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Hawai'i Volcanoes National ParkHiking to Mauna Loa's summit
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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Day Hike - Puu Huluhulu

Pu'u Huluhulu

The trail crosses 1973 and 1974 lava flows, through kipuka, past lava trees, and climbs 150 feet to the summit of Pu'u Huluhulu. On a clear day, you can see Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Pu'u 'O'o and the Pacific Ocean.

Of interest: Pahoehoe lava, kipuka, lava trees, cinder cone, lava shield, pioneer plants, and panoramic vista.

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance and hiking time: 3 miles roundtrip, 2 hours
  • Distance from Visitor Center to trailhead: 8 miles/25 minutes. The trail begins at the Mauna Ulu parking area on the Chain of Craters Road.
  • Bring water and snacks.
  • Prepare for hot and dry or wet and windy weather.
  • Follow the ahu (rock piles) over the lava flows.
  • Sulfur fumes may be strong on some days.
 
Baby Hawksbill Sea Turtle emerges from its nest.  

Did You Know?
The endangered Honu`ea (Hawksbill Sea Turtle) comes to shore on the main Hawaiian Islands to nest. They lay multiple nests throughout the season with an average of 175 eggs per nest. Only one in 5,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood.

Last Updated: January 28, 2008 at 20:37 EST