Hawaii's Hidden Gem Recreation Area Offers An Incredible Nature Experience With Diverse Wildlife

From cascading waterfalls in lush rainforests and volcanic mountaintops rising above the clouds to pristine beaches renowned for their beauty, the scenic landscapes scattered throughout the Hawaiian islands are unrivaled. With so much nature in abundance, it's often hard to know where to start. Should you go for a hike or lounge on the sand? Swim in the ocean or underneath a waterfall? The options are endless, and one of the best parts of all is that immersing yourself in these beautiful natural scenes often comes without a price tag.

While each of Hawaii's eight major islands has something wonderful to offer, the Big Island of Hawaii is particularly known for its diverse terrain. In 1978, the Mauna Loa Observatory commemorated its 20th anniversary with the release of a book that featured a climate study by scientists from the University of Hawaii. Using the Koppen-Geiger climate classification system, they determined that the island is one of the most diverse places in the world, home to four of the five global climate groups and 10 of the 14 subgroups. From humid tropical and arid spaces to the periglacial climate at the top of the Mauna Kea volcano, travelers can explore a vast assortment of landscapes in only 4,028 square miles.

As you put your perfect Hawaiian itinerary together, consider a visit to Kalopa State Recreation Area. Tucked away off the beaten path, this hidden gem—free to visit—offers serene trails, a rich bounty of botanicals, abundant wildlife, and even some historical significance.

Nestled not far from the vibrant village of Honoka'a, a small town once known for its connection to the island's sugar industry, Kalopa State Recreation Area lies around 2,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Located in a continuously wet, warm temperate climate zone, the park enjoys ample rainfall, allowing flora to flourish. In fact, many of the plants found here date back to before the Polynesians laid roots on the island.

Explore well-maintained trails under an ancient canopy of towering ʻōhiʻa trees. The Kalopa Nature Trail is less than a mile, making it ideal for all travelers. At the start of the loop, grab a guidebook to help you identify the plant species you'll find along the path. Some native flora you're sure to encounter include vibrant palapalai and hāpuʻu pulu ferns, the flowering ʻūlei, and kōpiko, a member of the coffee family.

In addition to the nature loop, visitors can wander the lush arboretum, filled with native trees, including some with rare small white hibiscus flowers found only in Hawaii, or uncover a Polynesian garden with a collection of "canoe plants" brought to the islands by boat when settlers first arrived. These range from sugarcane and banana trees to traditional ti and taro. Kalopa State Recreation Area also offers rustic, eight-person cabins for overnight lodging and backs up against the Hāmākua Forest Reserve, with additional trails connecting the two spaces.

Along with the stunning plant life found in the Kalopa State Recreation Area rainforest, visitors may be treated to wildlife sightings throughout their visit. While there aren't many native animals in the park, it is home to several non-indigenous species, such as mongoose, wallabies, wild pigs, and both mule and spotted chital deer. The latter were introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800s, gifted to King Kamehameha V by Hong Kong.

The true draw for animal enthusiasts is the park's stellar birdwatching. Both native and migratory species bring the forest to life with birdsong, color, and movement. Spot the dazzling red ʻapapane, distinctive warbling white-eye, robin-like ʻōmaʻo, lyrical 'elepaio, and both the northern and yellow-billed cardinal, as well as wild turkeys, Hawaiian hawks, kalij pheasants, and more, all drawn to the verdant sanctuary.

On Hawaii's Big Island, the lush 'Iao Valley State Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Akaka Falls State Park are arguably the headline attractions. However, Kalopa State Recreation Area and the adjacent Hāmākua Forest Reserve offer a more intimate, secluded experience without the crowds, ensuring a better chance to spot wildlife in a tranquil setting. It doesn't get much better than that.