1790 Footprints - Recognition

Recognition

The footprints were found accidentally by geologist Ruy H. Finch in the hardened ash of the Kaʻū Desert. He was trying to investigate a 1919 eruption that produced Mauna Iki (small mountain). Although the National Park had been formed by then, these lands were owned by the Territory of Hawaii. In 1938 the area was proposed as a bombing practice range, resulting in protest from conservation groups. On June 20, 1938 the Federal Government bought the land to add to the park, with the bombing range limited to four and a half square miles. The Army never used the land, but the Navy caused some injuries to fishermen in 1945. In June 1950 the bombing range was returned to the park after being cleared of unexploded ordnance.

In 1941 the Civilian Conservation Corps built a trail and shelter. It is Hawaiʻi state archaeological site number 10-61-5505, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1974 as site number 74000351. To access the area, park 9.1 miles (14.6 km) southwest of the park headquarters on the Hawaii Belt Road, State Highway 11. From this trailhead (coordinates 19°22′5″N 155°22′1″W / 19.36806°N 155.36694°W / 19.36806; -155.36694) the Footprints Trail leads about a mile southeast to the area. For a longer hike, start at the Kaʻū Desert trailhead on Crater Rim Drive at coordinates 19°24′31″N 155°17′48″W / 19.40861°N 155.29667°W / 19.40861; -155.29667. and hike for about five miles (8 km) through the area. These trails or roads might be closed during high levels of volcanic activity; check conditions in advance.