Kaʻu Desert Trail
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii County, HI
Point-to-point trail in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii County, HI. Hiking.
- Distance
- 12.4 mi (19.9 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 1,398 ft (426 m)
- Est. Time
- 4 hr 40 min
- High point
- 3,025 ft (922 m)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Point to point
Features
Along the way
- Peak: Maunaiki 11.8 mi (18.9 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Kaʻu Desert Trail
How long is Kaʻu Desert Trail?
Kaʻu Desert Trail is 12.4 mi (19.9 km) long. Most people take about 4 hr 40 min. It climbs 1,398 ft (426 m) in total, up to a high point of 3,025 ft (922 m).
How hard is Kaʻu Desert Trail?
GoTrails rates it Hard, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Kaʻu Desert Trail?
Parking at the start, Free. Closest lot to the start: Hilina Pali Overlook.
Are there water and toilets on Kaʻu Desert Trail?
No water mapped: bring all you need. Toilets: Trailhead.
Is Kaʻu Desert Trail shaded?
No shade: full sun.
Can you bring a dog on Kaʻu Desert Trail?
No, dogs are not allowed, according to OpenStreetMap.
What can you do on Kaʻu Desert Trail?
Best for Hiking.
Is this a good week for Kaʻu 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 Kaʻu Desert Trail
- 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)
- Kaʻaha-Hilina Connector Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Moderate · 3.3 mi (5.2 km)
- Puʻukaone Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Moderate · 3.3 mi (5.4 km)
- Halapē Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Moderate · 2.5 mi (4 km)
- Halapē Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Easy · 2.4 mi (3.9 km)
- Kau Desert Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Hard · 8.3 mi (13.3 km)
- Kaʻū Desert Trail Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park · Expert · 18.5 mi (29.8 km)
More hikes in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap