Kīlauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail Loop

This loop typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete, covering a distance of approximately 6.4 miles (10.3 km).

The trail offers a dramatic contrast. You'll hike through a lush, high-elevation rainforest with ʻōhiʻa trees and ferns, then descend into the otherworldly, barren landscape of the Kīlauea Iki crater floor, a solidified lava lake. Steam often issues from cracks in the earth, and you'll follow rock cairns across the lava.

This trail is generally rated as moderate to challenging due to significant elevation changes, including a 400-foot (122-meter) descent to the crater floor and subsequent ascent. The terrain can be steep, rocky, and uneven, with razor-sharp lava on the crater floor. It's best for hikers with some experience.

The main trailhead for this loop is located at the Kīlauea Iki Overlook parking lot within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Another common starting point is near the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube).

You'll walk across the solidified lava lake of the Kīlauea Iki crater, formed during the 1959 eruption. Look for steam issuing from cracks in the earth and feel for warm rocks. You'll also see the Devastation Trail and the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), and pass the Kīlauea Iki East Overlook and Kīlauea Iki West Overlook.

Many hikers recommend completing the loop in a clockwise direction. This makes the descent on the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) side more significant, while the ascent on the west side is generally more gradual.

The trail is accessible year-round. However, be prepared for varying weather conditions, including hot, dry, wet, and windy weather. The crater floor has strong sun exposure, so early mornings or late afternoons might be more comfortable, especially on sunny days.

Yes, this trail is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, so standard park entrance fees apply. You can find current fee information on the official NPS website: nps.gov.

No, pets are generally not allowed on most trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including the Kīlauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail Loop, to protect wildlife and natural resources. Always check the latest park regulations before bringing a pet.

While hiking through the rainforest sections, especially along the Crater Rim Trail, you might spot native Hawaiian birds like the ʻapapane. The barren crater floor offers a different kind of natural wonder, with unique plant life adapting to the volcanic environment.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several well-known paths. You'll hike along portions of the Crater Rim Trail, the Kīlauea Iki Trail, the Byron Ledge Trail, and the Devastation Trail, as well as the Lava Tube Trail which leads to Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube).