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Special Event
Event
Hike the Path of Mauna Loa Volcano’s 1868 Lava Flow.
This event has already occurred. This page is provided for reference only.
Fee:
Free. Free event, but entrance fees apply.Location: LAT/LONG: 19.064415, -155.677817
This section of the park is located an hour's drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center. Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the ma uka (uphill) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station.
Dates & Times
Date:
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time:
10:00 AM
Duration:
2 hours
Type of Event
Guided Tour
Hike
Description
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.
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