Pu'u Huluhulu

Puʻu Huluhulu is a cinder cone about 150 feet tall located between the access roads to Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, covered with native Hawaiian plants. Lava flows surround the cone, showing the volcanic processes that shaped the landscape.

The cone formed through volcanic activity that took place over thousands of years while shaping the Island of Hawaii. Its presence demonstrates how volcanic forces fundamentally created the region.

The name Puʻu Huluhulu comes from Hawaiian and means hairy hill, referring to the thick native plants covering the cone. Walking here, you can see why locals chose this name when you look at how heavily vegetation covers the slopes.

The trail is about 0.5 miles round trip, starting near mile marker 28 on Highway 200, making it easy to find and reach. The elevation of about 5000 feet means you should take your time and wear clothing suitable for mountain weather conditions.

On clear days, you can see both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes from the summit, showing how this small cone fits into a landscape shaped by powerful volcanic forces. The summit also protects native Koa trees, which are increasingly rare because most Hawaiian mountainsides have been changed by other uses.