Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hike the Path of Mauna Loa Volcano’s 1868 Lava Flow.

Info

Hike the Path of Mauna Loa Volcano’s 1868 Lava Flow. 

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Katie Mulliken leads this two-mile (3.2 km) guided hike along the Pu‘uolokuana Trail, which traverses the 1868 Mauna Loa lava flows. Katie will tell the story of the destructive earthquakes in 1868, as well as the landslides, tsunami, and Southwest Rift Zone eruption that occurred that year. During the hike, you learn about the eruptive history, structure, and current status of Mauna Loa, Earth’s largest active volcano. Katie will also share information on how HVO monitors Mauna Loa, which has erupted 34 times since 1843, most recently in 2022. This easy hike includes 100-ft. (30-m) elevation gain and crosses rough, uneven lava surfaces. Wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes; bring protective gear for sun and rain, drinking water and a snack.  

When: Saturday, January 4 from 10 a.m. to around noon  

Where: Meet at the Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Turn into the park near the 70.5 mile marker on Hwy 11 in Kaʻū  

Contact info

Interpretation and Education

(808) 929-8075

havo_information@nps.gov

Info

Repeating Event

Fees

Free event, but entrance fees apply.

Date(s)

Jan 4, 2025 -