The Hawaiian Islands are not only home to magnificent beaches, but world-class hiking as well. And with near-perfect summer weather year-round, there’s nowhere better to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails than our beautiful islands. And while we love coastal trails and waterfall hikes as much as the next person, today, we’re heading off the beaten path to a little-known trail that’s unlike any other you’ll find in the Aloha State. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Lace up those hiking boots, because we’re headed to Mauna Ulu.
As the youngest Hawaiian Island, the Big Island is not only home to an active volcano, but various volcanic formations sure to impress, from lava tubes and rugged lava coastlines to lava trees and cinder cones. The hike to Puu Huluhulu is no exception.
Andres Kroboth/AllTrails
Situated between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea where the Mauna Kea Access Road intersects with the Saddle Road, Pu’u Huluhulu is a forested cinder cone, or volcanic hill, covered with vegetation and surrounded by younger lava flow.
Bill Watson/AllTrails
Translating to “hairy hill” in the Hawaiian language, the 1-mile Puu Huluhulu Trail takes hikers on a journey through a protected natural area sure to leave you speechless.
Bill Watson/AllTrails
Not only will you find native Hawaiian trees, but a variety of native birds call this cinder cone home.
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
As you climb 210 feet to the top of Pu’u Huluhulu, you’ll walk by lava tree molds, view Mauna Ulu’s steaming shield, and experience a volcanic landscape that was formed as a result of the 1969-1974 Mauna Ulu flow.
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
On a clear day, the panoramic, 360-degree view from the summit will allow you to see Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and the Pacific Ocean. Don’t forget your camera!
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
Just over a mile in length, most of this route is easy, though hikers will encounter a steep, quarter-mile path up the Puu Huluhulu cinder cone.
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
The lava rock can be sharp, so we suggest wearing hiking boots and bringing some water. The koa leaves that blanket the trail are slippery when wet, so it’s best to avoid this trail during or after rain.
Andrew Pietruk/alltrails.com
So, what are you waiting for? Puu Huluhulu is not only an excellent spot for a picnic, but it’s a wonderful place to stop and acclimate yourself to the elevation before continuing on to the summit of Mauna Kea.
Andrew Pietruk/AllTrails
The Pu’u Huluhulu Trailhead is located at the intersection of Saddle Road and the Mauna Kea Access Road on Hawaii Island. For more information, head on over to AllTrails or visit the National Park Service website.
Andres Kroboth/AllTrails
Bill Watson/AllTrails
Gary Tindall/AllTrails
Andrew Pietruk/alltrails.com
Andrew Pietruk/AllTrails
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