Hiking Mileages

There are three sections of the 'Āinapō Road and Trail that require separate and independent access permits.  Please PLAN AHEAD to make sure necessary permits and gate codes are secured. The websites linked below are excellent resources.  We urge you to become familiar with the area.

 Call 911 for medical emergencies. For vehicle mechanical breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, out of gas etc. you are ON YOUR OWN.  The State/DLNR, National Park, or Kapāpala Ranch will not respond.  It is not an AAA or roadside assistance area except to maybe recommend a local tow company.  It can be expensive.

Hiking or driving 'Āinapō Road requires an Access Account and a Gate Code Request for the locked highway gate with Kapāpala Ranch. A 4WD with good clearance is necessary if you are driving. 

• No overnight camping in the Ranch. 
• Please read information at https://kapapalaranch.com/forest-reserve-access
• All points further also require this access

 Hiking to the State of Hawaiʻi 'Āinapō Cabin at Halewai requires a separate cabin reservation and permit. 

• Day hiking in the Forest Reserve does not need a permit.   
• Kapāpala Access is required as per #1 above.
• Other than the cabin, there is no overnight camping in the Forest Reserve.
• https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/inap-trail/21

  Hiking to Mauna Loa Summit Cabin requires a backcountry permit from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_maunaloa.htm

• Kapāpala Access is required as per #1 above.
• An overnight stay at Halewai Cabin (permit required) is optional but advised, at least on the way up.  See #2 above.
• There are some excellent resources on these websites.  Please educate yourself.  Carefully check mileage and more importantly, elevation gains.  

Please note that there is NO overnight camping or parking allowed along the trail in Kapāpala Ranch. The only overnight site in these two sections is the 'Āinapō Cabin at Halewai. Permit Required from State of Hawaiʻi, DLNR.