in Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park.
★ 7.5⌖ 12.91 milesExplore the sun-kissed shores of Hawaiian Beaches on the Big Island. Known for snorkeling at Waiopae Tidepools and hiking the Puna Trail. Enjoy volcano views at nearby Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Suitable for adventure seekers and those seeking tranquility.
★ 8.7⌖ 13.29 milesExplore the caves of Mauna Loa near Hilo, Hawaii. With guided tours through unique lava tube formations, this adventure suits the adventurous spirit. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, accessible by car with no permit required.
★ 8.5⌖ 13.74 milesEasyExplore Devastation Trail in Volcano, Hawaii, a 1-mile easy hike through volcanic cinders and steam vents. Ideal for families, with unique scenery and rich in geological history.
★ 8.2⌖ 14.10 milesExplore Honoli'i Beach Park near Hilo, Hawaii. This spot is perfect for surfing with its consistent waves and stunning coastal views. Ideal for adventure seekers, the park provides a picturesque setting for photography and relaxation.
Discover the top 15 adventure activities and curated experiences in Mountain View, Hawaii, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Mountain View, Hawaii.
⌖ 0.0 miA guided, two-hour UTV outing from Ohana Ranch that takes families and first-timers across pastures, jungle trails and splash-ready mud tracks—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 0.0 miA hands-on, family-friendly farm visit in Mountain View where visitors bottle-feed, pet and photograph playful baby goats — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 0.0 miA compact, guided tour that walks you across a working Big Island coffee farm — plant a tree, ride farm trails with a local guide, roast beans, and taste freshly roasted Hawaiian coffee.
Sammy's Aloha Watersports offers equipment-only rentals for surf, stand-up paddle, kiteboarding and windsurfing in Hawaii; this guide explains what that rental experience looks like and how to plan for it.
⌖ 14.8 miA fully private, customizable day tour from Kona that visits black-sand beaches, Hilo highlights and Volcanoes National Park; this guide explains what to expect and which stops are included.
⌖ 53.5 miA 6-hour outing that moves from the sacred stones of Pu‘ukoholā Heiau through rolling paniolo ranchlands to a hearty Hawaiian cowboy BBQ—useful for planning timing, gear, and expectations.
⌖ 53.5 miAn 8–10 hour guided bus tour from your pickup address that pairs Punaluu Bakery with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a waterfall visit.
⌖ 22.1 miA full-day Hilo bus tour that pairs a short rainforest walk to the 442-foot ʻAkaka Falls with guided Hilo Discovery stops and a self-guided visit through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park — this guide explains what to expect and how the day unfolds.
⌖ 51.2 miA two-hour night snorkel departing Honokohau Marina that brings you into the plankton-lit feeding grounds of Hawaii’s manta rays — the operator provides snorkel gear, flotation and hot cocoa.
⌖ 6.5 miRent a four-door Jeep Rubicon from Kona Jeep to explore Pāhoa’s backcountry in a roomy, fully equipped vehicle — rentals are sold in 24-hour days with return at the same time as pickup.
⌖ 12.9 miA private, 4.5-hour guided hike from Devastation Parking Lot that crosses the 1959 Kilauea Iki lava lake, looks into Halemaumau Crater and explores the Nahuku Lava Tube—an essential, concise field guide for visitors to Volcanoes National Park.
⌖ 10.8 miA fully customized, shoreline fishing experience in Hilo that blends local knowledge, Hawaiian cultural context, and a relaxed pace—best reserved by direct inquiry with the operator.
⌖ 10.8 miA six-hour, guided exploration of Hilo’s landmarks — from Rainbow and Akaka Falls to downtown and Liliʻuokalani Gardens — that frames place through history and local knowledge.
⌖ 6.6 miA relaxed, 6-hour guided sightseeing circuit from Hilo that visits Liliuokalani Gardens, downtown markets, Rainbow and Akaka Falls, and Big Island Candies—useful for planning a gentle, full-day introduction to East Hawaiʻi.
⌖ 6.6 miA fully customizable private tour from Keaau with a dedicated local guide and luxury transport; this guide explains what you can include, how the day flows, and practical booking details.
Make the most of your visit to Mountain View, Hawaii with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Mountain View, Hawaii is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Prepare for variable weather; bring rain gear for forest hikes.
Check volcanic activity updates before exploring nearby Volcanoes National Park.
Fuel and supplies options are limited in town; stock up in Hilo or Pāhoa.
Respect local wildlife and stay on designated trails.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Mountain View, Hawaii. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.
