Visit Kahuku: Kona Trail

Discover native forest birds and towering ʻōhiʻa trees

NPS Photo/M.Watanabe

A day hike on the Kona Trail takes you through scenic pasturelands scattered with large ʻōhiʻa trees and other vegetation. The trail also traverses the 1887 lava flow from Mauna Loa where lava flows reached the ocean in less than a day. Relics of Kahuku’s ranching era, pasture land and the 1887 lava flow define this trek.

• Trailhead: ROD Quarantine Gate. Hikers need to account for the 1.2-mile (1.9 km) one-way walk from the ROD Quarantine Gate to the Kona trailhead.
• Distance: 4.6-mile (7.3 km) loop with 520-foot (158 m) elevation change. Add in the 2.4 miles (3.8 km) to and from the trail head for a total of 7 miles (11.1 km) round trip.
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Duration: 3 - 5 hours

• Bring: Water, snacks, 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

3-5 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Upper Paddocks Above the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) Quarantine Gate

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) quaratine gate blocking the road. Pasture lands with large native trees in the area.

Reservations

No

Time of Day

Day

Kahuku Hours are from Thursdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Accessibility Information

Trail is on uneven grassy terrain, with significant elevation gain.