Hiking Project Logo

A definite highlight for many visitors to the park- marvel at great volcanic scenery and rainforests


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.3

KM

Loop

3,931' 1,198 m

High

3,505' 1,068 m

Low

472' 144 m

Up

458' 140 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

57%

Max Grade (30°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly The lava surface is rugged and this trail has moderate elevation gain and loss - it is suitable for most abilities if you take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

Overview

One of the most popular trails in the park, Kileauea Iki crosses a once-molten lava field. Get up close to steam vents and traipse through luxuriant Hawaiian rainforest.

Need to Know

Avoid the sunniest, hottest hours of the day and take sturdy shoes, water, snacks and sun protection.

Description

From the Crater Rim Drive parking area, descend through a dense rainforest to the floor of the solidified, however still steaming, Klauea Iki Crater lava lake. Peer into the 1959 vent that erupted to a height of 1900 feet located below the Puu Puai cinder cone.

Stops along the Kileauea Iki Trail reveal the story of a dramatic eruption in 1959. A well-marked path leads you through lush rain forest along the rim of Klauea Iki (little Klauea) and down to its still-steaming crater floor. For a complete guide with detailed information corresponding to each stop, Click Here

Once you reach the end of the Kileauea Iki Trail, turn right onto Crater Rim Trail. Hiking the Crater Rim is an awe-inspiring journey around an active volcano. The breath of gasses and steam bear witness that Pelehonuamea (Pele of the sacred land) still resides here. Rich with native plant and animal life, active volcanism, and Hawaiian deities of a living culture, hikers will marvel at diverse scenic vistas, desert terrain, and lush rainforest.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 48 votes

#217

Overall
  4.6 from 48 votes
5 Star
69%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Hawaii

#217

Overall
44 Views Last Month
5,500 Since Mar 7, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
8%
66%
16%
11%
0%

Photos

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, United States
Apr 1, 2020 near Volcano, HI
Inside the huge Thurston Lava Tube.
Mar 7, 2016 near Volcano, HI
Crossing through the crater
May 25, 2018 near Volcano, HI
Hike through the rainforest.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI
Crater Trail
Sep 21, 2015 near Volcano, HI
Flowers growing up from the lava inside the crater.
Jan 25, 2016 near Volcano, HI

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 87 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.