Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed the summit of Mauna Loa due to forecasted winter weather with strong and damaging winds (36-46mph winds with gusts as high as 55mph). The summit will likely remain closed through April 16, 2024. Reservations for the summit through Recreation.gov have been cancelled. NPS staff will monitor weather forecasts to reopen when feasible.
From the trailhead, the ʻĀinapō Trail ascends 7,600' over 10.2 miles to the rim of the Mokuʻāweoweo crater at the summit of Mauna Loa. Vegetation varies from koa and ʻōhiʻa forest to alpine stone desert. Ahu (stone trail markers) identify the route over pāhoehoe lava sections. The aʻā lava sections have a beaten trail but may be obscured during snowfall.
An infrequently maintained, 4WD public access route leads to the ʻĀinapō Trailhead. The access passes through Kapāpala Ranch for 5.7 miles and Kapāpala Forest Reserve for 2.3 miles. See https://hawaiitrails.org/trails/#/trail/inap-road/23 for more information.
The trail shelter has 6 bunk beds, a 400-gal water catchment tank and a composting toilet. Water must be treated before drinking.
Hikers who intend to travel to the summit must register beforehand at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Office. (808) 985-6178.
Single-day use of ʻĀinapō trail does not require a permit
Gate code access: As of July 2023, all users must re-register via the new system. Day use of ʻĀinapō trail does not require a permit, however, hikers are required to register in advance for gate access. Be sure to register at least three working days in advance of your desired access date. The gate code will be sent via text at 4:30AM on the requested day of access. Everyone using this public access will sign in and out on the log sheet located in the mailbox on the gate. Visit https://kapapalaranch.com/forest-reserve-access for the registration link and detailed instructions.
* Please read the “Conditions & Hazards” tab before making reservations *
Contact Hawai‘i Island Nā Ala Hele Trail and Access Program Manager, Jackson Bauer at 808-657-8041 or jackson.m.bauer@hawaii.gov with any questions.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed the summit of Mauna Loa due to forecasted winter weather with strong and damaging winds (36-46mph winds with gusts as high as 55mph). The summit will likely remain closed through April 16, 2024. Reservations for the summit through Recreation.gov have been cancelled. NPS staff will monitor weather forecasts to reopen when feasible.
Begin at the gate located between the 40 and 41-mile marker on Māmalahoa Highway 11.
Go through a locked gate using the combination issued by Kapāpala Ranch (see Conditions and Hazards tab).
Drive for 5.7 miles on the 4WD ʻĀinapō access road.
After passing through the Kapāpala Forest Reserve gate, continue for another 2.3 miles to the ʻĀinapō Trailhead.
Hike for 2.7 miles, ascending 2,100 feet, to the ʻĀinapō Trail Shelter at Halewai at 7,670 ft.
Gate code access: As of July 2023, all users must re-register via the new system. Day use of ʻĀinapō trail does not require a permit, however, hikers are required to register in advance for gate access. Be sure to register at least three working days in advance of your desired access date. The gate code will be sent via text at 4:30AM on the requested day of access. Everyone using this public access will sign in and out on the log sheet located in the mailbox on the gate. Visit https://kapapalaranch.com/forest-reserve-access for the registration link and detailed instructions.
If you are planning to hike to the summit, please contact the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Office prior to your trip. (808) 985-6178.
Hike for 7.5 miles, ascending another 5,500 ft., to the Mauna Loa cabin on the rim of Mokuʻāweoweo at 13,265 ft.
This section of the trail is considered challenging. Those unprepared for extreme conditions should not attempt it.
* Please read the “Conditions & Hazards” tab before making reservations *
Contact Hawai‘i Island Nā Ala Hele Trail and Access Program Manager, Jackson Bauer at 808-657-8041 or jackson.m.bauer@hawaii.gov with any questions.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed the summit of Mauna Loa due to forecasted winter weather with strong and damaging winds (36-46mph winds with gusts as high as 55mph). The summit will likely remain closed through April 16, 2024. Reservations for the summit through Recreation.gov have been cancelled. NPS staff will monitor weather forecasts to reopen when feasible.
Gate code access: As of July 2023, all users must re-register via the new system. Day use of ʻĀinapō trail does not require a permit, however, hikers are required to register in advance for gate access. Be sure to register at least three working days in advance of your desired access date. The gate code will be sent via text at 4:30AM on the requested day of access. Everyone using this public access will sign in and out on the log sheet located in the mailbox on the gate. Visit https://kapapalaranch.com/forest-reserve-access for the registration link and detailed instructions.
Campers must sign in and sign out. There is a log sheet in the mailbox on the entrance gate. Access is open during daylight hours only.
Hikers who intend to travel to the summit must register beforehand at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Office. For any questions call (808) 985-6178.
Campsite Map PDF
No Motorized Vehicles/ATV's
No Bicycles
No Animals/Pets
No Open Fires
No Littering/Dumping
No Smoking
No Removal of Sand/Rocks/Plants
Dogs on Leash
Hiking
Hunting
Sightseeing
Wildlife Viewing
Non-potable water
Restrooms
Picnic tables
Hiking trails
Lodging
Secluded Location
Lodging
Picnic table
Restroom
Scenic Viewpoint