• ABOUT THE SPOT

Extreme Hiking / Hiking in Napau Trail, Volcano National Park, Hawaii USA

Trail length:
14mi/22.5km
Hiking time:
1 Day
Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea witch is the world's most active volcano.

The park is an international World Heritage site and provides several exciting hiking opportunities. The Napau trail starts at Mauna Ulu parking, it is 14 mi/22.5 km long and it ends up in Napau Crater where you can admire the volcano Pu’u O’o steaming in the distance. On the way the hiker comes across rainforests, lava flows, lava trees and steam vents.

The trail is very well marked and it is easy to follow the markings, but the terrain is rocky and strenuous which makes it challenging and maybe not so suitable for beginners. Hikers should wear good hiking boots and long pants, to protect their feet from lava flows and sharp rocks. Take water and food with you for one day, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat because the sun can be very intense.

Due to the unstable terrain conditions, it is best before you choose Napau Trail, to consult the Volcano National Park website for any park alerts that might prevent you from following this route. For accommodation you can choose to stay in Hilo Town or Volcano Village.