Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kilauea Iki

    4.8 (45 reviews)

    Kilauea Iki Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Kilauea Iki

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Nick L.

    If you are crunched for time and looking for just one thing to do in Volcanoes National Park, I'd say to do this hike. It's a moderate level hike with plenty of switchbacks and little bit of a steep level change. I recommend doing the loop counter-clockwise so that you can check out the Thurston Lava Tube in the end (which is a nice relaxing break). I took my time during the hike, and the trail loop plus the Thurston Lava Tube took me a little over 3 hours. The earlier you get here the better. Not just for the parking, but for a better experience. I got here early and had the lava lake pretty much to myself. By the time I got to my car, crowds of people were just starting at the trailhead. Note that there is a bathroom at the trailhead parking area. There is so much to see and you'll keep discovering new things along the way. The path in the lava lake is easy to follow. Just follow the neat pile of rocks! We experienced some rain along the way which was incredible. It was truly a highlight of our trip and something I'd want to do again the next time we're on the island.

    Krajicek K.

    The hike was a loop and took about 2 hours. Weather can change suddenly from sunny to pouring rain. We were glad that we had our rain coat on. Very rewarding hike and interesting to see the lava rocks up close in person.

    Mira S.

    Great hike that lets you descend and ascend through a tropical forest, and walk the full length of a volcanic crater, guided by cairns, here called Aha. I ended the crater walk by Thurston Lava Tube, so I walked that, then hiked back to the Kilauea Iki trailhead. The whole walk took me about 80 minutes moving, with a few stops to take pictures. There's an outhouse at the start and by the lava tube, but none along Kilauea Iki, so it makes sense to stop off when you can. My watch said the elevation change was about 900 feet. Starting from here and going counter-clockwise, the descent is steep, on stairs, and the ascent is fairly sloped and gradual, not stairs.

    Jacqueline T.

    We were excited to be able to do this hike on a beautiful day when we were at the park this time (it was cold, rainy, and windy last time so we skipped it). It's a popular hike, so getting to the parking lot early is a good idea. The hike is about 4 miles and is easy-moderate. It's pretty flat except the hike down and back up from the crater. We did the hike counter clockwise which was a little steeper on the way down and a more gentle climb on the way up. It was cool to look down at the crater before hiking across the crater floor. The crater floor felt like hiking on another planet. It was really cool. The beginning and end are shaded, but the crater floor is very sunny. This was my favorite thing we did at the national park. It's definitely a great thing to do!

    Ias of Sep 9,2019
    Chelsea R.

    Most of this trail was shaded which was nice. The crater isn't though so make sure you bring a bunch of Sunblock. Allot between 2 to 4 hours for this. Depending on how fit you are and how many pictures you stop and take. We took a ton. Thurston lava tubes were closed when we went on Sept 9,2019.

    Kristin ..

    Short, beautiful hike overlooking Kilauea Iki. You can hike from the lower lot along this trail towards Thurston Lava Tube.

    Kilauea Iki from the overlook
    Theresa C.

    Kīlauea Iki was a lava lake in 1959 with fountains spewing molten lava up to 1900 feet in the air. Today, visitors can view the crater from the Kīlauea Iki Overlook. There is no longer molten lava here and the crater is vast (though compared to the main crater, it's small or 'Iki'.) It's a mile long and 400 feet deep. The 2018 eruption and its accompanying earthquakes damaged the Kīlauea Iki Trail. It was still closed when we visited, but partially re-opened the week after we were there. Hikers can now descend to the crater floor, parts of which are still warm to the touch.

    Discussing Directions
    Vei K.

    One of the most unique scenic places to visit is Kilauea Iki. The massive crater has a beautiful wide open landscape that I have spent hours sitting inside of. You can hear the cries of the Io (Hawaiian Hawk) and see new Ohia Trees and Ferns growing out in the lava. I only wish that tourists didnt have to prove themselves by screaming at the top of their lungs in a place that one should be respectful of NATURES greatness, not their own. But that isnt Kilauea Ikis fault. The best part about going to Kilaue Iki on a sunny day is the ability to "dry out" if you live or are lodging in Volcano since it can be humid and moist up here. The whole area is so peaceful and beautiful and offers some amazing air quality, even better than most places throughout the island chain.

    Adrienne R.

    This trail was recommended to us by good friends and it did not disappoint. Our kids are 7 and 9 and they were able and excited to hike down the rainforest into the crater, and also hike back out. We started on the non-steps side, at the trail head across from the Thurston Lava Tube. Overall it took us about 2.5 hours. Being in the crater is otherworldly. Sound travels differently there. And there is a calm. It was an overcast day so we didn't get hit by the sun, but hats and sunscreen are a must. Plus water. And snacks for the keiki. After the hike our 7-year old fell asleep on the drive down the mountain and slept until the next morning. The hike is a workout, with some challenging areas, but overall doable. My in-laws also made the hike, starting at the trailhead, going down to the crater and coming back up the way they came down, skipping the stairs. Something for everyone. Such a memorable and unique experience.

    Looking down on Kilauea Iki.  (The light line across the crater floor -- in the middle-left of the photo -- is the trail.)
    Clarence J.

    This is a fun, four-mile hike across a volcanic crater. It's not a particularly complex or taxing hike, although it can feel long; there are uneven, steep-ish stone steps on the path on one side of the crater (at the end nearest the gap in the crater rim); and the majority of the hike is across the unshaded crater floor. (For some of you -- and you know who you are... -- I recommend wearing a hat!) The rainforest on the crater rim keeps you mostly shaded on the hike down and up, and nice views include the steaming Halemaumau in the distance. Informative signs tell you about some of the plants along the hike. Numbered posts also allow you to hear recorded information by cell phone related to the hike at given points. (A brochure found at a stand near the main parking lot also gives the same information, numbered for the same points.) I recommend going down to the right of the parking lot (facing the crater) to start the loop -- this allows for the more steady ascent to be on your way out of the crater. Remember that the only/nearest bathrooms are at Thurston Lava Tube parking lot near the beginning/end of your hike.

    dirt path starting off going counterclockwise
    R B.

    Great, relatively easy hike. I used my Garmin and it was 3.43 miles and took us an hour and 49 minutes. We are in shape but my husband has a broken foot so we were going slower than normal. We went counterclockwise but I think deciding which way to go will depend if you prefer shorter but steeper switchbacks on your way up or more of a gradual climb up. We went the direction on the $2 guide which is available at the Visitors Center or the trailhead. You start on a dirt path in the forest alongside the crater. It's a really easy hike suitable for anyone at this point. Eventually you make it down and get to the opening of the crater. It's amazing! You really feel like you are on another planet. The first part is choppy and the path isn't always super obvious. Just keep following the rock formations. There were enough people on the trail that we could always tell where to go next. Maybe halfway through it flattens out and is like the pictures you tend to see of the trail. Crazy to think you are sitting on 400'of old lava and ash. It is another 400' back up switchbacks. This will take a bit more effort and the only part of the trail I started sweating. You pass through the Thurston Lava Tube parking lot and continue on the trail to the lookout. I'd recommend sneakers and maybe a little water. It feels warmer than the temperature says it is. Unlike other reviewers I didn't think the $2 guide was necessary but I didn't mind supporting the park. Overall a great hike that is definitely a must do!

    Irina V.

    Have you ever wanted to walk through a pit crater? If so here is your chance. This is an easy 4 mile round trip hike. We did this hike first thing in the morning and we highly recommend you do that as well because there are no trees and it gets really hot on this black lava trail. First you walk through the jungle and then you will descend onto the crater floor where you walk along steaming vents. The ground is black with no vegetation, it is right over the hill from an active volcano. Then you will come to piles upon piles of sharp lava rocks and towards the end of this trail your back to the lush green rainforest. In our opinion this unique trail is one of the best hikes on the Island.

    Jen P.

    A wonderful 4 mile roundtrip hike to the Kilaeua crater. Its mainly switchbacks going down but a fairly easy hike on a beautiful rainforest shady path. 1.3 miles to the crater floor and a .7 mile flat walk to the crater which is pretty cool. If you only have time for one hike when visiting the park this is it. The Thurston Lava tube entrance is across the road so only downside is the parking and there isn't a lot of it. Recommend coming earlier or waiting. Definitely worth seeing both.

    See all

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 4
    Love this 14
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carmen M.
    62
    671
    24

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mira S.
    141
    1258
    3357

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vei K.
    288
    9
    54

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R B.
    3
    37
    36

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Irina V.
    4919
    566
    2628

    9 years ago

    Helpful 38
    Thanks 0
    Love this 38
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen P.
    167
    131
    617

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    volcano Inn staff told me about this one. such a nice hike, close to Inn, watch the weather though! it is a rainforest guys!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Larry K.
    3
    139
    20

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kat S.
    29
    131
    1

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tony L.
    275
    442
    3131

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of SMP M.
    0
    106
    33

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sumi A.
    18
    403
    65

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M S.
    0
    9
    0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Kilauea Iki

    Review Highlights - Kilauea Iki

    Once you are in the crater, there is no real "trail" but you are essentially just walking to the other side.

    Mentioned in 22 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Sulphur Banks Trail

    Sulphur Banks Trail

    4.6(5 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    Ha'akulamanu known as "Sulphur Banks" is a tourist spot that's part inside the Volcano Park…read more Fascinating and mysterious - that's how I describe this day hike trail. How could you not love this spot? - it's an easy hike that young & adults can easily do - 1.2 miles (2km) round trip from Kilauea Visitor Center - wheelchair accessible from the steam vents parking lot - steam will warm you at some point when temperature gets drop On the other side, since sulphur is typically not good to inhale especially amongst kids, I suggest not to stay the place for a long time as once breathing in sulphur dust it can irritate the airways or cause coughing. In fact when we were here my eyes are so watery and I'm having cough all of a sudden. My facial skin becomes itchy that I keep scratching them and becomes irritated. Other than that, t'was a fun learning experience for me and I highly recommended anyone to visit the sulphur banks trail.

    Hawaii's miniature version of Yellowstone National Park's Sulphur Springs…read more My wife is a retired industrial hygienist with a PhD in toxicology, and so is always interested in poisonous gases, many of which are emitted by Kilauea. She wanted to see this site, although I was lukewarm to the idea. Guess who wears the pants in the house? We park our car in the far end of the visitor's center and follow a paved asphalt path through the rainforest for 0.3 miles. Encounter a sign essentially saying volcanoes are hazardous to your health, and warn of the dangers of inhaling the sulfur fumes. Looks like they plagiarized the wording from the sides of cigarette packs. Small children advised not to come, due to the fumes, and potential for running off the boardwalk. One couple speaking in Cantonese brings their child in a folding baby carriage, oblivious to the warnings. Now they have a long boardwalk, with warnings not to stray off the trail, as one wrong step, and you could fall through the surface into 202 degree steam. I copied the following from a park display board: Escaping gases encrust the rocks with sulfur crystals varying in color from yellow to green yellow. Dissolved silica are carried by water vapor and deposit a white residue of opal on the rocks. Minerals in basalt are chemically heated to form red brown hematite and white gypsum. My wife's words exactly! Not too bad a smell, the sulfur fumes are no worse than the bathroom after my wife has an extended stay on the toilet. The boardwalk is far enough away that you can't touch the yellow and white crystals forming on the rocks and walls nearby. The boardwalk goes over several dried out areas, and eventually leaves the Sulfur Banks trail, and goes over a series of steam vents in grassland. Believe it or not, the sulfur springs were accessible by cars driven up the road right there . In 2005, the road was removed and the place reforested to its original beauty. Wish they could reforest the drought stricken grass in my back yard.

    Photos
    Sulphur Banks Trail - 3/4-mile (1-way) hike from Volcano House hotel to easier parking at 25-car lot at STEAM VENTS. STEAMING BLUFF is further 100' away.

    3/4-mile (1-way) hike from Volcano House hotel to easier parking at 25-car lot at STEAM VENTS. STEAMING BLUFF is further 100' away.

    Sulphur Banks Trail
    Sulphur Banks Trail

    See all

    Devastation Trail - Devastation Trail ends near parking, bathroom, & scenic point at Puupuai Hill. View along mile-long, 400-foot-deep Kīlauea Iki mini-crater.

    Devastation Trail

    5.0(3 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Trail along a path of lava from an eruption n 1959!…read more The view from the parking lot of the crater alone is worth the trip to the trailhead. The lava fountain was among the tallest in history reaching a height between the Empire State Building and Burj Dubai! That is incredible. To have been there in person would have been powerfully awesome. The trail takes you through trees and along lava fields. It can get chilly during depending on the weather and time of year you visit, so dress appropriately. One of my favorite places.

    From the 1959 eruption of Kilauea Iki it creates an interesting landscape on its surrounding area…read more One of that is the devastation trail. Example of it is the lava features like spatter effects & Pele's tears and hair. Currently this short hike has a paved trail for about a half mile over cinders. Good thing is that this trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Tourist should stay on paved trail and is advice not to climb not to climb the Pu'upua'i cinder cone. When hiking under the basking heat of the sun, do not forget to pat sunscreen and bring water to keep you hydrated. Be prepared on windy weather condition as well. Trailhead: From the entrance of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park a few miles to the west of the town of volcano village. Pass through the entrance an drive straight ahead for less than 100 feet & turn left onto crater rim road. Follow crater rim drive until it intersects Chain of Craters Road. Turn right and park at the Devastation Trail parking area. Mahalo for reading & happy juandering fellow yeeps!

    Photos
    Devastation Trail - Devastation Trail ends near parking, bathroom, & scenic point at Puupuai Hill. View along mile-long, 400-foot-deep Kīlauea Iki mini-crater.

    Devastation Trail ends near parking, bathroom, & scenic point at Puupuai Hill. View along mile-long, 400-foot-deep Kīlauea Iki mini-crater.

    Devastation Trail - Eerie walk in devastation trail to the crater

    Eerie walk in devastation trail to the crater

    Devastation Trail - The view from the end of Devastation Trail

    See all

    The view from the end of Devastation Trail

    Hawaii Forest & Trail - Hike Kilauea Volcano to find red hot lava!

    Hawaii Forest & Trail

    4.8(366 reviews)
    53.6 mi

    I cannot say enough wonderful things about Wilson and the Mauna Kea Summit & Stars excursion…read more Wilson was incredibly well spoken and knowledgeable and I learned so much! He did all of this while navigating steep roads (not all paved) and feeding us amazing chicken stew, cookies, and hot cocoa. This was a truly memorable and magical trip and the weather was just perfect! Everything was well organized and I cannot recommend them enough

    We went on an almost 100% full (flower) moon. It was special to see the terminator line on the…read moreCelestron telescope - it had such great definition! The color of Mauna Kea with the moon shining on it was so magical all around us. There were some clouds that cleared pretty well by the end of our star gazing. We were the last ones up there so it got dark enough to see more than you'd expect with the moon. Jeff, our awesome tour guide, used a laser pointer to help us see the constellations we usually can't back at home. The images on the digital telescope like nebulas, the moon & star clusters were an amazing addition to have as keepsakes. My husband and I felt he made the tour a great balance of learning and fun. He had the group feeling like family before we even left from the pickup lot. Things to consider: I do recommend following the moons cycles booking this tour/your trip if this is especially important for you to see as many stars as possible. The sunset and views of the observatory's make it awesome anyways :) I struggled with altitude sickness around 12,000 ft. Jeff had made sure to let us know beforehand if we experienced any issues to speak up. I was hesitant as I know it would mean turning the whole tour around, but some tingling turned to dizziness and then a brief fainting. He immediately stopped the bus and helped ground me and make sure I was completely okay & coherent before letting me know our options for the tour. We made it up to the top with 2 more (included in tour) stops and I felt better with each one having more time to acclimate :) Thank you Jeff!! You handled this so professionally and I appreciate your check-ins for the rest of the trip. It's cold even with parka and gloves. It's so worth packing warm shoes and layers. The bus had ac and heat so that was great! Do it if you can! Awe-inspiring! Such an unreal environment that makes you wonder about so many things. Just take the precautions seriously, move slow and breathe deep.

    Photos
    Hawaii Forest & Trail - Take a dip in a private waterfall on our Hilo Tropical Waterfall Tour.

    Take a dip in a private waterfall on our Hilo Tropical Waterfall Tour.

    Hawaii Forest & Trail - Explore pristine lava tubes when you venture with Hawaii Forest & Trail.

    Explore pristine lava tubes when you venture with Hawaii Forest & Trail.

    Hawaii Forest & Trail

    See all

    Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel - Rainbow inside the Kilauea Summit with Hale Amau'mau erupting in the upper right corner of picture.  Taken by Tyler Ford inside the HVNP

    Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel

    4.0(9 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    I am a top-level reviewer on TripAdvisor, and we travel the world A LOT; I review most things…read morereally highly! I was so excited for this tour for my family. BUMMER that I didn't get to do my usual high-star review... It seems to come down to spoken words not matching with contract. I frankly wonder if our awesome planning phone conversation was perhaps under "compromised" conditions, as I know I was clear & sober, and I believed what was said... And that is where our mis-communication occurred. The only reason we are coming to the big island is the Volcanic National Park. I am sad to report that my interaction with Hayley went poorly - we didn't get a chance to take the awesome tour, as although I made reservations many months ahead, she dumped us 6 weeks out. Given my many years in customer service, I was hoping she would at least help us with the crunch we were left in due to mis-communication and we could just continue on with the plan; I took responsibility for my part of the misunderstanding, she replied with "...it is in both of our best interest to cancel this reservation..." Actually, NO, it's NOT in both of our best interest, just her CYA, as apparently there's a crackdown on tour agencies offering taxi-like service, etc. We are now left 6 weeks out with plane reservations in and out of the big island, a motel reservation, with only the intent of coming to the big island to tour the Volcanic National Park, and now NO TOUR. We were going to pay her $850 for the day! Apparently she didn't like what I had to say regarding our mis-communication. I HATE to post bad reviews, I am assuming we are a "bad day/night" exception and she just didn't want to actually deal with it. Sounds like otherwise she rocks. Wish we could have been another 5-star review. But now I'm SCRAMBLING to get a tour to accommodate the flights and hotel we have already booked... It just wasn't that hard to make this right. I am happy to copy the back-and-forth emails to anyone who would like more details on what happened. Just know words over the phone mean nothing, only what's in writing or email matters. Not a problem for most if it's a simple agreement by email. TravelPhotoWriter... at.... g... mail... dot com UPDATE: I think ultimately it worked out GREAT that she cancelled us! We booked a replacement excursion with the company that rates higher than this one on T.A., very professional service & $100 less!!!

    we had such an amazing tour, I was sorry to hear the previous experience, but we were able to fit…read morein on a tour that canceled last minute and had a tour beyond our expectations. Tyler was the best guide, relaxing and extremely informative. would do again next time we come. highly recommend

    Photos
    Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel - King Kamehameha presents Poliahu (Snow Goddess) of Mauna Kea

    King Kamehameha presents Poliahu (Snow Goddess) of Mauna Kea

    Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel - G61 Ocean Entry Lava Flow 12/16/16 Kalapana, HI Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    G61 Ocean Entry Lava Flow 12/16/16 Kalapana, HI Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Akamai Adventure Tours & Travel - Summit eruption inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    See all

    Summit eruption inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

    Kilauea Iki - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...