After spending a couple nights at the Kulanaokuaiki Campground sleeping under the glow of Halema'uma'u Crater, we woke up early to take in the sunrise. We shuttled our car to the Chain of Craters Road, where we would come out in a few days time, and headed to the Hilina Pali Trailhead. We planed to stay two nights at Halapē and one at 'Apua Point.

Halema'uma'u Camping at Kulanaokuaiki Sunrise at Halema'uma'u Enjoying the Sunrise at Halema'uma'u

The Hilina Pali Trail drops you down over 2,000' to the coast. The trail is over lava and through high brush until you reach the palm tree oasis of Halapē.

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The day we arrived all the shaded campsites were taken. Fortunately, the people staying in the best spot left early the following morning so we moved all our stuff, explored the area, then hung out in the shade. We also had our pick of swimming spots, there was a protected cove where you could snorkel and also a brackish pond that you could bathe in to rise off the salt.

Sunrise at Halape Morning Coffee Views at Halape Halape Tidepools Halape Beach Tiki at Halape Spinx Moth Caterpillar Brackish Ponds at Halape

Our camp had a private trail to the beach with a spectacular view to watch the sunset.

Sunset Stroll at Halape Sunset at Halape (2) Halape Campspot (2)

The second morning we packed up and headed towards 'Apua Point. There wouldn't be any water the rest of the trip, so we loaded up as much as we could carry and set off early to beat the head of the day.

Sunrise from our Camp Spot Halepe Backpacking to Keahou Backpacking to Keahou (2) Backpacker on the CCC wall to Keahou Corrie at Apua Point Apua Point

Since we arrived so early, we hung our tent fly between some trees to make shade and took a nap in the breeze. If was a fairly windy day and the waves were picking up. We got a little afternoon shower, which cooled things off a bit. We hiked out to the ocean to watch the waves crash over the rocks as the sun set.

Follow the Lava Brick Road Evening Light at Apua Point Tidal Flats Portrait Evening Light at Apua Point Tidal Flats (2) Evening Light at Apua Point Waves Evening Light at Apua Point Waves (2) Evening Light at Apua Point Waves (3) Evening Light at Apua Point Tidal Flats (3) Sunset at Apua Point

The warm breeze and the full moon made it nice to walk around that evening too.

Apua Point Campspot

The last day of travel was mostly across pahoehoe and we were running low on water. We packed up at sunrise and headed for the car. The views along the coast we gorgeous, which included a couple sea arches and petroglyphs.

Sea Arch Sunrise Near Apua Point Corrie on the Lava Fields Petroglyphs Near Apua Point Petroglyphs Near Apua Point (2)

Trip notes: We hiked just over 19 miles with just shy of 1,300' of elevation gain. Since this hike is in the park, it does require a permit. Also, most of the backcountry sites have water tanks that fill with rainwater. The winter isn't the rainy season and the rangers warned us there might not be any water to filter.

If you get the chance to stay at Halapē, make sure to bring a mask and snorkel. Seems like a weird thing to backpack with, but you'll be able to snorkel in the bay. Overall great trip, definitely recommend!

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