This route links a set of remote, backcountry trails into a 50 km crossing of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. From the Footprints Trailhead at the park's western boundary at 3000 ft, you make a long descent to the ocean, then cross grasslands and lava fields to arrive at the park's easternmost trailhead at Pu'u Loa on Chain of Craters Road. The route is wild, and windswept, and can get very hot, and you'll encounter very few people along the way.
Details:
After a couple of miles on the Footprints Trail, turn right at Mauna Iki to take the Ka'u Desert Trail. This lesser-known trail travels from ahu (cairn, stacked rocks) to ahu across a sea of solidified lava. It's somewhat technical but runnable, and the variety of lava colors, shapes, and textures here is quite something. The trail descends gradually to the cabin at Pepeiao, where you pick up the Ka'aha trail and begin a steep descent to the coastal plain. Keep an eye out for the very cool sea arch where the trail meets the ocean, then take a left and head towards the sheltered cove at Ka'aha. This is approximately the midway point of the route.
From here, you'll ascend to about 700 feet to cross the cliffs between Ka'aha and Halape on the Hilina Pali Trail. This part of the trail is so overgrown that you probably won't be running. It'll probably also be hot, so enjoy the shade of the small forest you'll pass through in this section. From Halape, continue a couple of miles to Keauhou, then pick up the Puna Coast Trail for the final ~1/3 of the run. Look out for the 1969-1974 Mauna Ulu lava flows pouring over the pali (cliffs) to your left, and a series of sea arches near 'Apua Point. The trail is runnable again after Halape, but be prepared for a ferocious headwind as you head to the end of the route.
You'll pass water catchment tanks at Pepeiao, Ka'aha, Halape, Keauhou, and 'Apua Point. If speed isn't a priority, consider short detours to swim or cool off in the tide pools and beaches at Ka'aha, Halape, or Keauhou.
This route might be for you if you like vast ocean views, endless lava fields, and exploring wild places. It might not be for you if you like things like trees, shade, and being able to bail easily if it all goes wrong.
