5 Best Hikes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Overview

Located on the Big Island of Hawai’i, the unique Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park delivers insight into the birth of the Hawaiian Islands. The park is home to 2 active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. In May of 2018, explosive eruptions occurred at Halema`uma`u, the summit crater of Kīlauea Volcano. Today, most of the park is open to visitors but it could take 100-150 years before the vegetation and flora to return to the lava-stricken landscape. If planning a trip to the Big Island, be sure to check the park’s website to see what areas are open to the public. The 5 best hikes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are listed below and hopefully, one day, will open once again.

State	Hawaii
Nearest Metro Area	Honolulu, HI
Area Size	323,431 acres
Established	August 1, 1916
Hiking Trails	150 miles

Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Kīlauea Iki Trail

One of the best hikes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is this incredible trail that hikers can walk across a once-molten lake of lava in Kīlauea Iki Crater. The trail descends through a lush rainforest before Pu’u Pua’i cinder cone which was the main vent of the 1959 eruption. After walking across the solid lake surface, you will loop back near Thurston Lava Tube. This cave-like feature formed from the lava flow is definitely worth the short walk. The trailhead is located at a parking area on Crater Rim Drive.

• 4.0 mile loop
• 400′ elevation gain
• Moderate

Mauna Ulu Trail

This trail passes vast lava fields, fissures, and flows. The flow that took place from 1969-1974 changed the landscape forever burning everything in its path. Lava tree molds, cinder cones, and views of surrounding volcanoes all highlight this trail. The trailhead is off of Chain of Craters Road, 7 miles from the Visitor Center.

• 2.5 miles out and back
• 200′ elevation gain
• Moderate

Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Trail

500+ year old petroglyphs scatter the lava field allowing visitors a chance to imagine what life was like for the ancient Hawaiian people. There are some 23,000 “ki’i pohaku” in the area. Don’t wander off the boardwalk as they are very fragile. The trailhead can be found off of Chain of Craters Road near the coast.

• 1.4 miles out and back
• No elevation gain
• Easy

Kīpukapuaulu Trail 

Easy loop walk through a very old closed canopy forest. There is an abundance of diverse tree species as well as rare plants and birds. Be aware that the sulfur gasses can be dangerous for those with heart and respiratory conditions. The trailhead can be found on Mauna Loa Road, 5 miles from the Visitor Center.

• 1.2 mile loop
• 150′ elevation gain
• Easy

Devastation Trail

Easy, paved path that highlights the total destruction of the 1959 eruption. The area is still under recovery and it is amazing to see the process in action. The trail is easy enough for the whole family to enjoy. The trailhead is located off of Crater Rim Road.

• 1.0 miles out and back
• 50′ elevation gain
• Easy

Featured Image: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Photo by lwtt93