A rolling, pastoral landscape on the slopes of the largest volcano on the planet
Located on the volatile shoulders of Mauna Loa, the Kahuku Ranch was once one of the biggest cattle ranches in Hawaiʻi, producing beef and hides for more than 150 years. The apparent tranquility of ranch-life, however, was punctuated by volcanic violence that continues to transform the land to this day. Share in the wonders of this 116,000 acre landscape shaped by both man and nature.
View a map of the Kahuku Unit (2.2 MB JPG)
Take a HikeThe Kahuku Unit has a variety of options for day hikes:
The Kahuku Unit has a variety of ranger programs available. Visit the park calendar for more information.
Hiking on flow fields can be hazardous due to deep earth cracks, uneven and unstable terrain, and razor-sharp lava.
“A vast serpent upon the beautiful pasture lands”-Missionary Titus Coan describing the Mauna Loa lava flows that reached Kahuku in 1868
Photo Gallery: Kahuku Unit
Photos of the Kahuku Unit History of the Kahuku Unit
From the first arrival of Polynesians to the ranching period, Kahuku has a rich and varied past The Paniolo
These Hawaiian cowboys managed livestock on the large ranches of Hawaiʻi Island, including at Kahuku 1868 Eruption of Mauna Loa
One of the deadliest disasters in Hawaiian history Kaʻū Field System
Walls and mounds that helped grow crops to feed the people of Kaʻū are still visible in Kahuku today Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death
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Last updated: July 7, 2022