Hiking the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Distance: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
The Kīpuka Puaulu Trail, also known as the Kīpukapuaulu Trail, at the base of Mauna Loa in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a bit of a different adventure from those near the Kīlauea Caldera, like the Nāhuku Lava Tube and Crater Rim Trail, as Kīpukapuaulu is not one for its breathtaking views.
Rather, the relatively short 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop is a one-of-a-kind day hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, where visitors can experience a true Hawaiian Kīpuka and learn about what makes them so special!
What is a Hawaiian Kīpuka?
In Hawaiian natural history, a Kīpuka is an area of land that has been surrounded by one or more younger lava flows. This gives the isolated species within the uniqueness of being cut off from the surrounding environment, which can facilitate further speciation over time.
Today, Kīpukas in Hawaiʻi are typically rich with endemic biodiversity, which is what makes hiking through Kīpuka Puaulu so different from other areas of the park—not to mention that many of the species within can’t be found outside of the Hawaiian Islands! Therefore, I encourage you to please remain on the trail and do what you can to minimize your impact.
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Kīpuka Puaulu Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail is located directly off of Mauna Loa Road before the windy switchbacks that lead up to the Mauna Loa Lookout.
Typically speaking, Kīpuaka Puaulu is one of the least-visited trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, so finding a parking spot should never be an issue.
Google Maps Directions: Kīpuka Puaulu Trailhead
My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail
Overall, the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail is a relatively easy hike that makes for a great kid-friendly adventure within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
I recommend Kīpuka Puaulu at any time of the day, but early morning is easily one of the best times to enjoy this beautiful native Hawaiian forest.
Kīpuka Puaulu Loop Trail
Shortly after beginning the hike, the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail splits into the roughly 1.0-mile (1.6 km) loop through the native forest.
In my opinion, it doesn’t matter which direction you choose to hike, as both directions will gradually gain about 100 ft. (30.5 m) of elevation toward the back of the loop.
I choose to go right around the Kīpuka Puaulu Loop Trail.
I highly encourage you to take it slow to learn about the native plants within the Kīpuka.
Most are endemic to Hawaiʻi, and I can tell you that some, such as Hōlei shown below, are extremely difficult to find on other islands like Oʻahu, where I live.
This Kōpiko species can only be found on Molokai, Maui, and the Island of Hawaiʻi.
It may not be noticeable because the Kīpukapuaulu Trail is so gradual, but this area toward the back of the loop is where the trail starts gradually descending back toward the beginning.
This is a Māmaki tree, or in other words, a Hawaiian tea tree, hanging over the trail.
Today, tea is commonly made from it’s leaves, as Māmaki tea is sold commercially and shipped around the world.
That being said, if you are curious about trying the native Hawaiian Māmaki tea, I kindly ask that you don’t harvest Māmaki from our native forests but, instead, buy from one of the local reputable vendors, such as those listed below.
Pāpala Kēpau, or Birdcatcher Tree, is one of the more common indigenous trees in Hawaiʻi, and it is also native to other places around the world such as New Zealand.
This is where the Kīpuka Puaulu Loop returns back to the beginning.
Overall, Kīpukapuaulu is a very easy walk that doesn’t take much time or energy to enjoy. It’s for this reason that I highly recommend the hike, as it’s one of the easiest and quietest trails to enjoy a truly native Hawaiian forest.
Native Plants on the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail
As mentioned previously, the Kīpuka Puaulu Trail is one of the best trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to learn about native Hawaiian plants.
I highly encourage you to take it slow, as there are a number of small placards to give a little more information about the species along the trail.
Other than the native plants mentioned above, you can also expect to see Koa, Pilo, ʻAlaʻala wai nui, and Pāpala Kēpau to name a few.
If you would like to learn more about these and other native Hawaiian plants from across the islands, I encourage you to check out my separate post. It’s a collection of all the native plants I’ve come across from around the Hawaiian Islands.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
More Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals on Hawaiʻi Island
Since Hawaiʻi Island is such a big island, I recommend starting your search on VRBO to find places in both Kona and Hilo.
This way, you can plan your adventures on all sides of the island without having to drive too far.
Island of Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Island Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Prices on ride-share apps like Uber/ Lyft cannot beat the price of booking your hotel or vacation rental shuttle prior to arrival.
That being said, the shuttle option below is incredibly cheap, and it’s a great option to get to accommodations across the Kailua-Kona side of the Big Island!
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
One of my favorites!
Visiting Other Islands
If you are visiting Hawaiʻi Island or heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in these separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
The weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year, but in my experience, there is a lot more to consider when planning what time of year to visit the islands, such as what island you are considering, what sides of each island do you plan to stay, what activities are you most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have.
For these reasons, I highly recommend reading through my separate article to not only understand my thoughts regarding the best time of year to come to Hawaiʻi but also what you need to consider based on the time of year that you plan to visit.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
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