The Kahuku Unit

A rolling, pastoral landscape on the slopes of the largest volcano on the planet

 

NPS Photo

 

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.

 

Hours and Location

• Kahuku Unit will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Kahuku is located in the district of Kaʻū, near mile-marker 70.5 on Highway 11, a one-hour drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center.
• Potable water is not available at the park unit. 
• Kahuku Road above the cross fence is open to 4WD vehicles, providing easier access to Kona Trail and Upper and Lower Glover Trail. 

 

View a map of the Kahuku Unit (2.2 MB JPG)

 

Take a Hike

The Kahuku Unit has a variety of options for day hikes:

• Pu‘u o Lokuana Cinder Cone Hike this short, but strenuous climb to the top of Pu‘u o Lokuana cinder cone. 0.4 mile (0.35 km) loop, 130 feet (40 m) elevation change
• Pu‘u o Lokuana Trail Take the trail along historic ranch roads to a hidden pasture. See lava tree molds and the flows from 1868. 2 miles (3.2 km) loop, 130 feet (40 m) elevation change
• Kamakapa‘a Trail Follow this easy trail through grassy meadows to the top of a small cinder cone. Sweeping views from the top take in the full breadth of lower Ka‘ū. 1/2 mile (0.8 km) loop 40 feet (12 m) elevation change
• Palm Trail Hike or bike through scenic pastures for one of best panoramic views in Kahuku. See volcanic features along the 1868 fissure and cross the main lava channel. 2.6 miles (4.2 km) loop 310 feet (95 m) elevation change
• Pali o Ka‘eo Trail Walk the trail through woodland meadows along the top of the steep grassy slope. Vistas along the way take in the coast of Ka‘ū from Ka Lae (South Point) to Nā Pu‘u o Pele. Make it a loop and return by walking a portion of the Pit Crater trail and road. 2.1 miles (3.4 km) 410 feet (125 m) elevation change
• Pit Crater Trail This strenuous hike leads steeply up old pasture roads to the edge of a huge pit crater. Continue hiking for an additional 1.7 mile (2.8 km) loop before returning on the same trail. Hikers must decontaminate at the ROD Quarantine Gate. 2.4 miles (3.9 km) from Pit Crater Trailhead to the Forested Pit Crater, 1,165 feet (335 m) elevation gain
• The Glover Trail This hike culminates on the edge of a huge pit crater with a pristine Hawaiian rainforest protected within its sheer walls. 3.2 miles (5 km) round-trip from Lower Glover Trailhead. 5.6 mile (8.8 km) round-trip loop to the Forested Pit Crater from ROD quarantine gate. Additional, 1.6 mile (2.6 km) round-trip spur trail towards 1926 flow. Hikers must decontaminate at the ROD quarantine gate.
• The Kona Trail Experience relics of Kahuku’s ranching era as you hike through pasture land and across the 1887 lava flow on this trek. 4.6 miles (7.3 km) round-trip from Lower Glover Trailhead. 7 mile (11.1 km) round-trip from the ROD quarantine gate. Hikers must decontaminate at the ROD quarantine gate.

Ranger Programs

The Kahuku Unit has a variety of ranger programs available. Visit the park calendar for more information.

• 15 minute orientations for Kahuku are available by request at the visitor contact station.

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Hiking on flow fields can be hazardous due to deep earth cracks, uneven and unstable terrain, and razor-sharp lava.

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“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

Please help prevent the spread of this terrible disease