Kaʻū Desert Trail
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii County, HI
Out-and-back trail in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii County, HI. Hiking.
- Distance
- 18.5 mi (29.8 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 1,496 ft (456 m)
- Est. Time
- 6 hr 45 min
- High point
- 3,045 ft (928 m)
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Out & back
Features
Along the way
- Peak: Maunaiki 14.6 mi (23.5 km) from start
- Attraction: Footprints Area 16.9 mi (27.2 km) from start
- Emergency phone 18.5 mi (29.8 km) from start
- Trailhead: Kau Desert Trailhead 18.5 mi (29.8 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Kaʻū Desert Trail
How long is Kaʻū Desert Trail?
Kaʻū Desert Trail is 18.5 mi (29.8 km) long. Most people take about 6 hr 45 min. It climbs 1,496 ft (456 m) in total, up to a high point of 3,045 ft (928 m).
How hard is Kaʻū Desert Trail?
GoTrails rates it Expert, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Kaʻū Desert Trail?
1 more lots along the route.
Are there water and toilets on Kaʻū Desert Trail?
Water at the trailhead only: carry enough. No toilets mapped.
Is Kaʻū Desert Trail shaded?
No shade: full sun.
Can you bring a dog on Kaʻū Desert Trail?
No, dogs are not allowed, according to OpenStreetMap.
What can you do on Kaʻū Desert Trail?
Best for Hiking. Surface: dirt.
Is this a good week for Kaʻū Desert Trail?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Kaʻū Desert Trail
- Kau Desert Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Hard · 8.3 mi (13.3 km)
- Puʻukaone Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Moderate · 3.3 mi (5.4 km)
- Kaʻaha-Hilina Connector Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Moderate · 3.3 mi (5.2 km)
- Kaʻu Desert Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Hard · 12.4 mi (19.9 km)
- Ka'aha Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Expert · 15.1 mi (24.2 km)
- Kaʻaha Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Expert · 15.2 mi (24.5 km)
- Mauna Iki Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Moderate · 10.6 mi (17.1 km)
- Halapē Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Easy · 2.4 mi (3.9 km)
More hikes in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap