Puna Coast Trail

What this hike is like

This is a stark, scenic grind over young lava to one of the park’s most remote shorelines. From the Puʻu Loa parking area, you follow ahu (tall lava-rock cairns) across broad pāhoehoe flows—with occasional rough, jagged ʻaʻā from the 1969–1974 Mauna Ulu eruptions—until the ocean fills your view. It’s raw, exposed, and beautiful, with surf pounding black lava benches and hardy green splashes of naupaka and sea purslane breaking up the black.

Most day hikers aim for ʻĀpua Point, an oasis-like promontory with a sandy pocket, a few palms, and a composting toilet—13.2 miles round-trip. Strong backpackers continue along the coast toward Halapē (about 11.3 miles one-way from Puʻu Loa), but that’s truly backcountry.

Difficulty and conditions

Make no mistake: this route is hard because of the surface and exposure, not the elevation. You’re walking on uneven, sharp lava for hours with virtually no shade. Wind, heat, and sudden coastal showers are common. Cell service is limited and you’ll likely have the place to yourself.

Navigation

There’s no traditional dirt tread—wayfinding is by ahu marking the route across lava. In flat light or rain, staying on line can take focus. A map (and GPS as backup) helps, especially if you push beyond ʻĀpua.

Flora, geology, and what to watch for

You’re literally hiking a living geologic timeline—smooth pāhoehoe, pockets of rough ʻaʻā, and shiny young flows from the early 1970s. Near the coast, watch for sea life: turtles and seabirds often work the surf. ʻĀpua (“fish trap”) hints at the coast’s long fishing history and makes a fitting turnaround.

Tips and logistics

• Start at the Puʻu Loa (Petroglyphs) parking area off Chain of Craters Road.
• Bring 3–4 liters of water per person for a full day; there’s no potable water anywhere along the trail.
• Sturdy boots, hat, sunscreen, light long layers, and a rain shell are smart choices.
• ʻĀpua Point has a composting toilet; otherwise there are no facilities. Overnight camping at ʻĀpua or Halapē requires a backcountry permit from the park.

Best time to hike

Hikeable year-round. The coast is exposed, so earlier starts are kinder for heat and wind. Drier months (roughly April–October) are generally more comfortable; avoid heavy rain and high heat if you can. Crowds are rare any time—solitude is part of the draw.

Should you hike it?

If you want solitude, big ocean energy, and the unique feel of lava underfoot, this is a memorable day out to ʻĀpua Point. If you prefer shade, soft tread, or lots of amenities, skip it—this one’s for prepared hikers who don’t mind a rugged, no-frills adventure.