Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
water isn't as close as it looks and only those prepared for a backcountry trek can reach
it.
Mauna Ulu LANDMARK
In 1969 eruptions from Kilauea's east rift began building a new lava shield , which even-
tually rose 400ft above its surroundings; it was named Mauna Ulu (Growing Mountain).
By the time the flow stopped in 1974, it had covered 10,000 acres of parkland and added
200 acres of new land to the coast.
It also buried a 12-mile section of Chain of Craters Rd in lava up to 300ft deep. A
half-mile portion of the old road survives, and you can follow it to the lava flow by tak-
ing the turnoff on the left, 3.5 miles down Chain of Craters Rd. Just beyond this is
Mauna Ulu itself.
The easy Puʻu Huluhulu Overlook Trail, an easy 2.5-mile round-trip hike, begins at
the parking area (which is also the trailhead for Napau Crater Trail). The overlook trail
ends at the top of a 150ft cinder cone, Puʻu Huluhulu , which is like a crow's nest on a
clear day: the vista nets Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Puʻu ʻOʻo vent, Kilauea, the East Rift
Zone and the ocean beyond. Just before you is the steamy teacup of Mauna Ulu crater. To
venture beyond the overlook and on to Napau Crater requires a free backcountry permit
from the Visitor Emergency Operations Center.
Kealakomo VIEWPOINT
About halfway along the road is this coastal lookout with picnic tables and commanding
views. The alternative trailhead for the Naulu Trail is across the road. After Kealakomo
the road descends in long, sweeping switchbacks, some deeply cut through lava flows.
Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs HISTORICAL SITE
The gentle Puʻu Loa Trail leads, after less than a mile, to the largest concentration of an-
cient petroglyphs in the state. Here early Hawaiians chiseled more than 23,000 drawings
into pahoehoe lava with adze tools quarried from Keanakākoʻi.
There are abstract designs and animal and human figures, as well as thousands of
dimpled depressions (or cupules) that were receptacles for umbilical cords. The practice
was meant to bestow health and longevity on a child. The parking area and trailhead are
signed between mile markers 16 and 17. At the site, stay on the boardwalk at all times -
not all of the petroglyphs are obvious, and you are likely to trample (and damage) some
if you walk over the rocks.
Holei Sea Arch LANDMARK
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