The Kahauale'a trail, also known as “Captain’s Trail,” begins at the dead-end of Captain's Drive. The trail starts off with a slightly elevated pāhoehoe lava flow and takes you through a lush forest filled with 'ōhi'a and a heavy undergrowth of ferns and other shrubs like the native 'uluhe fern. As you continue your way on the trail you will be greeted by other plants that may not be easily noticeable at first. You can find the native 'ie'ie entwining amongst the 'ōhi'a trees, hāpu'u ferns big enough to provide shade, and some 'ōlapa dancing in the breeze along the trail. Travelers should be aware that this trail does have some hazards like cracks along the pāhoehoe portions, pits that may not be easily noticeable as vegetation has started to grow in and around them, and muddy portions that may leave travelers in a struggle to get their foot free. Being that the Kahaule'a Natural Area Reserve is dense in 'ōhi'a trees, this becomes an ideal habitat for some of Hawai'i’s native birds. Listen carefully as you walk the trail, you may hear some 'elepaio singing. The trail ends at the vast sight of Pu'u 'Ō'ō and the hardened pāhoehoe lava flows that have happened in recent years. On these lava fields you can start to see new growth of kupukupu ferns and small 'ōhi'a trees breaking through the cracks of the pāhoehoe.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highest Point: 2,469 ft.
- Lowest Point: 2,304 ft.
