State: Hawaii
Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Length, Round Trip: 14 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Most Difficult
Usage: Light
Trail Information
The Napau Trail heads out on lava from the Mauna Ulu eruptions of 1969 through 1974. There are cinder cones, pit craters and a tree fern rain forest to marvel at as you follow the trail to the edge of Napau Crater. Sights of interest along this trail are lava flows, kipuka, lava trees, pit craters, cinder cones, rain forest, birds and insects.
You should bring water and food. Expect rain, wind and sulfur fumes. Follow the rock cairns and stay on the trail. Wear sturdy shoes/hiking boots.
Note: Because of the dynamic nature of the current eruption, registration is required for day hiking beyond Pu’u Huluhulu. Permit required for dayhikes and overnight camping. Registration and permits are available at the Kilauea Visitor Center between 7:45 AM and 4:45 PM daily.
Directions
From the Kilauea Visitor Center
The trail begins at the Mauna Ulu parking area on the Chain of Craters Road approximately 8 miles from the vistor center.
