Hunting may be in progress on or near this hiking trail. Hunting dogs may be off-leash while engaged in the hunt. Hikers must keep their dogs leashed at all times and remove dog waste while on this trail.

• Nature Study
• Ocean Scenery

Steep, rocky, high elevation

• No Open Fires
• No Plant Sand Dirt Rock Removal

Caution: The ʻĀinapō Trail is difficult to the shelter and challenging above. Only experienced, well equipped hikers should attempt the summit. Weather conditions change from pleasant to life threatening in minutes at the upper elevations.

Kapāpala Forest Reserve and Ranch are open to public hunting year round. Bright clothing is recommended.

Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.

ʻĀinapō Road begins at the cattle guard located on the mauka side of Highway 11 in Kaʻū, at approximately the 40.5 mile mark. Open during daylight hours only. Parking at either end on unvegetated sides of road and at trailhead.

• Hunting Area

1. Stay on the trail 
2. Check the weather
3. Watch the time
4. Avoid undue risk
5. Read all posted signs
6. Respect other trail users
7. Pack out at least what you pack in

• Hiking
• Hunting
• Pedestrian
• Tours

As of July 2023, all users must re-register via the new system. Day use of ʻĀinapō trail does not require a permit, however, hikers are required to register in advance for gate access. Be sure to register at least three working days in advance of your desired access date. The gate code will be sent via text at 4:30AM on the requested day of access. Everyone using this public access will sign in and out on the log sheet located in the mailbox on the gate. Visit https://kapapalaranch.com/forest-reserve-access for the registration link and detailed instructions.

• Highest Point: 13,200 ft.
• Lowest Point: 5,560 ft.
• Elevation Gain: 7,616 ft. / 2,231.4 m
• Elevation Loss: 0 ft. / 0 m
• Typical Grade: 13.5%
• Maximum Grade: 26%
• Typical Trail Width: 36 in. / 91 cm
• Minimum Trail Width: 24 in. / 61 cm
• Surface Type: Bedrock and Gravel
• 50% of trail is Hard
• 50% of trail is Firm
• Obstructions: Rock, 3 in. / 8 cm

• Cabins
• Restroom
  

• Weather Forecast: Spot forecast for this trail from the National Weather Service.
• Information for Travelers with Disabilities: Hawaii Department of Health's Disability and Communication Access Board Travel Tips for People to Hawaii.
• Gate Code Registration: All users must register here to recieve a gate code.
• Reservations for ʻĀinapō Cabin: Online reservations for ʻĀinapō cabin.