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. Downloadable resources are provided below.

• Hiking
• Pedestrian
• Sightseeing
• Tours
• Wildlife Viewing

• Interpretive Signs
• Parking
• Restroom
• Trash Cans

• Nature Study
• Open Views
• Scenic Viewpoint
• Sensitive Area
• Walking Path

From the parking lot walk back to the paved access road and turn right on it. Go around a locked gate. Shortly, turn right off the access road onto a dirt road. Check out the nearby interpretive signs and brush your boots at the cleaning station. By a flat area bear right onto a trail and descend on two switchbacks. Enter Kaulana Manu kipuka through a gate in the perimeter fence. After switchbacking two more times, reach a junction. Continue straight to hike the short loop in a clockwise direction. (The trail to the right is the return portion of the loop.) Descend gradually on a meandering trail. Reach a second junction. Turn left onto a spur trail, which leads to a viewing platform overlooking an adjacent, younger kipuka. Backtrack to the second junction and turn left to continue the loop. Climb gradually to the first junction and turn left to return to the parking lot.

Kīpuka are islands of intact native forest surrounded by more recent lava flows. Kaulana Manu has an almost pristine rain forest with a variety of native plants and birds. The canopy consists of large koa and ‘ōhi‘a trees. The understory includes over 70 species of small trees, shrubs, and ferns. Look for ‘ōlapa, kolea, kawa‘u, pilo, pūkiawe, ‘ōhelo, ‘ākala (Hawaiian raspberry), and hāpu‘u tree ferns. Numerous native birds visit the Kaulana Manu area. If the ‘ōhi‘a is in bloom, watch for the ‘apapane or ‘i‘iwi in the forest canopy. Both birds have a red breast and head, and black wings and tail. The ‘i‘iwi has a long, curved, salmon-colored bill for sipping `‘ōhi‘a nectar. The ‘apapane has a slightly curved black bill. In flight the ‘apapane makes a whirring sound as it darts from tree to tree searching for insects and nectar. Other birds sometimes seen in the kīpuka are the ‘amakihi, ‘elepaio, ‘ōma‘o, ‘io (Hawaiian hawk), and the endangered ‘akepa, ‘akiapōlā‘au, and ‘alawī (Hawai‘i creeper).

• No Bicycles
• No Camping
• No Horses
• No Hunting
• No Littering
• No Motorized Vehicles
• No Open Fires
• No Plant Sand Dirt Rock Removal

Trail connects with Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Hwy 200) at mile marker 21 from Hilo.

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