| Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii |
 Trail Name:Kilauea Iki Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea is also one of the most accessible, with a road snaking right up to the summit. At the top, just east of the main caldera, lies the crater of Kilauea Iki (‘Little Kilauea’). The scene of one of Hawaii’s most violent volcanic displays, the 1959 eruption saw lava shoot 1,900 ft into the air. This varied trail, considered by many to be the best in the Park, gives hikers a fascinating close-up view of the site of this eruption.
The trail winds down the wall of Kilauea Iki and heads west across the eerie crater floor, covered by hardened lava flows and surrounded by cliffs. After passing the vent of the 1959 eruption, the trail climbs out of the crater and reaches a junction shortly after, at the 2.4 mile/3.9 km mark. Left is the very short connecting trail to Byron Ledge which, joined with Halema’uma’u Trail, forms a larger circuit through the main caldera. Byron Ledge also accesses the Waldron Ledge loop, which can be combined with Kilauea Iki for an excellent loop trail of 6 miles/9.6 km. To continue on the 4-mile Kilauea Iki Trail, turn right at the junction, keep right at the next, and join Crater Rim Trail in 0.4 mile/0.6 km. Follow the rim east (right) for 0.7 mile/1.1 km to Kilauea Iki Overlook, enjoying views into the crater from breaks in the beautiful rainforest. From the overlook, the trail continues along the rim through a forest of tree ferns for a further 0.5 mile/0.8 km to your starting point. Before leaving the parking area, be sure to cross the road and walk the 0.3 mile/0.5 km loop trail through a lush jungle of ohi’a trees and giant ferns to Thurston Lava Tube. It is best to time this for first thing in the morning or late afternoon, as it gets very busy during the middle of the day. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: The Big Island of Hawaii. The Park is located in the south of the island. Entrance fee $10 per vehicle, good for 7 days.
Directions: The Park entrance station is just off Hwy 11, 95 miles south-east of Kona and 30 miles south-west of Hilo. Keep right onto Crater Rim Drive for Kilauea visitor center in 0.3 mile. Trailhead: Thurston Lava Tube parking area on Crater Rim Drive. Alternative access at Kilauea Iki Overlook. Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 400 ft / 122 m Duration: 2 hours Trail Condition: Well maintained. Features: Crater views, hardened lava flows, cliffs, native forest. Climate: Changeable, with temperatures around 60 F at Kilauea’s summit. It is often overcast and rainy. Accommodation: Volcano House Hotel (tel. 808 967-7321) is on the caldera rim opposite the visitor center. Two free drive-in campgrounds, first-come, first-served – the most convenient is Namakani Paio, clearly signed off Hwy 11, 3 miles west of the entrance station. The village of Volcano, 1 mile east of the Park on Hwy 11, has lodges, cottages and B&Bs. Trail Notes: Obtain maps and information on trails and current volcanic activity from the visitor center (tel. 808 985-6000). Carry water and keep to the trail to avoid hidden cracks and thin lava crust. |
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