Big Island Climbing

Hilo, 126 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720 | ★ 4.6 (51 Review)

📞 +1 808-491-2582

Activity

Rock climbing gym

About the Club

Hawaii Island's first indoor rock climbing gym. Bouldering! Liquid chalk no loose chalk please. Bring socks. Sign waiver ahead of time.

Levels for all starting at V0 going to V7. All day Kamai'ina rates are $10 for keiki and $15 for adults. Shoe rental is $3.

Photos

 Big Island Climbing
 Big Island Climbing
 Big Island Climbing
 Big Island Climbing
 Big Island Climbing

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Reviews

Jonas Steiger

★ 3

Winziger Raum mit wenigen Routen. Old School. Nette Betreuung.

Source: Google

Megan Politano

★ 5

Big Island Climbing is the best! We go every week and love that it is available to the community.

Source: Google

Adam Lehavi

★ 5

Great setting, kind staff, not crowded

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Via Matias

★ 5

Amazing to have a bouldering gym in Hilo! Nice variety for all levels of climbers. Great fun for the keiki on a dedicated wall. Bring your friends here and support local. They rent shoes, have snacks and water and sell gear as well!

Source: Google

Chad Cole

★ 5

Gym was closed for a re-set but they let me come in and use their hangboard. Nice folks!

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Leonardo Viotti

★ 5

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Tracey Ohta

★ 5

A fun, indoor activity with the family. Prices are reasonable for an all-day pass with in and out privileges. Friendly staff. I would highly recommend.

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Jason Obenchain

★ 5

Good fun! Great workout! Support local! It’s something different to do in Hilo! Safe and good instruction for first-timers.

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Adam Dolan

★ 5

Such an awesome atmosphere, great lines, well setup, owner is awesome and engaging. It’s small of course being on bayfront, but it’s super fun and if you like climbing or want to learn, it’s the best place around and a great spot to check out.

Source: Google

Marilyn Curry

★ 5

Wonderful asset for our Hilo community.

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RoxanaRhabarber

★ 4

Nice place but quite expensive. No lose chalk allowed and quite tideous form to fill out before you can get going

Source: Google

Andrew Young

★ 1

Unless you're dying to climb I wouldn't visit here. Not sure what the rest of these reviews are about. Owner was relatively removed, except to enforce liquid chalk only. The setting felt like a very poorly constructed spray wall, and the single wall is tiny. Despite having not climbed in a week I found very little of worth visiting here.

Edit: found reply insulting. I didn’t find the climbs hard, just awkward and painful. I won’t attempt to defend how strong I am, that’s pointless, as a gym shouldn’t your goal be for a majority of people to have a good time? Insulting. My review stands that this is by a long shot the worst gym I’ve ever been to.

Source: Google

William Ryan

★ 5

Great gym. Small (well, depending on your comparison point) but really makes use of the space. Traverse game fun warmup. Would recommend.

Source: Google

SquishyBlueCat

★ 5

My favorite place in pretty much all of Hilo, make some new friends, send routes, and get stronger as a climber! If you want to climb sometime hit me up 🤙

Source: Google

Levi Macklin

★ 5

From the moment I arrived at Big Island Climbing in Hilo, Hawaii, I knew I was in for a thrilling adventure. This place is not just a climbing facility; it's an experience that embodies the spirit of aloha and adventure wrapped in one. We have been here many times and will continue just the same!

The routes are meticulously designed, offering challenges for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. Whether you’re looking to conquer your fears, improve your skills, or simply have a great time, Big Island Climbing has something for everyone. The variety of walls and the scenic backdrop of Hawaii make every climb feel unique and exhilarating.

What truly sets Big Island Climbing apart, though, is the incredible warmth and professionalism of the owner and the staff. From the get-go, they make it clear that while fun is the main agenda, safety is paramount. The owner is not only passionate about climbing but also deeply committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. He is exceptionally nice, always ready with a tip to improve your climbing, or a friendly chat to make you feel welcome.

The emphasis on safety adds to the experience, as it allows climbers to push their limits without fear. The clear, concise safety instructions and well-maintained equipment mean that all you need to focus on is climbing to your heart's content.

Beyond climbing, the sense of community here is palpable. The owner has fostered an environment where everyone - staff and climbers - treats one another with respect and kindness. It's this atmosphere, combined with the stunning location and excellent facilities, that makes Big Island Climbing more than just a climbing gym; it's a place where memories are made.

In conclusion, my visit to Big Island Climbing was nothing short of amazing. The fun, the challenges, and the sheer beauty of climbing in Hawaii, coupled with the kindness and professionalism of the owner and staff, made for an unforgettable adventure. If you're ever in Hilo and looking for an experience that combines excitement with the aloha spirit, Big Island Climbing is the place to be. Five stars all the way!

Source: Google

Rattlesnake Jake

★ 2

Weird and small but hey it’s still climbing. And climbing is awesome

Source: Google

Lori Sutherland

★ 5

I didn't do the climbing but saw a number of people enjoying it. It certainly looked like a good workout. I did love all of Donna's wacky potholders. It was hard to chose. Quality work and definitely unique! They will make great gifts! 🥰

Source: Google

Shuchi Agrawal

★ 5

Very kind person. During our vacation to big island, we just walked into the store at 7:10 is.Store was closing at 8 and our daughter wanted to do it. We signed up for her but she did only for 10-15 and wanted to leave as was tired from whole day of touring. The owner gave us a free pass to use it some other day during our trip.
Grateful for his generosity 🙏

Source: Google

Odin Watson

★ 5

The owner was lovely!!!!!! So glad we came to try something new. We all enjoyed it.

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Val Parayno

★ 5

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Bhargava Mourya

★ 5

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Sherri Kolman

★ 5

This is my absolute favorite place to be!!! Whether you're looking to get a workout, a mental challenge or wanting to up your game to the next level attaining new mad skills, it all comes down to the amount of time you spend on the wall and there is no better place that will make that challenge interesting!!! It is a bouldering gym located in downtown Hilo up the hill from the beaten path. No ropes, no gear aside from your strength and ability to maneuver with a pair of climbing shoes and a bottle of LIQUID chalk. I would not recommend this for tiny tots under the age of 5 years. The focus alone is difficult for myself at 50😂 Routes change on a regular basis with a traverse challenge on an entirely separate wall. It's never too late to start something new:)

Source: Google

Aloha Babe

★ 1

First time going here. Our welcome started off very rudely from the owner. My sons tried to run on the mats and before I could grab them she felt the need to scold them, I was taken back, and had to respect her. Then again let me be the parent.
Instead of talking to me, she came off very delegating with demands. These are kids your talking to, I was the only adult in my group (ages 3,7,14). Plus, to them your a stranger!

The cost of climbing was not bad at all it was very decent considering you pay for the day. The rules of the place was very mind boggling considering the environment being presented to us during the little orientation, before the kids could climb.

Again coming from a safety background, there was so many things unsafe, lets list somethings below.

1. Its too hot for the type of activity (climbing)...I was standing and sweating like I was running a marathon.
2. The amount of plugs going into an extension bar from a limited supply source.
3. The fans are blowing dust and not enough air for the space size
4. Peoples sweat is falling on the mats and not once did she spray or disinfect it. I carry alcohol spray in my bag, but I didn't want to be dis-respectful.
5. The mats move, they are not secured, if someone falls, and someone accidentally moves the mats, the falling person could be injured.
6. I expected climbers to be on a safety harness in case they lose grip and fall. Basically you fall at your own risk.
7. The walls and the mats are filthy.

Overall, I let me kids enjoy them selves, of course watched them like a hawk to make sure they weren't in harms way. My rule to my kids was the second you think about falling, its time to climb down. Best believe they disinfected themselves before sitting in my car and when we got home they went straight to the showers.

This place is an activity for older kids, I wont spend monies for my 3 yr old to climb here all of 2ft anymore for 5-10minutes in total. The 2 other kids made it worth it. My little one I paid for him to roll on the mat. The main thing he had fun and that is all that really matters.

Source: Google

Stephen Taylor

★ 5

Cool place for some bouldering. The space is small but the setters work very hard to create many routes that are quite fun.

Source: Google

Jada 2 Legit

★ 5

Awesome, cozy rock climbing gym. Would go here again any day! Affordable rates and sweet staff. Went climbing here with my boyfriend, and we both loved it!

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Todd Glass

★ 3

My small kids love coming here. It’s a adequate small climb for our town. The owner doesn’t seem overly warm and inviting but nice enough.

Source: Google

Amyrenee Cooley

★ 5

such a fun bouldering spot. If you’re ever in Hilo you gotta check it out. The setting was good and they also have a traverse wall with a great training sequence. 10/10 recommend.

Source: Google

Clint Collins

★ 5

Fun and friendly.

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Michael Halls

★ 5

CLIMBING IS LIFE, CLIMBING IS LOVE!
All the staff working here are not only knowledgeable but caring & extremely helpful! To have the opportunity to climb here is such a treasure. The grades on routes on on point. The routes are creative and fun. It’s family friendly and helps keep everyone connecting an thriving in such a fun activity.

Source: Google

K Pacch

★ 5

Great bouldering gym

Source: Google

Ian R

★ 5

Fun place to boulder and the only probably on the east side of the island
Definitely a great thing to have when it's raining outside and nothing to do- go climb!
Very affordable price to climb for adults and keikis and shoe rental

Source: Google

John Smith

★ 4

Love this climbing gym! This place has become a gathering place for community members to come together and have fun. I would like to share some constructive criticisms because there is room for improvement. The routes seem to never change and this gets boring. I feel they are always promising the routes will change soon and then another 4 months goes by. Other large climbing gyms I have been to have way more routes to change but keep consistent with 4-6 week cycles or more. This climbing gym is tiny and could definitely be changed more often. In a year of climbing here, the entire gyms routes have probably changed about 2-3 times.

Another complaint is safety. The owners don't bother to keep the mats flush with the wall and sometimes there is a 4 inch gap which in an unlikely fall your feet could land on concrete. In other gyms, the seams between mats are covered for safety purposes. The black and brown mats are not to standard and poor quality and I have seen people get close to falling onto the concrete from the cave routes.

Source: Google

Quinn McDevitt

★ 5

Loved this gym. Owner was very nice, gym is clean. Route setting was really interesting and had good variety. Traverse wall is definitely a fun challenge. Great place to come climb if you're on the big island.

Source: Google

Vires

★ 5

Great climbing gym! We stopped by while on vacation and loved it! Some very creative routesetting given the limited space, with routes up to V6. Really glad they went with the colored holds instead of taping each hold for a route. Makes it much easier to read each route. If youre a beginner or looking for a fun activity this gym is perfect for you! I think it would be cool if this gym got a Kilter board but i imagine those are expensive.

Source: Google

Alan Zhu

★ 5

Nice, cozy gym with a range of cool, interesting problems, great for both beginners and advanced climbers! Stopped by with a couple friends during a visit to Hilo, and the owner was super nice and welcoming, she was even willing to let us climb a little extra past closing while we were waiting on a friend! If you're looking for a good climbing gym, definitely check this place out!

Source: Google

andy wong

★ 5

Great beginner place to boulder in Hilo. Small space but understandable since it just opened. Climbs were fun and challenging, although some of the routes were confusing/not well marked. Otherwise we had a great short session and the woman at the counter was super friendly!

Source: Google

Michael May

★ 5

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Nabrina Woelk

★ 4

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was there wasn't a real clear idea of how to climb. We just winged it and had a blast. Date night with the hubs.
I would say try it out at least once. We will go back for sure!

Source: Google

Glory N

★ 5

Great, family friendly indoor activity especially on rainy days. Free climbing without harnesses, space and instruction for kids to climb and gain interest/knowledge about climbing. Friendly and knowledgeable staff with very reasonable pricing!

Source: Google

Adam Sorensen

★ 5

Fantastic experience here - Donavan was super friendly and ready for some quick beta or a climbing story, depending on what you are asking for. Plenty of routes for beginner to intermediate - and the unique traverse challenge is fun no matter how strong of a climber you are.

Source: Google

Ryan Tascar

★ 5

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Hawaii Ski

★ 5

Came here with my kids to kill some time, and I ended up staying for hours. My kids loved it here. They had a chance to do VR, and a little bit of rock climbing. The owners Donna and Bradley are super helpful and very friendly. We had so much fun and we will definitely come back.

Source: Google

Brock Taylor

★ 5

Great service. Very kind.

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Thesecond Abe

★ 5

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Joshua Harkness

★ 5

After climbing in other gyms this is very well priced

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Lauren Overbay

★ 5

Great place for beginners and experience climbers to have some climbing fun!

Source: Google

Sierra Hazel

★ 5

Love climbing here with the community! Looking forward to seeing it grow and blossom!

Source: Google

KiefMeBoi

★ 5

Come here at least weekly, super friendly little community building up. It’s a small gym, but routes are frequently being changed. It’s a great workout, and one of the best spots to hang out in town when it’s raining.

Source: Google

Chris Tei

★ 5

Small gym but they use all the space they have. Routes were super fun and everyone was very friendly!

Source: Google

Davey. Butler

★ 5

Membership is only $45 and on launch day there were several fun routes up to around v5 (estimate). Staff was friendly. There is no hang board or campus so if you are a very strong climber visiting the island you might not find many really hard boulders (5/26/2021).
One rule that wasn’t stated was you need to use liquid chalk. They sell this at the front desk and had tester bottles for us to use.

Source: Google

Eli Katzman

★ 5

This place is amazing! Very fun, and family friendly. Can’t wait to come back!

Source: Google