Trail

Footprints Area

Trail
Two people walking on a paved path through a lava landscape at sunset

This 0.8-mile walk leads to a shelter preserving footprints left by Native Hawaiians caught in Kīlauea's deadly 1790 eruption—a rare window into the volcano's human history. While officially 'easy,' the Kaʻū Desert terrain will test you: steep inclines, deep sand, and relentless sun exposure demand respect and hydration discipline. Most hikers complete it in 1–2 hours, but the uneven surfaces and exposure mean it's not a casual stroll. Go for the archeology and geology; bring water and a hat.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy walk with technical terrain challenges—steep inclines and uneven surfaces demand careful footing.
Elevation Gain Feet
250

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy walk with technical terrain challenges—steep inclines and uneven surfaces demand careful footing.
Elevation Gain Feet
250
Estimated Time
1–2 hours including time at the shelter exhibit.
Trail Surface
Sections paved near the trailhead, but transitions to steep inclines with deep sand, loose volcanic cinder, and uneven surfaces.
Trail Features
  • Ancient Hawaiian footprints preserved in 1790 volcanic ash
  • Shelter with interpretive exhibit
  • Kaʻū Desert volcanic landscape
  • Geological record of Kīlauea eruption
Trail Highlights
Walk to where Native Hawaiian footprints—captured in ash from Kīlauea's 1790 eruption—remain visible today. The shelter exhibit explains the eruption's human toll and cultural significance.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Kaʻū Desert Trailhead on Highway 11, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle required or available. Drive directly to Kaʻū Desert Trailhead on Highway 11.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits or reservations required.
Fees
$30 per private vehicle; $15 per person pedestrian pass. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry.
Trail Status
Open.
Seasonal Closures
None—park operates year-round, 24 hours daily.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Dry trail—no water sources. Carry 2–3 liters minimum.
Accessibility
Sections of trail are paved near the trailhead, but give way to steep inclines with occasional deep sand and uneven surfaces. The NPS notes accessibility challenges despite the 'easy walk' designation.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Full sun exposure
  • Dehydration in open desert
  • Steep inclines
  • Deep sand and uneven surfaces
  • Twisted ankle risk from loose cinder
  • Heat exhaustion
Hazard Details
Full sun exposure in an open desert with no shade structure. Steep inclines alternate with deep sand and loose volcanic cinder, making footing treacherous and increasing twisted ankle risk. Dehydration is a real threat—the terrain demands energy and sweat production is high. Heat exhaustion is possible even in 'easy' conditions if you underestimate the sun's intensity at this elevation.
Best Season
May–September (dry season) offers more stable weather and lower afternoon thunderstorm risk. The park operates 24/7 year-round.
Best Time To Visit
Year-round, but aim for early morning (start by 6am) to beat the desert heat. Afternoons expose you to full sun with no shade. Dry season (May–September) offers more stable weather than winter rains.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 2–3 liters of water minimum—the Kaʻū Desert has zero shade and no water sources on trail.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen; the volcanic landscape reflects heat.
  • Tighten your boots—deep sand and loose volcanic cinder test your ankle stability on every step.
  • Start early to avoid afternoon heat exposure.
  • The shelter is your turnaround point; don't wander off-trail into the open desert.

More details

Park Area
Kaʻū Desert
Dogs Allowed
No—pets are not permitted on park trails.
Shade Level
Full sun, exposed Kaʻū Desert with zero shade. The volcanic landscape offers no relief from heat.
Emergency Contacts
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Visitor Services: Available during park hours. In emergencies, call 911.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Never—Hawaiʻi does not receive snow at this elevation.
Mud Season
Not applicable—the Kaʻū Desert is arid and volcanic, with minimal mud risk.
Fall Colors Peak
Not applicable—Hawaii has no deciduous foliage cycle.
Insider Tips
  • The shelter at 0.8 miles is your turnaround point—don't push beyond.
  • Start by sunrise or as early as possible; afternoon heat in this exposed desert is punishing.
  • The exhibit inside the shelter is worth the trek—read the eruption narrative to understand the human story.
  • Locals often bypass this trail because it's 'easy,' but the sun exposure and terrain catch unprepared visitors off-guard.
Family Friendly Notes
The short distance (0.8 miles) suits families, but steep inclines and deep sand challenge young legs. Uneven surfaces require careful footing—hold children's hands on steep sections. Intense sun exposure demands hydration breaks and hat coverage. Not recommended for very young children or those with ankle instability.
Nearby Facilities
Unknown—Highway 11 access only. Plan to refuel and resupply before reaching the trailhead.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the historical significance and the relatively short distance, but consistently report that the exposure and terrain demand more respect than the 'easy walk' label suggests. The combination of steep sections, deep sand, and relentless sun catches many off-guard. Those who arrive early with adequate water rate it highly.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this really an 'easy' hike?

Yes and no. The distance is short (0.8 mi), and the shelter is your turnaround. But 'easy' distance does NOT mean easy conditions—steep inclines, deep sand, and zero shade make this a sun-exposure and hydration challenge. Bring water and start early.

How much water should I carry?

Minimum 2–3 liters. The desert offers no water sources, and the sun exposure and terrain will push your sweat production high. Underestimating water is the #1 reason hikers struggle here.

Can I do this with kids?

Yes, but prepare carefully. The 0.8-mile distance suits kids, but steep inclines, uneven terrain, and intense sun exposure demand full water discipline and breaks. Teens are fine; young children (under 8) need close supervision and a parent ready to stop and rest.

Are there bathrooms at the trailhead?

No bathrooms are available. Plan your hydration accordingly—filling a bladder before departure is essential.

Will I need a map?

The trail is straightforward to the shelter, but a park map adds context. Cell service is uncertain—consider downloading an offline map.

What time of year is best?

May–September (dry season) offers the most stable weather. Year-round open, but avoid midday heat year-round. Early morning departures work every season.

Devastation Trail

1-mile paved cinder views with zero elevation. Easy for all ages, brutal sun exposure. Nēnē geese—respect distance.

Halemaʻumaʻu Trail

Drop 425ft into the crater. Uneven lava, full sun, panoramic payoff. Poles and water mandatory.

Keanakākoʻi

Crater views and volcanic history without the technical climb. Bring water and sun armor—exposure is real.

Kīlauea Iki Trail

Drop 400 feet into a live volcanic crater and cross its hardened lava lake. The ascent punishes quads. Come early.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.