• ABOUT THE SPOT

Extreme Hiking / Hiking in Kilauea Iki Trail, Volcano National Park, Hawaii USA

Trail length:
4mi/6.5km
Hiking time:
2 Hours
Volcano National park is located at 30 mi/48 km in the southwest of Hilo Town in Hawaii. The park was established in 1916 and is a combination of unique ecosystems and diverse environments that range from the sea to the summit of the world's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa, as well as Kilauea witch is the world's most active volcano.

The park is an international World Heritage site and provides visitors with several exciting hiking opportunities. Kilauea Iki trail is 4 mi/6.5 km long, about two hours walk and starts at the Kilauea Iki Overlook parking, on Crater Rim Drive. If you take the left path, it will lead you to the Thurston Lava Tube and down the floor of Kaliauea Iki. If you take the right path it will lead you through the rainforest and down to the crater.

Hiking there is an exciting experience because you walk through the rain forest with a variety of birds and insects, steam vents, lava flows and a lava lake that was formed in 1959. The terrain is rocky and steep which makes the trail challenging and not suitable for beginners.

Hikers should wear good hiking boots and long pants, to protect their feet from lava flows and sharp rocks. Take a lot of water and snacks with you, a raincoat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat because the sun can be very intense. Due to the unstable terrain conditions, it is highly recommended, before choosing Crater Rim Trail, to consult the Volcano National Park website for any park alerts that might prevent you from following this route.