Best kid-friendly trails in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is a spectacular spot to witness volcanic activity and experience a range of microclimates and sites.
Top trails
- 4.9 (14840)·Moderate·3.3 miIt's a great day hike down into and across a solid lava lake in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Kilauea Iki Trail starts in the rainforest on the crater's rim, which is a mile wide. The trail descends through the rainforest to the crater floor. You can still see steam from the vent that built the Pu'u Pua'i cinder cone. The trail has some sections of lava rock, so make sure you wear proper footwear.
- 4.7 (3509)·Easy·0.4 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrNāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), one of many such tubes on the island, was created by a river of molten lava. When a lava tube is active, lava travels along its floor at temperatures that exceed 2,000º F (1090º C). When the supply of lava stops at the end of an eruption, or if it gets diverted elsewhere, it leaves behind an empty cave. When this lava tube was discovered in 1913, the roof of the tube was covered with lava drippings. Unfortunately, those soon disappeared due to souvenir collectors....
- 4.8 (1111)·Moderate·3.7 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrExplore the beauty of the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with this spectacular hike. The trail features a nice variety of terrain, including lush vegetation and lava crust in the caldera. Traverse past steam vents and sulphur banks. There are moderate ups and downs along the way and a nice mix of shade and sun. The trails are well-maintained, and the visitor's centre has plenty of parking spaces and restrooms.
- 4.4 (1387)·Easy·1 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrOn this short paved trail, you can view a large cinder cone that was created by the lava fountains in the eruption of Kīlauea Iki in 1959. Puʻupuaʻi means "gushing hill" in Hawaiian. From the overlook, you can look into Kīlauea Iki crater and join the Devastation Trail or continue on to visit the Byron Ledge (Uēaloha), Kīlauea Iki, and Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). Depending on trail conditions portions may be overgrown. According to wheelchairtraveling.com: Devastation Trail is an amazing...
- 4.5 (1288)·Easy·1.3 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail travels across a lava field to a petroglyph site. A small loop travels past the series of petroglyphs with interpretive signs in place telling the story of the site. While the trail is relatively short, there is no shade so be sure to bring plenty of water since it can be very hot. Good hiking shoes are needed to hike across uneven terrain.
- 4.7 (2334)·Easy·2.1 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail is a formerly paved road that was damaged due to earthquakes by the 2018 volcanic eruptions. Use caution. There are views of several craters as you make your way down the road. According to wheelchairtraveling.com: Earthquake Trail is a two-mile round trip located near the visitor center across the street from it and behind the volcano house through the parking lot. This trail is an old section of crater rim drive that was damaged during a 6.6 magnitude earthquake in 1983 and the...
- 4.7 (752)·Easy·4.1 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrCrater Rim Trail skirts the edge of the Kilauea summit caldera, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This route starts at the visitor center, heads west, and passes through lush forest, the Steaming Bluffs, and the Kilauea Overlook. The easy trail is uniquely gorgeous and a must-do in the area.
- 4.7 (519)·Easy·2.7 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrStarting at Uēkahuna, the celebrated wahi pana (legendary place) of Kaluapele, this route offers incredible views of the caldera of Kīlauea. An important site for Native Hawaiian ritual and cultural practices, Uēkahuna presents visitors with spectacular vistas of Kaluapele, Mauna Loa, and surrounding areas from the highest point on the rim. From here, visitors can hike along the Crater Rim Trail for the most dramatic views of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera) and Halemaʻumaʻu crater, which...
- 4.6 (363)·Moderate·25.1 miAn unforgettable drive from the top of Kilauea in Hawai'i to the Pacific Ocean. Many people come to Hawaii for the beaches, but Kilauea is a place you do not want to miss on any visit to the Big Island. Set aside at least a day to see Kilauea and all its sites. This drive down the Chain of Craters Drive is an unforgettable journey from the top of the volcano, past volcanic flows and craters from ages past, and down to the ocean where the lava flows into the ocean. On the way, you can stop...
- 4.5 (433)·Easy·0.4 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis popular trail at the end of Chain of Craters Road allows visitors to enjoy panoramic sea views and the Holei Sea Arch, a prominent rock formation extending from the sea cliffs into the Pacific Ocean. The walk is paved until you get to the lookout. If you want to go to the vista point, you will need to maneuver on some large rocks. The cliffs may be unstable, so please stay in the designated area.
Visitor info
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Pedestrian/Cyclist Pass - Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under.
Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.
No entrance pass required for US citizens and residents on these days:
February 16 — Presidents' Day
May 25 — Memorial Day
June 14 — Flag Day
July 3–5 — Independence Day weekend
August 25 — National Park Service's birthday
September 17 — Constitution Day
October 27 — Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
November 11 — Veterans Day
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Kīlauea Visitor Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. The Kīlauea Visitor Center and Volcano House have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
Wheelchairs may be available for use at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.
ASL interpreters for ranger-led programs are available by reservation. Please call (808)-985-6011 or email at least 14 days in advance to make a reservation for interpretation services.
Additional information about accessibility at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Kīlauea Visitor Center, Volcano House, and Volcano Art Center are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers. The Kīlauea Visitor Center and Volcano House have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
The Kīpukapuaulu Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
There are accessible restrooms or vault toilets at the following trailheads: Kīlauea Iki, Devastation parking lot, Maunaulu, Mauna Loa lookout, and the turnaround at the end of Chain of Craters Road.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
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