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Kilauea Iki Crater Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (51)
  1. Areas
  2. HI
  3. …The Big Island (Hawaii)
  4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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“A definite highlight for many visitors to the park- marvel at great volcanic scenery and rainforests ”

Tom Robson
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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

Local Club: Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Dec 7, 2024: This weekend, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park was proud to be recognized for our 15 years of supporting the Youth Ranger program at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Oct 28, 2024: Holidays in Kahuku – December 7, 2024

Sep 17, 2024: Kīlauea Middle East Rift Zone Eruption

Land Manager: National Park Service - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 51 votes

#1

in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

#212

Overall
  4.7 from 51 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
25%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Hawaii Volcanoes Natio…

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in Hawaii

#212

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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

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 31, 2024
Manoj Abey
3.3mi
Jul 9, 2024
Kayla Gindt
Jul 1, 2024
Heidi Fiechtner
May 11, 2024
Tamra Sayler
Beautiful
Mar 25, 2024
Angelo Kandas
Mar 3, 2024
Adriana Peisajovich
Hi — 14h 15m
Jan 25, 2024
Carolyn Herrmann
Jan 3, 2024
Brian L
3.3mi

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