Kaʻū Desert Trail (Portion of trail open during no eruptive activity)

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

moderate

Length: 5.5 mi

Est. time: 2h 12m

Gain: 830 ft

Loss: 0 ft

Max elev: 3,840 ft

Point-to-pointNativehike

Elevation profile

+830 ft gain · −0 ft loss — an estimate from a DEM.

Trailhead & logistics

Kulanaokuaiki (Campground)

Build a loop

Connects to:

Mauna Iki Trail Kaʻū Desert Trail

Connect the dots

Learn:

Activities for Home - Dark Skies Ages and Stages: The Life of a Hawaiian Volcano Hard Core Rock Hawaiian Islands: Born of Fire Hulihia Kīlauea – a Complete Change part 1, pre-field trip classroom activities Hulihia Kīlauea – a Complete Change part 2, A field trip to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or other outdoor area

Journeys:

George W. C. Jones Mark Twain in Hawaiʻi Prince Kūhiō Charles Wilber Rogan

Plan smart, verify on site

Length, elevation, and difficulty are estimates derived from open data (NPS Public Trails GIS, medium 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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