The best walks and hikes in KaʻŪ Forest Reserve
5.0
(7)
36
hikers
11
hikes
Hikes in Kaʻū Forest Reserve explore the southeastern slopes of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaiʻi. The terrain is defined by its volcanic geology, featuring routes that cross lava flows, open grasslands, and native koa and ʻōhiʻa forests. Many of the marked hiking trails are located within the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a former cattle ranch now managed for conservation and recreation.
Best hiking trails in KaʻŪ Forest Reserve
- The most popular hiking route is Kona…
Last updated: October 4, 2026
5.0
(3)
12
hikers
7.56km
02:27
340m
340m
The Pit Crater Trail offers a fascinating journey into a preserved ancient Hawaiian rainforest, hidden within a collapsed pit crater. As you hike, you'll move through green pastureland and woodland…
5.0
(2)
6
hikers
4.41km
01:12
70m
70m
The Pu'u o Lokuana Trail offers a captivating and easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike through a landscape shaped by both volcanic activity and human history. With only 224 feet (68…
2
hikers
11.5km
03:23
330m
330m
The Kona Trail Loop is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Big Island, offering a diverse landscape that feels both wild and accessible. You'll…
11.6km
03:24
340m
340m
The Glover Trail Loop — Kahuku Unit offers a rewarding moderate hike, guiding you through a landscape punctuated by unique natural features. You'll pass an Ancient Ōhiʻa Tree, a significant…
6
hikers
9.27km
02:47
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around KaʻŪ Forest Reserve
Tips from the Community
Great path, which is easy to walk on and you can walk side by side
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There is a nice picnic table with an amazing view of the surrounding forest reserve. This area was acquired by purchasing a large portion of a cattle farm. The area is still being developed, but most of the trails and view here are ready to go!
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Reaching Kamakapa‘a peak is a relatively easy run thanks to the flat terrain. At the summit, take in sweeping views encompassing the expansive breadth of lower Kaʻū, an exceptional panorama as your reward for the moderate ascent.
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This spur trail leads towards the Lava Flow of 1926 and deposits runners at the base of an old Ōhiʻa tree. Ōhiʻa trees are native to Hawai'i and form an important part of Hawai'ian history and culture. Its famous flowers come in shades of white, yellow, and red. The Ōhiʻa tree is a keystone species in Hawai'ian rainforests, and has evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in harsh volcanic conditions amongst sulfuric gasses. Recently Ōhiʻa trees have been in danger from fungal diseases termed Rapid Ōhiʻa Death (R.O.D.). This is why visitors are asked to disinfect their boots before entering the northern region of the Kahuku Unit.
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This spur trail leads towards the Lava Flow of 1926 and deposits hikers at the base of an old Ōhiʻa tree. Ōhiʻa trees are native to Hawai'i and form an important part of Hawai'ian history and culture. Its famous flowers come in shades of white, yellow, and red. The Ōhiʻa tree is a keystone species in Hawai'ian rainforests, and has evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in harsh volcanic conditions amongst sulfuric gasses. Recently Ōhiʻa trees have been in danger from fungal diseases termed Rapid Ōhiʻa Death (R.O.D.). This is why visitors are asked to disinfect their boots before entering the northern region of the Kahuku Unit.
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The R.O.D. gate is currently the northernmost parking area in the Kahuku Unit. Here visitors must disinfect their boots to avoid spreading Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (a disease that affects the native ʻŌhiʻa trees) within the park. All routes to the Kona Trail and Glover Trails start here with a 1.2 mile walk up the R.O.D. road. The ridgeline Pali o Ka‘eo Trail (which provides views of the coast, and Pit Crater Trail to the Forested Pit Crater are also accessible to the east of the gate.
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The Kona Trail takes hikers through pastures that used to be part of the Kahuku ranch. Before cowboy culture was popularized in the western U.S., Hawaiian cowboys called Paniolo wrangled cattle across Hawai'i. Cattle were introduced to Hawai'i in 1793 and rapidly grew out of hand, eating the thatch roofs off of villages and destroying fields of crops. From the mid-1800s through 2003 when the Kahuku Unit was annexed to the park, Kahuku ranch trained capable paniolo who battled the volcano and demands of the landscape to make a living.
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The 250 foot high walls of the Forested Pit Crater have protected the flora and fauna within from ecological changes caused by ranching in Kahuku. The crater is a time capsule of the natural landscape, and harbors many unique endangered species.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike in the Kaʻū Forest Reserve area?
For the main hiking trails located within the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, no special permits are required for day hiking. Access is generally open during park hours. However, the broader Kaʻū Forest Reserve is managed separately for conservation and other uses like hunting, which may require permits. For the most current trail access information, it's best to check the official Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website.
How do I get to the Kahuku Unit and is there parking?
The Kahuku Unit is located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 between mile markers 70 and 71. There is no public transport to the entrance. You will need a car to get there. Once you enter, there is a designated visitor parking area near the start of the main trails.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Yes, the area offers several easier options. The Pu‘u o Lokuana Cinder Cone Trail Loop is a great choice, offering a relatively short walk with rewarding views from the top of a cinder cone. The Kamakapaʻa Trail is another easy 0.5-mile walk through meadows, perfect for a quick outing with panoramic views.
What is the landscape like on the trails?
Hiking here takes you through a unique mix of environments shaped by Mauna Loa. Expect to see historic ranch pastures, native forests of koa and ʻōhiʻa trees, and dramatic volcanic features like cinder cones and old lava flows. The terrain is a testament to the area's past as both a cattle ranch and an active volcanic zone.
Are there any circular walks or loop trails?
Many of the popular trails are loops that start and end at the main trailhead. The Kona Trail Loop is a longer loop that follows old ranch roads through varied scenery. For a more moderate option, the Glover Trail also offers a satisfying circular route through pastureland and forest.
What kind of wildlife can I see?
The Kahuku Unit is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for native forest birds like the ʻapapane, ʻamakihi, and ʻelepaio. You might also spot the Hawaiian hawk, or ʻio, soaring overhead. The forests are vital habitats for these endemic species.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in the Kahuku Unit?
No, pets are not permitted on any of the trails within the Kahuku Unit. This policy is in place to protect the sensitive native ecosystems and wildlife, including ground-nesting birds.
Can I go camping in the Kaʻū Forest Reserve or Kahuku Unit?
No, there is no camping of any kind permitted within the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. All hiking trails in this area are for day use only.
Are there any waterfalls in this area?
The trails in the Kahuku Unit are located on the drier, leeward slopes of Mauna Loa and are not known for waterfalls. The landscape is characterized more by its volcanic features, forests, and panoramic views rather than streams or waterfalls.
What makes the Forested Pit Crater hike special?
The hike to the Forested Pit Crater is a strenuous but rewarding journey. Its main highlight is the destination: the rim of a massive pit crater. Peering inside, you can see a pristine, isolated rainforest that has thrived within the crater's protected walls, offering a glimpse into a unique, self-contained ecosystem.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Kaʻū Forest Reserve?
The trails are very highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning volcanic landscapes, and the peaceful atmosphere away from the larger crowds of the main park.
What should I bring for a hike in the Kahuku Unit?
Be prepared for changing weather. Essential items include:
Sturdy footwear: Trails cross uneven lava rock.
Water and snacks: There are no food or water facilities available.
Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are crucial as much of the hiking is exposed.
Rain gear: Rain can move in quickly at this elevation.
Most popular routes in KaʻŪ Forest Reserve
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