Place · 0.4 mi away
Overview
Puʻu Huluhulu, the “hairy hill,” rises like an island of green out of the stark Mauna Ulu lava flows. This short day hike leads to a forested cinder cone with sweeping views and on-site interpretation that ties together eruption history, ecology, and Hawaiian cultural stories.
Why go
If you want a big payoff without a huge effort, this is it: a lush kipuka surrounded by young ʻaʻā and pāhoehoe, plus multiple viewpoints across the Mauna Ulu flows toward nearby volcanic features. It’s quieter than the busier Kīlauea rim stops and feels wonderfully different—green summit, black lava sea.
What you’ll see
- A dramatic contrast between barren, recent lava and the older, vegetated cone.
- 360° vistas from the top across Mauna Ulu and toward other high peaks.
- Native plants like ʻōhiʻa and ferns thriving in the kipuka, with early plant colonization visible on the surrounding flows.
- Interpretive stops explaining the Mauna Ulu eruption and how life returns after lava.
Culture, history, and geology
Park interpretation here connects Pelehonuamea’s destructive/creative power with the return of life symbolized by Lono and Hiʻiaka. Geologically, Puʻu Huluhulu is a cinder cone preserved as a kipuka; after the Mauna Ulu eruption (1969–1974), it served as a seed source for the surrounding flows, making it a living lesson in ecological succession.
Wildlife
Listen for Hawaiian honeycreepers such as ʻapapane and ʻamakihi in the summit forest. Insects and butterflies are common; nēnē occasionally pass through the area.
Logistics
The hike starts at the Mauna Ulu area, where there’s a small parking lot, a trail register, and a vault/pit toilet. There’s no water here—bring your own. Trails are well-signed, but stay alert crossing lava. Follow official markers only; building rock stacks (ahu) is discouraged and can be unsafe and culturally offensive.
Best time to visit
Morning is best for cooler temperatures and softer light on the lava. Weekdays tend to be quieter. Midday can be brutally hot on the exposed flows; start early if the sun’s out or clouds are scarce.
Pros
- Panoramic views over the Mauna Ulu lava flows
- Lush native-forest kipuka with interpretive stops on geology and culture
Cons
- Hot, exposed lava fields with little shade en route
- No water at the trailhead; only a pit toilet is available
Tips
- Start early—the lava fields are exposed and heat builds fast.
- Bring all the water you need; there’s none at the trailhead.
- Wear sturdy shoes for sharp, uneven ʻaʻā and smooth pāhoehoe.
- Follow official markers and do not build rock stacks (ahu).
- Sign the trail register and pack insect repellent for the summit forest.
