Top Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawaii: The Best Hiking Trails
Hawaii's premier natural attraction offers a wealth of live volcano activity, rainforest, hiking trails and spectacular scenery. See the park's wonders from fifty miles of usually navigable roads - lava flows sometimes necessitate a detour - or take a few days to explore its marvels. Don't miss Kilauea's four-kilometer-wide Halemaumau caldera, Kilauea Iki crater trail, the easy Kipuka Puaula Trail or the chance to pick up a souvenir of the red hot action at Volcano Art Center & Gallery.
1. Kilauea Iki Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,428 reviews
A moderate 4 mile hike into a an old volcanic crater.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc
Start early in the day, if only because parking is extremely limited at the Kilauea Iki Overlook. There are two ways to hike: clockwise, the more difficult direction which begins with an unpaved path, or counterclockwise, the easier direction which begins with going down steps. The descent to the crater floor is 400 feet... the ascent back to the parking area via the counterclockwise direction involves hiking switchbacks which is easier than climbing uneven, high, and steep steps if one has taken the clockwise direction. If in relatively decent shape, allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Elevation/altitude is about 4,000 feet. The interpretative map/guide is available for $2 at the park headquarters and is worthwhile. Pack a hat/cap, sunglasses, plenty of water and insect repellent.
2. Keauhou Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. Ka'aha Trail
4. Halemaumau Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Hike down the world's largest volcanic crater.
Reviewed By MattAbt0429 - Hermosa Beach, United States
One of the VNP park rangers recommended this hike to me and I’m glad he did - i loved it, almost as much as Kiluea’Iki trail. You hike downhill through an absolutely beautiful rainforest, then after about 1/2 hr you’re inside the active Kilauea crater! I didn’t think I’d ever be inside an active volcano, but there I was. You can see the smoke from the crater, but no lava. It’s absolutely otherworldly down there. From the bottom, you can continue on to other hikes, or hike back uphill, which is a moderate climb. As a bonus, for some reason no one else does this hike - it’s almost like they’re trying to hide it - so you might be the only one there.
5. Kipuka Puaulu (Bird Park) Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
An easy one-hour hike through meadowlands and old growth forest.
Reviewed By Steve82WCHS - Nappanee, United States
Easy trail with minimal elevation gain through a cool tropical forest. Opportunities to see many birds, including honeycreepers, but go early or late as they are not very active mid-day. Trail has lots of interesting signage concerning the trees and other plants found in the forest. Highly recommended as part of your Volcano NP visit
6. Pu'u Huluhulu trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By jimlA6314XZ
This trail has highlight after highlight as it wanders across fields of lava. There’s some of everything – incredible jagged a’a lava, smooth pahoehoe flows, lava trees, bizarre formations, forest, a mesmerizing lookout of the Mauna Ulu lava shield and a good view of the very active Pu’u O’o cone in the distance. The guide booklet is well written and makes the surroundings come alive with stories. The first-person account in the booklet of two geologist sheltering themselves from a rain of lava rock on the exact spot I was standing was fascinating. It’s mostly an easy walk on smooth lava flows with occasional rough spots. Pay attention to the trail markings! The climb at the end is invigorating but not too difficult. I spent 2 hours exploring – could have stayed the entire day!
7. Napau-Makaopuhi Crater Trail
8. Sulphur Banks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By kalamakid - Kailua, United States
Now with Jagger Museum closed, this is as close to Halemaumau as you can get from the Volcano House side. Sulphur banks still profuse, and a nice parking area and short walk to the crater rim. Volcano House on your left, Jagger on your right and the crater in front of you. Good view of the area that has fallen in, which you can get closer to parking at Devastation Trail and walking down the road, but it's good to get views from both places. Also a nice view of Mauna Loa on a clear day. There is an open crater rim trail between this area and Volcano House if you chose to park here or at the Visitor Center and walk back and forth. Nice walk in the trees.
9. Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 296 reviews
Reviewed By wohdonkey - Newark, United States
We stopped here while driving through Volcano National Park. We were glad we stopped because we really enjoyed it! It was a 1.4 mile round trip hike. We started out walking thru a field of lava rocks which brings you to a boardwalk to walk around and see the petroglyphs. It was a fun experience. Take water and sunscreen as there is no shade on this hike. It is an easy short hike tho.
