HVNP: Pit Crater Trail Opens Sept. 22

Pit Crater Trail will open at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, which coincides with National Public Lands Day.

PC: NPS (Mark Wasser)

A hike to the forested pit crater is a window into the past and a vision of the future for the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. From the crater’s rim visitors can look down into a rare native forest refuge protected within the sheer walls of the pit.

“We are excited to continue expanding visitor options,” said Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “The Pit Crater Trail is a great opportunity to experience many of Kahuku’s most fascinating resources.”

The Pit Crater trail is an arduous 4.75 miles long and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours round trip to hike with significant elevation change.Helpful tips for your hike:

• Bring at least 3-4 quarts of water
• Wear sturdy hiking boots
• Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun
• Be sure to use the ROD (rapid ohia death) decontamination station at the beginning of the trail, this helps prevent the spread of potential fungus spores.
• Also make sure to close all gates behind you while hiking the trail. By closing the gates you are helping to prevent the spread of invasive ungulates into the upper section of the park.

Kahuku is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m to 4 p.m. and remains free of charge.