The Kipuka Puaulu Trail is a gentle 1.2-mile forest loop in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
Known locally as Bird Park, it threads an ancient kīpuka — an island of old forest spared by younger lava flows.
A kīpuka is an older patch of vegetation surrounded by a more recent lava flow, and Kipuka Puaulu Trail is one of the finest examples in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
By Great Hawaii Tour — your Hawaii tours guide to the Big Island’s quieter trails.
Key Points
- Easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop on a dirt path, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Bird Park nickname comes from native birds like ‘apapane, ‘ōma’o, and the rare ‘i’iwi.
- Ancient forest holds more native tree species per acre than any other forest in the park.
- Trailhead sits off Mauna Loa Road, about 5 miles from the park’s Highway 11 turn.
- Check NPS current conditions before you go — listings reported a 2026 closure for hazardous trees.
The Ancient Forest and Its Birds
Towering ‘ōhi’a lehua trees shade the loop, with hō’awa and hapu’u ferns in the understory.
Listen for ‘apapane and ‘ōma’o calls, and watch for the red ‘i’iwi sipping nectar.
Bird sightings are never guaranteed, so go quietly and give wildlife space.
Great Hawaii Tour recommends going early in the morning, when birds at Kipuka Puaulu Trail are most active and the forest is quietest.
Why a Kipuka Looks So Different
Lava flowed around this older land, leaving its forest standing like an island in stone.
Inside, the soil is deep and rich; outside, the rock is young and bare.
Interpretive signs along the trail explain how this island of forest survived.
Plan Your Kipuka Puaulu Trail Visit
Getting There
From Highway 11, turn onto Mauna Loa Road and drive about 1.5 miles to the parking area.
The trailhead is about 5 miles from the Highway 11 turn, inside the national park.
Hours and Fees
The park is open year-round, but trail access follows current NPS conditions.
No extra activity fee applies, but the park entrance fee does: $30 per vehicle, valid 7 days.
Trail Conditions and Safety
Check NPS current conditions before you go; 2026 listings reported a closure for hazardous trees.
Stay on the dirt path, watch for overhead hazards, and do not pick plants.
Best Time to Visit
Mornings are best for birds and cooler, quieter walking conditions.
Dry months from May to October usually give the clearest hiking weather.
What to Bring
Bring water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and binoculars for birdwatching.
Dogs, horses, and bicycles are prohibited on Kipuka Puaulu Trail.
Location Map
Open Kipuka Puaulu Trail in Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kipuka Puaulu Trail?
The Kipuka Puaulu Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is Kipuka Puaulu Trail open?
Check NPS current conditions first, as 2026 listings reported Kipuka Puaulu Trail closed for hazardous trees.
Where is the Kipuka Puaulu Trail trailhead?
The Kipuka Puaulu Trail trailhead is on Mauna Loa Road, 1.5 miles past the Highway 11 turn.
What birds can you see on Kipuka Puaulu Trail?
On Kipuka Puaulu Trail you may hear ‘apapane and ‘ōma’o, and rarely spot an ‘i’iwi.
Does Kipuka Puaulu Trail cost extra?
Kipuka Puaulu Trail has no extra activity fee, but the national park entrance fee applies.
Are dogs allowed on Kipuka Puaulu Trail?
No, dogs are prohibited on Kipuka Puaulu Trail, as are horses and bicycles.
Conclusion
For a fuller volcano-area day, pair Kipuka Puaulu Trail with Island of Hawaii, Kilauea, Steam Vents, and Sulphur Banks, or book the Grand Circle Island Tour.
Great Hawaii Tour recommends pairing Kipuka Puaulu Trail with a volcano-area day, checking NPS conditions first, and walking the loop slowly.
By Great Hawaii Tour
