Kahuku Unit

Top choice in Hawaiʻi the Big Island


Kahuku Unit's six hiking trails that lead through green pastures to volcanic cinder cones, lava tree molds, rainforests and lava flows come alive during the excellent ranger-guided hikes (Sundays at 9:30am; advance reservations not usually required), but you are welcome to enjoy them by yourself Wednesday to Sunday. Double-check opening hours at Kilauea Visitor Center as they have been known to change. The entrance is 4 miles west of Waiʻohinu mauka (inland) off Hwy 11, at Mile 70.5.

Do stop at the information office just after the gate and borrow a copy of the trail map – not all of the trailheads in the unit are labeled by name.