When the weather has turned sour on your next visit to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and you can't explore the Volcano area because of rain, your best option is to head to the Kau Desert. Just a few short minutes from the the Hawaii Volcanoes Park, you can explore the Kau Desert Trail. The area receives little rain and is generally quite warm, so it should be a welcome respite from the frequent rain in Volcano and Hilo. At just under 4 miles, the trail is not strenuous and the elevation gain is relatively mild.
Park your car at the trailhead, located on the left side of the highway coming from Volcano near the 38 mile marker. A large brown trailhead sign will be right next to the parking area. The path is mostly paved to the pavilion you encounter after less than a mile. The pavilion is home to the preserved footprints of Keaoua and Kamehameha's soldiers from the 1790's that trudged through volcanic mud during Kilauea's eruption. Unfortunately, the footprints are not easy to see in the pavilion. Years of vandalism, neglect, and the elements has all but completely obliterated them. Fortunately, you may discover other footprints on the trail depending on whether the wind has blown sand away to expose old footprints in the lava rock.
Continue on the trail after leaving the pavilion to the top of the hill where several other trails meet. The trail to the top is less than two miles, and you will not find any difficulty climbing up or staying on the trail. Just make sure to follow the rock piles called ahu or cairns so you will not lose your way. Along the trail, you will be amazed by the amount plant life you see in the area. Also, take note of the different types and colors of lava rock you see along the way.
Once you reach the top of the hill, you can turn around and retrace your steps, or you can choose one of the other trails to explore. The trails through the desert tend to be hot, dry, and long so make sure you are prepared with ample food and water.
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