This monthly program on second Sundays is aimed at bringing together the members of the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to explore the park’s beautiful trails. This month’s 3-mile round-trip walk explores the Mauna Ulu area.

Experience a lava landscape from the 1969-1974 Mauna Ulu flow. Walk by lava tree molds and climb 210 feet (64m) to the top of a forested cinder cone, Pu‘uhuluhulu (hairy hill). View Mauna Ulu’s steaming sheild, which is similar to the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō cone in the distance. On a clear day you can see Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and the Pacific Ocean.

Of interest: Pāhoehoe and ‘a‘ā lava, kīpuka (old land surrounded by new land), lava tree molds, cinder cones, lava rampart, native pioneer plants and trees and panoramic vista.

• Difficulty: Moderate – Most of the route is easy, but includes a 1/4 mile steep climb up Pu‘u Huluhulu cone.
• Distance and hiking time: 2.5 miles (4.0km) roundtrip, Approximately 2.0 – 3.0 hours.
• Distance from Visitor Center to trailhead: 7 miles (11.3km) to Mauna Ulu parking area.
• Trail Begins: Approximately 100 yards (91.4m) from the Mauna Ulu parking area. Ahu (stacked rocks) mark the trail across the lava flows. Please do not disturb them or build new ones. Stay on the trail.
• Bring water, food, hat, sun protection and rain gear.
• Be Prepared for hot, dry, wet, windy weather conditions and rocky terrain.

This event is presented by the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Program cost is $5.00 for Friends members.  Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to attend.  And, of course, additional donations are always accepted.  Park entrance fees apply.

Coordinates – 19.365064, -155.215714