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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes NP, Hawaii
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Despite its name, the Ka‘ū Desert is not a true desert but rather a volcanic desert formed by the ash and acid rain from the eruptions of Kīlauea Volcano.
The desert is home to ancient footprints preserved in volcanic ash, believed to be left by Hawaiian warriors fleeing an eruption in 1790.
The Ka‘ū Desert is located within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, which protects some of the most unique geological and biological landscapes in the world.
Despite its harsh conditions, the desert supports unique plant species like the ‘ōhi‘a lehua, which is adapted to volcanic soil.
The Ka‘ū Desert Trailhead and Footprints Area Visitor Center provide insights into the region's geological and cultural history.
The desert receives less than 20 inches of rain annually, primarily due to its location in the rain shadow of Mauna Loa.
