ʻĀinapō Trail, Historic hiking trail on Mauna Loa, Hawaii, United States
The ʻĀinapō Trail extends 35 miles from Kapapala to Mokuaweoweo crater, ascending from 2,000 feet to 13,200 feet through multiple climate zones.
Archibald Menzies led an expedition with 100 Hawaiian porters in 1794, measuring the elevation of Mauna Loa using barometric instruments during their journey.
The name ʻāina pō translates to 'darkened land' in Hawaiian, referring to the dense cloud cover that characterizes the middle sections of the trail.
Rock cairns mark unclear sections of the trail, while rest camps with shelters allow hikers to adapt to increasing altitudes during their ascent.
An 11-mile section above 11,650 feet maintains its original condition from prehistoric times, crossing dry, barren lava landscapes above the cloud line.
Location: Hawaii County
GPS coordinates: 19.46083,-155.57750
Latest update: March 25, 2025 19:50
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Kīlauea
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HI-SEAS
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Mauna Loa Observatory
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Halemaumau Crater
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AMiBA
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Thomas A. Jaggar Museum
30.7 km
Crater Rim Trail
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Nāmakanipaio Campground
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Steaming Bluff
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Hilina Pali Trail
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Halemaʻumaʻu Trail
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Kaʻū Desert Trail
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Mauna Loa Lookout
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Hilina Pali Shelter
33.8 km
Wilkes Campsite
758 m
Volcano Art Center
33.7 km
Kīlauea Visitor Center
33.8 km
Mather Plaque of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
33.8 km
Kealakekua Bay Historical District
34.7 kmReviews
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