[google_maps id=”827″]

Activity: Pedestrian, Equestrian

Route: This trail passes over lava flows of 1855 and 1881 through brush, grasslands and native forests. Option include returning via the Powerline Road and end up about 0.5 miles closer to Hilo.

The area is shrouded in fog on a frequent basis and can be difficult to follow. Be prepared for weather conditions to change quickly and become very cold. Parking is very limited.

Location: On Saddle Road (Hwy 200) 22.4 miles from Hilo.

Caution: Hunting is allowed year-around. Wear bright clothing for safety.

The trail heads south through pioneer ‘ohi’a (Metrosideros polymorpha) forest, brush and grassland in the direction of Volcano Village. It passes over the 1855 & 1881 lava flows and through several kipuka (pockets of forest surrounded by lava) of mixed native species and older koa (Acacia koa). Hikers may return by way of Powerline Road, a hunter access road which intersects the trail at the 3.7 mile point and rejoins Daniel K. Inouye Highway about 0.5 mi. closer to Hilo.

An interesting nature hike through a variety of mostly native vegetation, Pu’u ‘o’o Trail offers birders the opportunity to see ‘i’iwi (Vestiaria coccinea), ‘apapane (Himatione sanguinea), ‘amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens), ‘elepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis), ‘oma’o (Myadestes obscurus), ‘io (Buteo solitarius), ‘akiapola’au (Hemignathus wilsoni) and n?n? (Branta sandvicensis). It was pioneered by early cattle ranchers to drive their stock to embarkation points on the coast. Rain, fog and cool temperatures are common.