KAILUA KONA HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Along the Old Footpath: Pu'u O'o’s Forests, Lava and Endemic Birds
A moderately challenging loop trail out of Kailua Kona that moves from koa-ohia high forest to stark lava fields and is prized for endemic birdwatching.
Along the Old Footpath: Pu'u O'o’s Forests, Lava and Endemic Birds.
The Pu'u O'o is an original foot trail of the Big Island that threads a mosaic of landscapes: old-growth stands of Koa and ʻŌhiʻa forest, stretches of barren lava, and the transitional pockets between. Moderately challenging and laid out as a loop, the route gives hikers an immersive cross-section of island ecology and—depending on the focus of the outing—rich opportunities for endemic birdwatching.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A mosaic from forest canopy to black lava
Pu'u O'o traverses distinct island environments: old-growth stands of Koa and ʻŌhiʻa, interstitial mixed habitat, and open, barren lava fields—offering stark contrasts in a single loop.
One of the island’s best trails for endemic species
This trail is an excellent opportunity for birdwatchers: hikers can encounter endemic Hawaiian species such as the I'iwi, Akiapōlāʻau, ʻAkepa, ʻElepaio, ʻŌmaʻo, ʻApapane and ʻAmakihi along the forested sections.
Historic footpath, moderately challenging loop
Pu'u O'o follows one of the island’s original foot trails and is considered a moderately challenging loop—terrain and grade vary as the path moves between forest and lava fields.
What the day feels like
What the hike feels like
Expect a varied walk that alternates shaded, bird-filled forest corridors with open, raw lava expanses. The loop’s shifting terrain produces changing microclimates and sightlines: dense canopy where endemic honeycreepers sing, then sudden exposures across blackened rock that accentuate the island’s volcanic story. When the focus is birdwatching the outing is paced to the birds rather than to completing the entire loop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits—and where it might not be the right match.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trail passes through multiple habitats—forest and lava—so conditions and wildlife activity vary by time of day and season.
When run as a birdwatching hike the outing will usually cover about 4–6 miles, as the route is adapted to focus on the best birding locations rather than completing the entire loop.
Expect a mix of old-growth forest trails and exposed lava-field walking; the route is described as moderately challenging.
This hike is offered by Big Island Backroad Adventures LLC and follows the historic Pu'u O'o trail out of Kailua Kona.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Pu'u O'o hike?
If the outing is focused on birdwatching the guide will typically shorten the route to approximately 4–6 miles in order to concentrate on the best birding areas rather than completing the full loop.
What is the difficulty level?
The trail is considered moderately challenging, with varying terrain that moves between forest paths and lava-field walking.
What kinds of birds can I expect to see?
Endemic species commonly encountered along the forest sections include I'iwi, Akiapōlāʻau, ʻAkepa, ʻElepaio, ʻŌmaʻo, ʻApapane and ʻAmakihi.
Will we complete the entire loop?
Not always—when the hike is run as a birdwatching outing the operator will often not complete the whole loop and will adjust distance to focus on prime birding spots.
What landscapes does the trail cover?
Pu'u O'o traverses a mosaic of landscapes, including old-growth Koa and ʻŌhiʻa forest, transitional habitat pockets, and barren lava fields.