We’re about 2,000 feet shy of the 13,800-foot peak of Hawaii’s Maunakea volcano, the world’s tallest mountain, when my hiking partner Ashley starts to lose it.

A study found two of Hawaii’s mountains on the top 10 list for Best Mountain Climbing Destinations in the United States.

The island is, well, big. First thing you should understand is that the Big Island is much bigger than the other Islands. While it is possible to drive a complete circle around the island in one ...