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Kaʻū Desert Trail

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

·

strenuous

Length: 14.06 mi

Est. time: 5h 48m

Gain: 2,181 ft

Loss: 408 ft

Max elev: 3,046 ft

NetworkTrail class 3Nativehike

Elevation profile

+2,181 ft gain · −408 ft loss — an estimate from a DEM.

Trailhead & logistics

Trailhead parking (Place)

Kulanaokuaiki (Campground)

Build a loop

Connects to:

Mauna Iki TrailKaʻū Desert Trail (Portion of trail open during no eruptive activity)Hilina Pali TrailKa'aha Trail

Connect the dots

Learn:

Activities for Home - Dark SkiesAges and Stages: The Life of a Hawaiian VolcanoHard Core RockHawaiian Islands: Born of FireHulihia Kīlauea – a Complete Change part 1, pre-field trip classroom activitiesHulihia Kīlauea – a Complete Change part 2, A field trip to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or other outdoor area

Journeys:

George W. C. JonesMark Twain in HawaiʻiPrince KūhiōCharles Wilber Rogan

Plan smart, verify on site

Length, elevation, and difficulty are estimates derived from open data (NPS Public Trails GIS, high confidence) — not a safety guarantee. Conditions change; check current closures, weather, and water, and carry the essentials. Always defer to NPS.gov and park rangers.

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