Hike Ka'aha Trail, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island, Hawaii

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Ka`aha is located on the southern coastline of the park, 3.8 miles from the trailhead at the end of Hilina Pali road. The hike begins with a steep downhill trail that switches back 24 times to the base of the pali (cliff). Along the trail you will be hiking through mostly non-native grasses doted with native `ohi`a trees. Two thirds of the way down you will find your only chance for shade on this hot, dry, windy trail under a large `ohi`a tree. The rest of the hike is a gradual downhill slope to the coast. Ka`aha has a rocky shoreline with a well protected cove that has some great snorkeling. You may find green turtles swimming in the cove, or resting on the shore. There are no trees in the area to provide shade, but the shelter on the hillside is a nice place to get out of the elements. Ants are extremely abundant, although they do not bite, or sting, but they will crawl on anything (including you) on the ground. The trail out is uphill the entire way and feels like five miles in the intense sun. We recommend you avoid hiking in the mid-day sun. Pepeiao Cabin is located at the merge of Ka`aha Trail & Kau Desert Trail. Water is availabler here but must be treated before drinking. Campers may stay a maximum of 3 consecutive nights per site. A total of 16 hikers are allowed per night at Ka`aha. Ka‘aha can be accessed from several trailheads: Hilina Pali Overlook Trailhead via Hilina Pali Trail and Ka‘aha Trail 3.6 mi (5.8 km) Mau Loa o Maunaulu Trailhead via Keauhou Trail, Hilina Pali Trail, and Ka‘aha Trail 11.5 mi (18.2 km) Puʻuloa Trailhead via the Puna Coast Trail, Keauhou Trail, Hilina Pali Trail, and Ka‘aha Trail 17.4 mi (28.0 km) All eight backcountry campsites (Ka‘aha, Halapē, Keauhou, ‘Āpua Point, Nāpau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) and all offsite/dispursed backcountry camping require a permit. See the Backcountry Hiking page for details on how to obtain your permit. Ka'aha, Halapē, and Keauhou have three-walled primitive shelters where hikers may enjoy a respite from the sun. Water caught off the roofs of these shelters are stored in adjacent catchment tanks (check with rangers when you obtain your permit for current water levels -- water is NOT always available and there are no streams in the area). TREAT water obtained from catchment tanks before drinking.

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