This is the second time making the hike. First time was solo. This time I was joined by my wife. I'm 49 years old and in pretty good shape for my age. The hike was much easier for me than 4 years ago due to being able to work out this year. Last time I was coming off a knee injury. It still is not an easy hike. The downhill is more difficult than the return climb. It is shaded for about the first half of the hike. The rest has no shade. It took us about an hour each way but we stopped for pictures/video a few times. The snorkeling at the end is great. I saw a pretty large eel but no dolphins. Beware that there are a lot of loose rocks. It would be very easy to injure a knee or ankle on the rocks. A majority of the hike is over loose terrain. It is a steady decline/incline with pretty much no flat stretches. I worked at the IRONMAN triathlon from 7am to 1 pm the day of our hike so we didn't start until after 2. The heat was fine for us but may not be for others. Take plenty of water and a pair of dry shorts for after you swim. I saw people into their 60's that were making the hike with frequent breaks. We also saw people not make it. It's worth it though

The snorkeling here is great. We took a tour in a boat from up the coast rather than make the long hike down. Lots of coral, lots of underwater formations, lots of sea life, clear and peaceful water. We saw lots of fish, including puffers, morays, parrot fish, clown fish, trumpet fish, trigger fish, and lots of sea urchins. Highly recommend.

Parked at trail head and hiked down. Approximately 2 miles one way. Fairly steep all the way down. Do not hike unless you are fit. Fairly rigorous. Take plenty of water, minimum three to four bottles per. Absolutely the best snorkeling on the big island. Worth the hike. No facilities at top or bottom

My watch clocked 101 floors on a way up. This requires some cardio fitness and strong quads. We are an active couple 62 and 72 years old. I would say it is a moderately difficult trail. My advice is to pick a cloudy day and start early to avoid hiking when the UV index is the highest. Wear good shoes and watch your step especially during the first part of the hike when it is very hard to see where you are stepping as the trail is overgrown with grass. There are loose rocks and stepping on one can make you loose your balance. The views from the trail are beautiful. We came just for the hike but saw number of tour boats there and people snorkeling. It was bizarre to see some people put chairs and towels right in front of the Captain Cook monument. He must be turning over in his grave.. Take plenty of water and some food if you are planning to stay in the bay for a while. BTW - there are no restrooms there.

Our family loved our few hours snorkeling here!! We got to this area via people power - we kayak’ed through a local company along with a guide. I don’t think I’d ever seen such a variety of sea life in one small spot. Just incredible. As a side benefit, our guide gave us some historical background on the cliffs and structures in the area. What an afternoon!!