Enjoy Expansive Views From Atop A Volcanic Cinder Cone On Hawaii’s Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trail
By Megan Shute|Published February 09, 2020
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian archipelago was created millions of years ago when underwater volcanoes emerged from the ocean’s surface. With approximately 20 volcanoes ranging in age from 400,000 years to 5.1 million years, the Hawaiian archipelago is the youngest section of the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain of volcanoes and seamounts extending across the Pacific Ocean. From the beautiful black sand beaches of the Big Island to the Big Island’s active Kilauea, Hawaii’s volcanoes make the islands incredibly unique and this volcanic cinder cone trail currently tops our hiking wish list.
Tucked away on the Big Island of Hawaii just north of Kailua-Kona is the Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a Cinder Cone, a volcanic rock formation that offers a pretty unforgettable opportunity for adventure.
Translating to “many-furrowed hill” in the Hawaiian language, this ancient cinder cone is more than 100,000 years old and is actually thought to be the oldest land feature on Hualalai.
The area was once dominated by private ranches, but it is now managed by the Division of Forestry & Wildlife and the Pu’u Wa’a’awa’a Volunteer Program and is home to a truly terrific trail.
The trailhead is located between mile markers 21 and 22 on Highway 190, and mark the start of a long, grueling adventure to more than 4,000 feet above sea level. The trail is long, measuring in at eight miles round trip, but once you reach the summit, you’ll be truly amazed.
From the summit of this ancient cinder cone, you will witness sweeping panoramic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, the Kona Coast, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
When you visit, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately — due to the elevation, this area is much cooler than the coast and afternoon rain is common. Bring plenty of water and snacks, too!
Have you ever heard of the Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone Trail? Are you planning to add it to your Hawaii hiking bucket list? Sound off in the comments below then check out AllTrails for more information.
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