The Napau Trail and Campsite, and Na`ulu Trail are open, however, the area beyond the campground is closed due to the extreme instability of Pu'u 'O'o as it continues to collapse.
(see Closed Area information)

Following the East Rift Zone of Kilauea, the Napau Trail provides opportunities for hikers to experience a diversity of environments in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The 14 mile round trip (7 + hours) hike is through varied terrain ranging from recent lava flows to dense tree fern rain forests.

Begin this hike from the Mauna Ulu parking area, 3 1/2 miles down the Chain of Craters Road. Your destination is Napau Crater where hikers may gaze from the rim at Pu'u 'O'o vent steaming and fuming in the distance. There is a campground and pit toilet at the end of the trail.

The Napau Trail passes through lava flows from the Mauna Ulu eruptions. Mauna Ulu (Lit. growing mountain), a recently formed shield volcano, erupted from 1969 through 1974 leaving an altered landscape of incredibly fascinating geologic features. Trekking over lava rivers and through lava channels, appreciating the fragile beauty of lava trees, peering into pit craters, and imagining a time when molten rock once sloshed like water in a perched lava pond, hikers will find that this trail offers an experience for all to enjoy.

Register
All day hikers and overnight backcountry users must register and obtain a free permit at the Kilauea Visitor Center (7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily). Permits are issued on a first-come basis no earlier than the day before your hike. Overnight stays are limited to 3 nights per site; group size is limited to 12 people. A total of 16 people are allowed per night at the Napau Crater campsite. Camping is only allowed at the Napau campsite.

Backpackers to Napau should be adequately equipped, physically fit, and free of respiratory and heart ailments as hikers may be subjected to toxic gasses emitted from the erupting vent, Pu'u 'O'o.

ESSENTIAL BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT:

first aid kit trail map emergency food supply cookstove, fuel, utensils (Open fires and smoking are prohibited) flash light & extra batteries biodegradable soap, toilet paper signaling device (mirror, etc.) minimum 3 to 4 quarts/liters water per person/day broken in sturdy boots, moleskin sunglasses, sunscreen, hat sleeping bag rain pants and jacket

Minimum Impact Camping
All hikers are required to pack out everything they pack in. Do not bury your trash or discard it in pit toilets - Pack it out.
Practice "leave no trace" camping.

Facilities
There is a pit toilet at the Mauna Ulu trailhead and at the Napau campsite - please use them. Do not put trash in the pit toilets.

Trailheads
No drinking water is available at the trailheads or anywhere along the Napau, Naulu, and Kalapana Trails. We do not have streams in this area so backpackers must bring in all their own water (recommended: 4 quarts/person/day).

The Napau Trail begins at the Mauna Ulu parking area (approx. 3.5 miles down the Chain of Craters Road). The Naulu Trail, which links to the Napau Trail, begins at the Kealakomo parking area (approx. 9.7 miles down the Chain of Craters Road). Neither trailhead has public telephones or public transportation. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to drive from the Kilauea Visitor Center via Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road to get to the trailheads.

Trail Conditions
Hiking over rocky terrain is strenuous. Hiking boots provide the best traction and protection when hiking on lava. Long pants afford some protection if one should fall on the sharp, glassy lava. The Napau and Naulu trails traverse over rough, unstable 'a'a and pahoehoe lava. There may be only a 200' elevation change on the Napau Trail and a 500' elevation change on the Naulu Trail. Allow 1/2 hour per mile when hiking on these mid-elevation trails. Add additional time for scenic stops and breaks.

The ahu (stone cairn) trail markers can be difficult on first sight to distinguish from the surrounding lava. However, the trails are well marked and hikers soon become accustomed to spotting the cairns in the black lava fields. Sunlight may be intense. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are preventive measures against sunburn. Start your trek early to avoid being on park trails during the hottest times of the day.

Health Hazards
The Napau Trail traverses a portion of the East Rift Zone of Kilauea and follows the path that magma takes as it makes its way underground from its source at the summit to the point where it comes to the surface near Pu'u 'O'o. The hike is through exposed lava fields and lush rain forests. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water. Pack extra clothing and your sleeping bag in plastic for waterproofness. Raingear is essential. Stay warm and dry; hypothermia (low body temperature) is a killer. Be prepared to treat injuries caused by falls on sharp, glassy lava.

Volcanic Hazards
Volcanic eruptions are possible at any time. In the unlikely event of a lava outbreak along the trail, move uphill and upwind of eruptive activity. Earth cracks, thin crusts, and lava tubes are numerous.

Fire Hazards
Trails in the park traverse areas which contain very flammable grasses and brush. Open fires and smoking is prohibited!

Give us your feedback - Let us know about trail, cabin, or campsite conditions. Did you notice anything damaged or dangerous conditions that rangers should be aware of? File a Trip Report

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