Kūkamāhuākea

Steam vents at Kūkamāhuākea.

NPS Photo/J.Wei

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The vast, steamy flat situated between Haʻakulamanu and Wahinekapu is known as Kūkamāhuākea. To many Native Hawaiians the steam that rises is a manifestation of Kū, one of four primary akua (gods) of Hawaiʻi. Kū is responsible for various things, such as fishing, farming, and building canoes, and his different states invoke strength and governance during warfare. Here, a shallow body of magma heats the rainwater that percolates into the ground, and the resulting steam prevents the growth of deep-rooted trees. 

For your safety, please stay in designated open areas, follow all signs, and remain on the trail.