Hiking Project Logo

A trail for those craving solitude, immense lava landscapes, and neat volcanic formations.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

5.4

Miles

8.7

KM

Point to Point

3,199' 975 m

High

3,007' 916 m

Low

316' 96 m

Up

138' 42 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Description

Some people consider the Mauna Iki Trail to be an extension of the Footprints Trail. Either way, the Footprints Trail is useful for providing access to the Mauna Iki Trail from Hwy 11 at the Ka'u Desert Trail.

From its intersection with the Ka'u Desert Trail, the Mauna Iki Trail branches off to the northeast over barren, desolate terrain. When there is no vegetation or wildlife, you have to be creative and find enjoyment in the wondrous lava formations and textures along the route. Follow lava rock pile cairns and stone pathways to stay on track through the monotonous lava fields.

Eventually the views improve, and you'll see the crumpled Cone Crater in the distance. Soon the undulating trail passes near the colorful and surprisingly deep Twin Pit Craters. The trail eventually visits Mauna Iki, a small version of the giant Mauna Loa volcano to the north. Mauna Iki erupted in 1919 and 1920. The path ends at the Hilina Pali Road near the Kulanaokuaiki Campground.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#27783

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
50%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#124

in Hawaii

#27,783

Overall
7 Views Last Month
1,871 Since Mar 6, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Pit Crater, Mauna Iki Trail
Jul 5, 2019 near Volcano, HI

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.