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Keauhou is located on the southern seacoast of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and is one of the favored destinations of hearty wilderness hikers. The campsite is 7.6 miles from the closest trailhead. The hike to Keauhou can be a grueling, hot hike through predominately non-native grasses to a small rocky bay where cold fresh water seeps to the surface and mixes with the ocean. Permitted campers may stay a maximum of 3 consecutive nights per site. A total of 16 hikers are allowed per night at Keauhou.
The campsite may be accessed from several trailheads;
Mau Loa o Maunaulu via the Keauhou Trail - 7.6 miles (accessed via Chain of Craters Road).
Puʻuloa via the Puna Coast Trail - 9.7 miles (accessed via Chain of Craters Road).
Hilina Pali Overlook (10+miles - not recommended)
All eight backcountry campsites (Ka‘aha, Halapē, Keauhou, ‘Āpua Point, Nāpau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit. See the Backcountry Hiking page for instructions on how to obtain your permit. https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_bc.htm
For backcountry camping, there is a non-refundable $10.00 fee per trip, in addition to the park entrance fee. The fee is good for up to 10 people and 7 nights per permit. Failure to obtain a backcountry permit is a violation of 36 CFR 2.10(b)(8). Violators may be subject to fines up to $1000 and/or 6 months in jail. All eight backcountry campsites (Ka‘aha, Halapē, Keauhou, ‘Āpua Point, Nāpau, Pepeiao Cabin, Red Hill Cabin and Mauna Loa Cabin) require a permit, with a stay limit of three consecutive nights at one site. Campers can move to another backcountry site for the fourth night, but no more than 7 consecutive nights per permit. Stays longer than 7 nights require purchasing an additional $10.00 permit. Sites may be reserved up to a week in advance and are reserved upon receipt of permit fees.
Great hike being plenty of water. Do not do this hike after sunset the rock cairns (ahu) are too far apart to find with a flashlight.
It was a great trip of exploring and visiting Keauhou Trail sone of them.
A lot of walking and hiking will be a given. I enjoy each trail showing the fact sheet prior to every hike. The "Know Before You Go" details really puts a lot of emphases on important facts as you explore.
Wear comfortable clothes, especially footwear and don't forget your camera and most of all keep hydrated. SPF is a must.
Enjoy the photos
Visiting and walking on the Keauhou was great, although it was a lot of walking the views made it worthwhile. We enjoyed the fact sheets posted providing vital information for every hike. You will need the right footwear for a comfortable hike, of course water, a camera and a hat. You will be able to take plenty of great pictures.
Backpacked to Halape and camped on the beach. It was awesome!! There are carne rock piles to guide you along. The trail moves through several different areas - fresh lava, grass covered lava and areas with small trees as well as coastal hiking. Dont underestimate the difficulty of hiking back up from the coast!
