Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Halemaʻumaʻu Trail
HIKING
This trail has been closed since 2008, except for short portions along the rim, noted for
their ohia forest. Too bad, as it is an extremely rewarding 7-mile loop. Unfortunately Pele
is going to have to calm down quite a bit before the trail reopens.
Crater Rim Trail
HIKING
(Keanakākoʻi Trail)
This 11.5-mile trek circles the summit, running roughly parallel to
Crater Rim Drive, but large portions of the trail have been closed since 2008. An excep-
tion is a 0.7mi section from Chain of Craters Rd just north of Lua Manu Crater, which
culminates at the south side of Keanakakoʻi Crater (hence its informal name, Keana-
kakoʻi Trail).
It's short, but winds through native forest along the flows of 1974, where you'll find
lava molds, and offers an abundance of views, including the great plume of Hale-
ma'uma'u rising in the distance.
Mauna Iki Trail
HIKING
For solitude in a mesmerizing lava landscape, take this trail into the
Kaʻu Desert
, but
start from the north, along what is sometimes labeled the Footprints Trail. From this ap-
proach the trailhead access is easier, your initial commitment is low and variations allow
great extensions of your route.
This hike can be an easy 3.5-mile sampling, a moderate 7- to 8-mile afternoon or an
18-mile overnight backpack. However, the trail from the Jaggar Museum to the trailhead
at Hwy 11 was closed at the time of research due to Halemaʻumaʻu's current eruption.
On Hwy 11 between mile markers 37 and 38, look for the Kaʻu Desert Trailhead park-
ing area. Start early, as midday can be brutally hot and dry. Initially the trail is very clear,
level and partly paved, threading through sand-covered
pahoehoe
flows. In 20 minutes
you reach a structure protecting ancient footprints preserved in hardened ash; more foot-
prints exist in the surrounding rock. As the story goes, in 1790 the army of Hawaiian
chief Keoua was retreating from a battle against Kamehameha when a rare explosive
eruption buried a group of his soldiers, changing the course of island history.
Past here, the trail is marked by easy-to-follow cairns. As you gradually ascend, views
expand, with gentle giant Mauna Loa behind and the immense Kaʻu Desert in front.
After 1.8 miles you crest the rise at Mauna Iki (and the trail junction) and stand likely
alone in the middle of a vast lava field.
From here, backpackers will turn right, following the Kaʻu Desert Trail over 7 miles to
Pepeiao Cabin. Day hikers can turn left, following the Kaʻu Desert Trail for 0.7 miles to
the junction with the official Mauna Iki Trail, which runs another 6.3 miles to Hilina Pali
