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Kau Desert Footprints

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Kau Desert Trail to Pepeiao Cabin [Distance: 9.1 miles / Level: Difficult / Time: 5 hours] or
Kau Desert Trail to Hilina Pali Overlook [Distance: 13.9 miles / Level: Difficult / Time: One day]

The Kau Desert trail which traverses the Kau Desert and accesses other trails in the Desert is reached by first proceeding along the initial 1.8 miles of the Mauna Iki trail to where it intersects with the Kau Desert trail. The Kau Desert trail can be used to reach the up country Pepeiao cabin and the Ka'ha trail which leads to the coastal Ka'aha campground. You can find Pele’s hair and tear along the trail. From Peceiao Cabin, the Kau Desert Trail parallels a fault system as it leads to the Hilina Pali Overlook. There are a number of interesting cracks along the trail. From the Hilina Pali you can enjoy dramatic views of the Kau Desert and the coast. These challenging backcountry trails offer unsurpassed desert scenery and excellent opportunities to view geologic evidence of Hawaii's volcanic formation. The network of trails in the Kau Desert can be approached from many directions so first examine a map of the trail network to determine what approached best fits your individual desires. Permits must be obtained at the visitor’s center for camping at the Pepeiao cabin and the Ka'aha campground.