This is the closest vent (or Cinder Cone) to the Visitors Center. People walking along the ridge of the
Ka Lu`u vent put its size into the right perspective. On Haleakala everything has a huge dimension.

The hike takes 2.5mi/4.0km in one direction, or 5mi/8km in both directions. Elevation
difference is -1400'/-427m. Park rangers rate the difficulty of this hike as "moderate".

5mi/8km through such landscape was just about enough for the short Hawaiian winter day. The distance
and the time will become even more a factor if you plan to walk around the cone top trail, which is
very slippery. Another 0.2 miles trail extends behind the Kalu'u Cone toward the Ko'olau Gap.

I figured that every Cinder Cone is alike, unless you are a geologist! My curiosity
was satisfied. I have not attempted to climb any of the numerous other cones...