Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea witch is the world's most active volcano.
The park is an international World Heritage site and provides visitors with several exciting hiking opportunities. Kipukapualu Trail or Bird Park is an easy route of 1.2 mi/2 km long, about one hour round trip and starts at Kipuka Puaulu parking lot on Mauna Loa road.
Hiking there is an amazing experience because you walk through the rainforest oasis, with an amazing variety of tropical birds specific in only Hawaii’s Big Island, insects and plantation, surrounded by lava flows form the Mauna Loa mountain. Hikers should wear hiking boots, take water and snacks, a raincoat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat because the sun can be very intense.
Due to the unstable terrain conditions, it is highly recommended, before choosing Kipukapualu Trail, to consult the Volcano National Park website for any park alerts that might prevent you from following this route.