Green Sand Beach

Ka Lae to Papakolea

Hiking the wind swept coastline of Ka'u

Kilauea ‘Iki Hike

Kilauea 'Iki

You can hike the floor of an active volcano

Kahuku-cinder-cone

Kahuku Cinder Cone

Two minutes from inn to Kahuku section of National Park

Three Great Hikes

Papakolea

Cliffs face at green sand beach

Papakolea Green Sand Beach is a favorite hike for many. Kalaekilohana is the place to stay to get there early. Time and time again, our guests have thanked us for suggesting they go early.

  • The trail is a rugged four wheel drive road.
  • We recommend following the rules and hiking.
  • It’s 2 1/2 miles and takes about an hour each way.
  • Go early and experience solitary splendor.
  • There is often less wind in the early morning.
  • The wind will be at your back coming out.
  • Swimming is always subject to conditions.
  • Remember to leave the sand where you found it.

Kilauea ’Iki

Iki Crater

Kilauea ‘Iki is an amazing four mile loop that takes you down one side of the crater, across it’s steaming floor, and up the other side of the crater. A movie about this eruption is shown at the visitor’s center two times daily

  • This is approximately a two hour hike.
  • It is a favorite with guests.
  • There are volunteers that lead guided hikes.
  • It is located next to the larger active caldera.
  • It has remained quiet since 1959.
  • It begins near the Thurston Lava Tube

Kahuku Unit – H.V.N.P.

Hawaiian-Hawk

The Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.. It offers both a short hike to the top of the pictured cinder cone and a longer hike to an ancient pit crater with a native forest on its floor.

  • This is former ranch land.
  • It was donated to the park by the Nature Conservancy.
  • The hikes are on pastoral trails that are easy to walk.
  • The vent from the 1868 lava flow can be visited.
  • There are rangers on duty to answer questions.
  • A 4×4 is allowed and can be handy for this visit.