Kīlauea Iki Trail (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)
Volcano, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes
A Rainforest Descent and Walk Across a 1959 Lava Lake
The Kīlauea Iki Trail drops through rainforest into Kīlauea Iki crater and crosses the hardened lava lake left by the 1959 eruption. The park rates it moderate to challenging, with a steep, rocky 400-foot descent and climb. From Kīlauea Iki Overlook the loop is 3.3 miles and takes about 2 to 3 hours; starting from the Kīlauea Visitor Center parking area it is 5.3 miles (3 to 4 hours), and from Devastation Trailhead 6 miles (4 to 5 hours). The park warns of deep earth cracks, unstable ground and razor-sharp lava.
The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (or $15 per person on foot or bike; children 15 and under free), cards only. Parking at the overlook is extremely limited and the lots can be full by 10 AM. The Kīlauea Visitor Center is closed for renovation until late 2026, with a temporary Welcome Center at Kīlauea Military Camp. The NPS pages I read did not show the current eruption status, sulfur dioxide levels or which trails are open that day — check nps.gov/havo and the USGS updates before you go.
Why Roamwise recommends this
One of the best hikes in the national park — for fit, prepared hikers on a day the park confirms it is open.
Best for: volcanic landscapes, a half-day hike, hikers comfortable with steep, rocky trail.
Insider tip: start early to beat the parking squeeze and the heat, bring plenty of water, and check the park's alerts and air-quality notices that morning.
- Hazards / conditions:
- Steep rocky descent and climb, deep earth cracks, unstable terrain and razor-sharp lava; volcanic gases can be hazardous to sensitive groups.
- Safety notes:
- The NPS pages did not confirm current eruption status, SO2 levels or open trails, and storm closures after September were not shown — check nps.gov/havo and USGS before you go.
- Weather sensitivity:
- Hot and exposed on the crater floor; rain makes the descent slippery.
- Best arrival time:
- Early morning
- Cost:
- Park entry is $30 per vehicle or $15 per person on foot or bike (ages 15 and under free); the park takes cards only. (checked October 2026)
Reviews: Google MapsYelp
Local tips
- •Park fee $30 per vehicle or $15 per person on foot
- •cards only.
- •3.3 miles from the overlook (2–3 hours)
- •steep 400-foot descent and climb.
- •Overlook parking is limited and can be full by 10 AM.
- •Check nps.gov/havo for closures, eruption activity and air quality before you go.
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