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.ehawaii.gov/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.
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.
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.
Refunds must be requested at least 15 days in advance of your check-in date. No online refunds inside of 15 days to check-in. To request a refund, login and click on “My Reservations”, then select the appropriate "Refund/Cancellation" link and follow the instructions.
Refunds for credit cards minus service fee and cancellation fee ($5), will be credited back to your card. Card must be the same as original purchase.
Oahu Only: To request a refund less than 15 days in advance, you must email an appeal, with reason, todlnrdofaw.oahubranch@hawaii.gov Appeals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may not be approved.
REFUNDS/CHANGES DUE TO FOREST RESERVE CLOSURE: In the event that a Forest Reserve is closed or access is closed (i.e. Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station) we will try to notify permittees ahead of time and give the option to either revise their dates to a future stay, or receive a refund. Inquiries regarding these situations can be directed todlnrdofaw.oahubranch@hawaii.gov.
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
Restrooms
Picnic tables
Hiking trails
Lodging
Non-potable water
Secluded Location
Lodging
Picnic table
Restroom
Scenic Viewpoint