Puʻu Lāʻau Road

This dirt and gravel road goes uphill west of Ahumoa to the historic Puʻu Lāʻau Ranger cabin, passing through open māmane (Sophora chrysophylla), naio (Myoporum sandwicense), and ʻiliahi (Santalum paniculatum) native high-elevation dry forest. Native forest birds such as ʻamakihi (Hemignathus virens) and ʻelepaio (Chasiempis sandwichensis)are often sighted in the vicinity of the road. The route also traversescritical habitat of the endangered palila (Loxioides bailleui), a Hawaiian finch found only on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea.

Part of the Hawai‘i Island Birding Trail (see link below).

Additional Information

Allowed Access

Bicycles

Dogs

Horses

Motor Vehicles

Pedestrians

Activities

Atv Riding

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Motorcycle Riding

Rifle Hunting

Road Biking

Wildlife Watching

Rules & Regulations

Carry Out Trash

Dogs On Leash

No Campfires

Pack Out Dog Waste

Stay On Trail

Amenities & Facilities

Parking
Restroom

Features

Nature Study
Ocean Scenery
Open Views
Sensitive Area

Activities

4-Wheel Driving
Archery
ATV/Motorized Vehicle
Bicycle
Equestrian
Hunting
Jeep
Motorcycle
Pedestrian
Sightseeing
Tours
Wildlife Viewing

Simple Trail Tips

Stay on the trail
Check the weather
Watch the time
Avoid undue risk
Read all posted signs
Respect other trail users
Pack out at least what you pack in

Dog Owners

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.

Mountain Bikers

Always yield to hikers. Do not slide around corners or slide down the trail. Careless mountain biking damages the trail and causes erosion. If accidents are reported or damage to the trail is extreme, the trail may be closed to mountain bikers. This trail is not an easy mountain bike trail.

Hazards

Blind Corner
Dangerous Footing
High Elevation
Hunting Area
Sun Exposure

Prohibited

No Littering
No Open Fires
No Smoking

REQUIRED TO RIDE

• In order to use the Mauna Kea Riding Area, you are required to obtain a permit and complete a waiver agreement which is available FREE online at the link below (See "Links" section).

• All off highway vehicles must be equipped with a spark arrestor. Loud bikes and ATVs are causing loss of riding areas nationwide and we support the California OHV sound limit of 96 decibels.

Special Conditions

Wear bright colored clothing as the road passes through areas for year-round archery hunting for game mammals and seasonal shooting of game birds. Occasionally, the area may close due to aerial control of invasive mammals. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at (808) 974-4221.

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.