Hualālai

Amazing volcano and an amazing hike. We made it to the summit recently and it was well worth it! This was the last of the five volcanoes on Big Island that I hadn't hiked so I have now "bagged" all five. Wooooooot.

end-of kaloko drive in a sea of spent ammo shells 1986

It's a real bummer that this volcano is privately owned by a rich family that doesn't like to share. The entire volcano is a strictly enforced "no trespassing" zone. If a local person like me wanted to hike to the summit, I would have to pay hundreds of dollars to a tour company to take me there. I have heard that you can write the Bishop Estate to request permission to walk on their land but that it is rarely, if ever, granted.

I’ve hiked to the summit 3 times in the past 40 years the first time I was only 12 years old. I went with my father and my older brother. It was the most difficult yet rewarding hike I have ever been on. We spent the night on the summit and watched the sun rise, words can not express the sights I seen and the feelings I felt. The next time I went with my father and my older brother again I was 14 that time. The last time I took my other older brother because that was on his “bucket list” I was 32 and he was 48. We did a round trip in just a little over 8 hours. The scenery was different each time I went but the landmarks and the beauty and raw energy of the volcano was the same. I have a deep respect for Hualalai and all the volcanoes on this island. But Hualalai is unique in its formation and wildlife and forestry which I’m happy to say it is making a strong comeback thanks to many dedicated locals. Big mahalo!

It was a magnificent sight to see and very fun to learn about the history about this volcano

I live on this island and sometimes forget that this is an active volcano. Kilauea takes center stage.

The gently sloping mountainside has the meaning of being kind and shy.

We had a pleasant experience with no eruptions. Thanks volcano!