Kaʻaha(edit)

Overview

This is a hot, steep, and exposed out and back trail to Kaʻaha in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Round trip mileage is close to 7 miles.

Due to extreme fire hazards the road is sometimes closed. Check the park’s website for up to date information. If you can drive the Halina Pali Road to the start of the trail, do so.

Ka’aha is one of eight backcountry campsites within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Permits to camp are required and available in person or by calling the backcountry office in the park.

Sections of the Kaʻaha Trail and the Hilina Pali Trail are badly overgrown. Trail cairns may not be visible. Please plan accordingly.

Ka’aha 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 dotted with native ‘ōhi‘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 ‘ōhi‘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.

Getting Started

Begin this hike at the end of Halina Pali Road, nine miles from Chain of Craters Road. This is about a 40 minute drive from the Kilauea Visitor Center.