Best trails in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

4.5(35,154 reviews)

Hawaii
:
#1 of 2 national parks

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

#1 - Kīlauea Iki & Crater Rim Trail
4.9(13878)
·Moderate
·3.2 mi
It'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.
#2 - Kilauea Craters Trail
4.9(1842)
·Moderate
·4.4 mi
·Est. 2–2.5 hr
The volcanic activity that created the Hawaiian island chain hasn't yet finished working on what's know as the 'Big Island' called Hawaii. If you need evidence, look no further than the lava flows and gas eruptions that spill from the Kilauea volcano located on the south-east side of the Big Island. You'll find Kilauea at Volcanoes National Park where there's plenty to see even without stepping far from your vehicle. However, being hikers we'd suggest leaving your car by Thurston Lava Tube...
#3 - Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) Trail
4.7(3359)
·Easy
·0.4 mi
·Est. 0.5–1 hr
Nāhuku (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 - Halema’uma’u Sulfur Banks Trail and Crater Rim Trail Loop
4.7(2182)
·Easy
·1.6 mi
·Est. 0.5–1 hr
This is a scenic hike around the Sulfur Banks Trail and Crater Rim Trail. It offers dramatic views of steam vents and sulfur deposits. Interpretive signage is available along the way. The National Park Service advises that visitors with heart or respiratory problems (such as asthma), pregnant women, infants, and young children should avoid this route. Accessibility: Equipment Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized...
#5 - Uēaloha Byron Ledge and Halema'uma'u Loop
4.8(1054)
·Moderate
·3.7 mi
·Est. 1.5–2 hr
Explore 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.
#6 - Puʻupuaʻi Overlook via Devastation Trail
4.4(1317)
·Easy
·1.0 mi
·Est. 0.5–1 hr
On 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...
#7 - Pu'uloa Petroglyphs Trail
4.5(1225)
·Easy
·1.2 mi
·Est. 0.5–1 hr
This 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.
#8 - Crater Rim Drive to Keanakākoʻi Overlook
4.7(2227)
·Easy
·2.1 mi
·Est. 0.5–1 hr
This 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...
#9 - Halema'uma'u Trail
4.7(635)
·Moderate
·1.7 mi
·Est. 1–1.5 hr
The trail is mostly wooded and heads towards the crater. After about a mile you exit the woods and arrive at the edge of an open landscape covered in volcanic rock. The trail starts near the Kilauea Visitor Center which is a great place to stop and learn more about the area before or after your hike.
#10 - Byron Ledge Trail from Devastation Trailhead
4.6(569)
·Moderate
·1.9 mi
·Est. 0.5–1 hr
This relatively easy hike explores a variety of scenery within the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The trail begins with the Devestation Trail through the desert and then descends into a lush rainforest with beautiful Ōhi'a trees and large fern trees. There are several overlooks offering fantastic views of two volcano craters. The elevation changes are isolated to certain parts, meaning the remainder of the trail is fairly flat or has gradual inclines.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact

Passes & fees

Starting at $15

Accessibility

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Every day • Open 24 hours

Kahuku Unit

Phone

(808) 985-6011

Entrance pass

Motorcycle

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

$25

Purchase pass

Per Person

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.

$15

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Private Vehicle

Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.

$30

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2026 Fee-free days

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 — Independence Day weekend
July 4 — Independence Day weekend
July 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

Annual pass

All U.S. national parks

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.

$80

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Overview

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.

Facilities

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

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Guides

Top Picks in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

8 trails

Hidden Gems in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

4 trails

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is Kīlauea Iki & Crater Rim Trail, which has a 4.9 star rating from 13,878 reviews. This trail is 3.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 741 ft.

What is the longest trail in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is Mauna Loa via Ainapo Trail. This trail is estimated to be 47.5 mi long.

How many trails are in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

There are 47 trails in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

Mauna Loa via Ainapo Trail has the most elevation gain with 12,539 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mauna Loa Trail, which has 7,283 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 camping trails in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the most popular is Napau Crater via Napau Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 345 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 running trails in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the most popular is Crater Rim Trail and July 1974 Lava Flow with an average 4.6 star rating from 90 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park which is Hilina Pali Overlook with an average 4.5 star rating from 36 community reviews.