International Hikers / Out of Country Phone

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Our automated text system does not work with international phone numbers so weʻll be communicating with you by email.  MAKE SURE WE KNOW THIS.  Our email is Operations@KapapalaRanch.com 

When we see and International phone number, we assume you will be hiking (rather than hunting).  There are only two places where overnight stays are permitted:

The State cabin at 'Āinapō or the 

National Park Summit cabin.

Both need permits.  Please see the Hiker page for more information.

NO CAMPING IN THE RANCH!

1. An access account is needed.  Complete this and you get a 5 digit access ID that is good for unlimited use for two years.
2. Secure your permits with the State and/or the National Park
3. Back to our website to request gate access codes.  One to ENTER and a second to EXIT as they change at random times. 
4. The form says to enter 10 numbers for the phone, but just go ahead and put in the whole number you used when you registered. This will create your request on the list, but will not generate an automated confirmation text. We will confirm by email. 
5. This is NOT automated and we only check gate requests once a day in the evening so plan ahead. 
6. Make sure you get a confirmation from us.  We need to manually set up the email with the code.  The Rules say by 10PM (for automated text)  but we do not monitor the email that late.  The day before is better.
7. On the morning of your hike you will receive a gate code by email at 4:30 AM.  For the international hikers we often put on a separate lock where the combination will not change while you are on your hike. 

Email us at operations@KapapalaRanch.com and weʻll work something out.

You still need to plan ahead and make an account. 

You can

• Hike
• Drive with 4x4
• 
  

If you are hiking, there is a signed parking area about ¼ mile inside the locked ranch gate and your hike will begin from there. This will add 8 miles to your hike.

If you are driving:

• Make sure your rental is 4WD very good clearance.  No AWD.  The road is very damaged from a March 2026 rainstorm
• Having 4WD allows you to drive this first 8 mile section.
• Make sure your rental has a SPARE TIRE.  Rarely necessary, but very expensive if you need assistance.
• When you park make sure you have all the door closed, interior lights off and charging cords unplugged.  This is also not a good place to have a dead battery.

Parking is NOT allowed at random places along the road.  Just at the trailhead at the top, or at the bottom.

• Other hikers (going to Mauna Loa Summit) have shared that they try to check in with the National Park the day before.  Otherwise the backcountry office does not open until about 8 and is understaffed. 
• Allow plenty of time.  You donʻt want to be out on this hike in the dark, especially above the vegetation line in the lava where it is easy to lose the trail in dark and fog.
• Sign in and out on the logbook at the highway locked gate. 
• The highway gate is the only locked gate.  If you encounter others, you are in the wrong place.  Stay on the signed public access roads.