Best trails in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park covers a large portion of the island of Hawaiʻi (nicknamed the Big Island). The park is roughly the size of neighboring O'ahu! The park protects beautiful volcanic landscapes, including 2 active volcanoes: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. There's a huge variety of terrain to explore, from active lava flows, to the dense vegetation of tropical rainforests, to ocean views from the ridgelines of Mauna Loa. Whether you're looking for a tough trek to one of the highest points in the Pacific, or a kid-friendly route with lush plants and wildlife, there's a trail for you!
Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are among the world's most active volcanoes, and they continue to add onto the Big Island today! Volcanoes are creative forces. Underwater volcanic eruptions push magma to the surface, then the lava cools and solidifies into new land masses. There's even an active submarine volcano off the coast of the Big Island that might become the site of the next Hawaiian island. (We'll have to wait at least 10,000 years, though!)
You can experience some of this geologic action up close by hiking to view the active lava flows! When Kīlauea is active, you'll be able to see the red glow of lava when the sky is dark. If you're hoping to see lava under the starry night sky, check volcanic conditions before you make a special trip. There are no reservations required to visit the park after dark, so you may find lots of other visitors sharing the overlooks with you. Try visiting after 9 pm or before sunrise for fewer crowds.
The park is open 24 hours a day, all year long. You can visit at any time of year, thanks to consistently pleasant weather. Popular times to visit are in the summer, when the weather is the driest, and during the winter holidays. If you're looking for more solitude, you may want to visit in the spring or fall.
There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or in person at the park entrance.
Top trails
- (13487)•Moderate•3.2 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.
- (1771)•Moderate•4.3 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThe 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...
- (3279)•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....
- (2132)•Easy•1.5 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis 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...
- (1024)•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.
- (1272)•Easy•1.0 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...
- (1202)•Easy•1.2 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.
- (2165)•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...
- (624)•Moderate•1.6 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThe 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.
- (550)•Moderate•1.9 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis 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.
Visitor info
Motorcycle Pass- Admits the passholder and passenger of one motorcycle.
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.
Hawai'i Tri-Park Annual Pass
The annual pass is valid for entrance fees for pass holder and occupants of a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Haleakalā National Park, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The park is not responsible for misplaced, lost, or stolen cards. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Hawaiʻi Tri-Park Annual Pass can be purchased at the entrance station or online.
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.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
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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