Kaʻū Desert Footprints

The footprints are sacred ground — both as the literal preserved last steps of people who died here and as a site within the broader Pele geography. Stay on the trail, do not touch the ash layer, do not leave anything in the shelter. The trail is exposed and there is no shade; bring water and sun protection. The Hawaiian name for the area, Keonehelelei, means "the falling sands"; the name itself is the memorial.