Visit Wilderness

Location

The Hawai'i Volcanoes Wilderness includes four separate units within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the big island in Hawai'i.

These units are very diverse and include: Mauna Loa, 'Ola'a Forest, Ka'u Desert and East Rift. Much of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and these wilderness units are currently closed due to volcanic activity.

Check the park website for current conditions and closures.

Maps

Digital and paper maps are critical tools for wilderness visitors. Online maps can help you plan and prepare for your visit ahead of time. You can also carry digital maps with you on your GPS unit or other handheld GPS device. Having a paper map with you in the backcountry, as well as solid orienteering skills, however, ensures that you can still route-find in the event that your electronic device fails.

Online Maps

• Interactive Map of the Hawai'i Volcanoes Wilderness

• Google Earth

• Hawaii Wildernesses

Printed Maps

• Fetching MyTopo from Database
• USGS Store

Applicable Wilderness Law(s)

General Trip Planning Information

All overnight backcountry hiking and camping requires a free permit. There are no streams in the park so backpackers must be self-sufficient and bring in all their own water. Some campgrounds have water catchment tanks (rain water collected from metal shelter roofs). Updates on their current water levels are available at the Backcountry Permit Office, 808-985-6178. Check with rangers when obtaining your permit!

Climate and Special Equipment Needs

Island weather is unpredictable. Visitors should be prepared for rain and wear layers of clothing to ensure their comfort while exploring the park.

At the 4,000' summit of Kilauea, temperatures may be 12 to 15 degrees cooler than at sealevel. Coastal areas are often hot, dry, and windy with the possibility of passing showers.

Hiking on Mauna Loa (13,677') requires careful planning and preparation. Check the weather forecast before making this hike.

Safety and Current Conditions

Trail Conditions and Health Hazards
Many hikes are through exposed lava fields and lush rain forests. Pace yourself and drink plenty of water. Pack extra clothing and your sleeping bag in plastic for waterproofness. Raingear is essential. Stay warm and dry to avoid hypothermia. Hiking boots provide the best traction and protection when hiking on lava. Long pants afford some protection if one should fall on the sharp, glassy lava. Be prepared to treat injuries caused by falls on lava.

Allow 1/2 hour per mile when hiking on mid-elevation trails and more time as you gain elevation. Add additional time for scenic stops, and water breaks. The ahu (stone cairn) trail markers can be difficult on first sight to distinguish from the surrounding lava. However, the trails are well marked and hikers soon become accustomed to spotting the cairns in the black lava fields.

Sunlight may be intense. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are preventive measures against sunburn. Start your trek early - avoid hiking during the heat of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Volcanic Hazards
Volcanic eruptions are possible at any time. In the unlikely event of a lava outbreak along the trail, move uphill and upwind of eruptive activity. Earth cracks, thin crusts, and lava tubes are numerous.

Fire Hazards
Trails in the park traverse areas which contain very flammable grasses and brush. Open fires and smoking are prohibited.

Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?

People who volunteer their time to steward our wilderness areas are an essential part of wilderness management. Contact the following groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Groups are listed alphabetically by the state(s) in which the wilderness is located.