Ainapo Cabin Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Description

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. 

BEFORE MAKING YOUR RESERVATION:

1. Read throroughly the ʻĀinapō Trail's information page: https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/inap-trail/21
2. Check the Weather forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-155.52856844482417&lat=19.418801257208187#.WUCFROvytpg. Continue to monitor the forecast as your trip date gets closer.

At-a-glance trail info:

• 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.ehawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/inap-road/23 for more information.
• The ʻĀinapō trail begins at the 5,650 elevation and ascends 2,100 feet in 2.7 miles to the trail shelter in Halewai. See https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/inap-trail/21 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. 

Location

• 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.
• Regulated commercial activity allowed by permit only. (see https://hawaiitrails.org/trails/#/vendor-welcome)
• 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. 

Campsite Map PDF

Special Conditions

• 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. 
• Check the Weather forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-155.52856844482417&lat=19.418801257208187#.WUCFROvytpg. Continue to monitor the forecast as your trip date gets closer.
• Read throroughly the ʻĀinapō Trail's information page: https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/inap-trail/21
• Reservations can only be made no more than one month in advance.
• No refunds will be given if requested within 15 days of your first scheduled camping or lodging day. 
• For any questions contact the Hilo DOFAW office at (808) 974-4221. Office hours are M-F, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM, CLOSED on weekends and state holidays.

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. 

Park Rules and Regulations PDF

Photos