Sulphur Banks and Steam Vents | Volcanoes National Park

The Sulphur Banks and Steam Vents are some of the most popular and easily accessible attractions in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Located just a short walk from the Kīlauea Visitor Center, these trails and overlooks give you a firsthand look at the geothermal activity that makes the Big Island so unique. From steaming cracks in the earth to colorful mineral deposits left by volcanic gases, the landscape here is both otherworldly and beautiful.

We explored a short loop that included the Kīlauea Iki Crater Overlook, the Sulphur Banks Trail (0.8 miles), the Steam Vents (either right next to parking or about 0.8 miles from the Visitor Center), and a connecting trail back to the Visitor Center. In total, our walk came to about 1.7 miles. While most of the paths were easy, one of the trails back to the Visitor Center wasn’t very stroller friendly—it had lots of roots and a few stairs—so keep that in mind if you’re visiting with little ones.

This area is a great introduction to the park, especially if you’re short on time or want an easier walk with plenty of unique volcanic sights. Whether you’re interested in geology, photography, or just experiencing the raw energy of Hawai‘i, the Sulphur Banks and Steam Vents are well worth a stop.