Dr. Hugh Montgomery, Owner and President of Hawaiian Walkways, is a perpetual hiker and an enthusiastic student of Hawai’i nei. In his nearly four decades as resident of the island of Hawai’i, he has received national recognition for his advocacy on behalf of its ancient and historic trails, testifying before the U.S. Congress regarding the establishment of Hawai’i's first and only National (Historic) Trail, the Alakahakai. He directed a project, “Hike the Alakahakai,” selected by the American Hiking Society as one of 10 award winners from 1,000 National Trails Day events in 1993. He’s served on the board of several local environmental organizations, such as the trails group, E Mau Na Ala Hele, as well as the Hawai’i Ecotourism Association and the Hawai’i Natural History Association. At the local branch of the University of Hawai`i Hugh has taught several popular courses including “Hiking into History,” “The Natural History of Hawai`i” and “Fitness through Hiking Hamakua.”
Kaulana , now retired from directing the Company, has brought to Hawaiian Walkways’ offerings knowledge and understanding stemming from her extensive immersion in the traditional culture of Hawai`i as haumana (student) of two prominent kumu hula (teachers of hula), Roselle Bailey and Michael Pili Pang.
Our Guided Hiking Tours
Hawaiian Walkways guides are highly skilled, thoroughly trained, and will take care to match your interests and abilities with our varied itineraries. Offering the convenience of our experience with arrangements, equipment and routes, we provide a satisfying sense of connection with nature and with Hawai’i's lore. We do scheduled tours with a variety of hiking routes. We often arrange Exclusive and Personal Tours to meet the particular preferences of hikers, too, designed specifically for those who want something other than the Classic trips.
Guided Hikes Exploring the Beauty, History and Mystery of the “Big Island” of Hawai`i
Our hikes take you close-up to the beauty and power of Hawai’i's most striking places, with great respect for the environment and the cultures of the past and present. We provide reliable support for your adventure with engaging interpretation of natural features and the historical significance of Hawai’i as few are privileged to experience it. Hawaiian Walkways is the means for travelers to experience the magic of Hawai’i nei (Hawai’i nei: an affectionate way of talking about Hawai’i–”this special place”) in a low-impact, enjoyable and appreciative way.
We will take you to places that are so beautiful and grand they take your breath away; give an understanding of the Island and its people that will help you feel enriched; and share an appreciation of the interplay of sea (kai), land (‘aina) and life (ola) unique to Hawai’i.
Our hiking eco-tours take you close-up to the beauty and power of Hawai’i's hidden corners where you will hear the fantastic stories of how…
• The first islands came into being 75,000,000 years ago
• Some 250 plants, 9 or 10 forest birds, 500 insects and two lonely mammals found their way over millions of years to the volcanic mountain-tops in the middle of the earth’s largest ocean
• Humans got here to shape the land and be shaped by it
• Cultural worlds collided when James Cook stumbled upon the Islands
• Kamehameha the Great, the Warrior King, was able to bridge the two cultures with his brilliance and pragmatism,
• And hear the special stories connected with each place we explore on our hikes
To create and sustain a company of enthusiastic workers; one that contributes to our local economy, makes a positive impact on the environment, affords an enjoyable and stimulating experience for guests, and one that arouses in them, wherever they are — at home or journeying — an appreciation for the power and fragility of nature and human dependence upon it, using Hawai’i's amazing convergence of global natural forces as the touchstone for doing so.
“You are a pro! Thanks for the lovely tour of an island you obviously love. Keep up the good work.”
- Brett & Deana, Indiana