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.
Adventure brief
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.
Set against the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii's Big Island, the Pu'u O'o Hike offers adventurers a chance to traverse a dynamic environment that shifts from lush greenery to stark lava fields. This loop trail, managed by Big Island Backroad Adventures LLC, delivers a feast for the senses—rich birdlife, striking geological features, and panoramic vistas stretch across a route that challenges moderately but rewards thoroughly.
Beginning amid dense tropical forests, the trail ascends to Pu'u O'o, a prominent volcanic cinder cone perched above the surrounding landscape. As you navigate this rugged terrain, you'll witness the contrast of vibrant native flora like ʻōhiʻa lehua and crimson I'iwi birds darting through the canopy. The trek then descends into expansive lava fields, hardened from ancient eruptions, offering an otherworldly tableau of jagged black rock and fragile mountain pines. Birdwatchers should keep their eyes out for endemic species such as the Akepa and the Amakihi, which thrive amid this volcanic wilderness.
This route is part of the Big Island’s broader volcanic heritage, with the Pu'u O'o crater itself deeply linked to the history of Hawaii’s volcanic activity, including the famous Kilauea eruption. It’s a site where geological history and living ecosystems mingle, making this tour distinctly educational and inspiring. Each step reveals the raw power and resilience of the island’s landscape, making it a must-do for outdoor lovers with an appreciation for natural history.
Thanks to the guiding expertise at Big Island Backroad Adventures LLC, visitors gain an intimate understanding of the terrain while staying on well-maintained trails. The journey is ideal for those seeking a physically engaging experience amid the island’s volcanic majesty, offering an authentic taste of Hawaii’s geological and ecological diversity.
Route Schematic
Route schematic
Key moments along the Pu'u O'o loop and the bird-focused alternatives.
Trailhead / Historic footpath start
Begin on one of the island’s original foot trails that set the route for the loop.
Koa and ʻŌhiʻa forest sections
Old-growth stands where most endemic bird species are concentrated and where guided birdwatching focuses its time.
Transitional zones
Mixed habitat pockets between dense forest and lava, offering varied plant and bird life.
Barren lava fields
Open stretches of stark lava that contrast with the forested sections and complete the loop’s ecological range.
The trail is described as moderately challenging; when the outing is run as a birdwatching hike the operator will typically shorten the route and not complete the entire loop, covering approximately 4–6 miles focused on the best birding areas.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:05:49.935Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.