Halape Backcountry Trail

The Halape Backcountry Trail descends from the rim of Kilauea caldera through stark lava fields and over the dramatic Hilina Pali escarpment to reach one of the most remote and beautiful coastal oases on the island of Hawaii. Halape is a small palm-fringed cove at sea level where freshwater seeps meet the Pacific, creating a rare lowland refuge that serves as an important nesting ground for Hawaiian green sea turtles, known as honu. The descent from the trailhead drops roughly 3,000 feet over the course of the journey, traversing varied lava terrain including both smooth pahoehoe and rough aa flows. The coastal setting at Halape feels genuinely wild and isolated, accessible only on foot or by kayak, with no services whatsoever. Overnight stays require a backcountry permit obtained through the park reservation system, and the small shelter and camping area accommodate only a limited number of visitors. Water must be carried in full, as the coastal seeps are brackish and not reliable for drinking. The return climb back up the pali requires good physical condition and adequate supplies. In 1975 a major earthquake caused the coastline at Halape to drop several feet, and evidence of that event is visible in the altered shoreline. The combination of volcanic geology, cultural history, marine wildlife, and remote coastal beauty makes Halape one of the park most coveted backcountry destinations.