shout : into : the : wilderness
Hawai'i Volcanoes
National Park
Puna Coast Trail
trail details
Type of Trip: Backpacking Thru
Where: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Permits Required: Yes
Miles: 18.2
Net Elevation Change: 2,550 ft
Trailhead: Keauhou Trailhead
Cal Topo: https://caltopo.com/m/BK9J
Description: Thru hike through various lava flows
logistics & itinerary
Wilderness Area : Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
When to apply? Permits can be obtained in person at the Backcountry Office 24 hours before the beginning of the trip or by calling the Backcountry Office a week from the beginning of the trip.
Permit Style: First-Come First-Serve
Permit Application: In person or by phone
When did we do this hike? March 2022
Transportation: We parked our car our car at the start of the Puna Coast Trailhead on Chain of Craters Road and hitchhiked back to the Keauhou Trailhead. Having two cars would be easier and more reliable.
Itinerary:
Day
Miles
Camp
1
2
7.6
11.2
Halapē
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Water: Established campgrounds have water catchment tanks. Check with the Backcountry Office for current levels. The water is non-potable and must be filtered or treated before drinking. In times of drought, all water must be carried in. There is no water available on the trail.
Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Camp at designated campgrounds. Use pit toilets when at campgrounds. Do not throw trash in the pit toilets. Outside of the campgrounds, all human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep at at least 150 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trails. This may be impossible! Most of the surrounding area is lava rock. Do all washing at least 100 feet from water. Do not put any soup in water (even biodegradable and natural soup pollutes). Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash.
Flora Considerations: Guava, coconuts, and noni can be found along this trail.
Fauna Considerations: Campgrounds have a lot of ants and mosquitos.
Trail Specific Considerations: This entire route is completely exposed. There is no shade or refuge from the sun except for at established campgrounds. The sun can be relentless. Take special consideration if you're doing this route during warmer months. Extreme heat along with the humidity and wind can dangerous. This majority of this trail is on lava rock which can be uneven and sharp. Some basic navigation skills such as following cairns is necessary. Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.
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