International Hikers / Out of Country Phone

---

Our gate system works via a web app or iphone app so should be fine as long as your have wifi or data.  If you have signed up for an eSim, you will be fine.  On your exit day, you will needs data to get the exit gate code .  If this is a concern, please email us. Our email is Operations@KapapalaRanch.com 

When we see and International address or 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!

Of course, day use is still permited; it just does not happen often.

Please see out Public Access Page.

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 and Hurricane Lala in August 2026.
• Having 4WD allows you to drive this first 8 mile section.  Not AWD, must be 4x4
• 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.