Kilauea'iki Trail Hike | Volcanoes National Park

The Kīlauea‘iki Trail in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most unique hikes on the Big Island of Hawaii. This 4-mile (6.4 km) loop takes you through lush rainforest before descending onto the floor of a crater that was once a lava lake. Walking across the hardened lava field, surrounded by steaming vents and dramatic volcanic scenery, feels like stepping onto another planet.

We started our hike around 7:30 a.m. and were lucky enough to have the trail almost entirely to ourselves. There was just one other car in the parking lot when we arrived, and during the entire loop we passed only two other groups on our way out. Normally, the Kīlauea‘iki Trail is very crowded, and parking can be tough to find, so getting an early start made a huge difference. Having that quiet time to explore the crater floor without the usual crowds made this hike even more special.

If you’re visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Kīlauea‘iki Trail is a must-do. It combines lush rainforest, volcanic history, and surreal landscapes into one unforgettable adventure.

Distance: 4 mile round trip:
Elevation Gain: 741 ft