Visit Kahuku: Forested Pit Crater

No matter which trailhead you start from, this is a steep, strenuous hike in the Kahuku Unit. Walk though brilliant green pasture-land, past magnificent koa and ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, to the edge of a huge collapsed crater. The 250-foot (76 m) vertical walls have protected the unspoiled native rain forest within from cattle, pigs and people. With an astonishing array of Hawaiian species, many rare and endangered, this magical place affords us a glimpse into the distant past, before human-caused transformation that affected the surrounding ranch land. For your safety, stay away from the pit crater edge.

• Trailheads: Begin and end at the Pit Crater Trailhead or at the Pali o Kaʻeo Trailhead

• Distance: Round trip from Pit Crater Trailhead to the pit crater: 4.8 miles (7.8 km). Very steep start from this trailhead. 
  For a less rigorous, more scenic start to the hike, begin at the Pali o Kaʻeo Trailhead. Add 2.4 miles (3.9 km) to the above figures.

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Elevation change: 1,165 feet (335 m) from Pit Crater Trailhead

• Duration: 3-hour minimum

• Bring: Water, snacks, wear sturdy footwear, and be prepared for sun, rain, heat or cold!

You must spray the soles of your shoes with rubbing alcohol (provided) at the ROD (Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death) decontamination station

 

Details

Duration

3-6 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Pali o Kaʻeo Trailhead

Hike can be done from the Pali o Kaʻeo Trailhead, or from the Pit Crater Trailhead for a more rigorous hike.

Reservations

No

Time of Day

Day

The Kahuku Unit is open limited days and hours. See the park website for details.

Accessibility Information

Trail is on uneven grassy terrain, with significant elevation gain

Pit Craters

Learn how these massive voids form