The best walks and hikes around Volcano Golf Course

Yes, there are many accessible options. The Kīpukapuaulu Trail Loop is a gentle 1.2-mile (1.9 km) walk through a forest known for its birdwatching opportunities. Another excellent choice is the Devastation Trail, a paved and wheelchair-accessible path that showcases the landscape's recovery from the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption.

Because the trails are at an elevation of around 4,000 feet (1,219 m), the weather can be cool and change quickly. It's best to dress in layers. Sturdy walking shoes are essential for navigating uneven lava rock surfaces. Also, bring rain gear, as showers are common, along with sun protection and plenty of water.

The Crater Rim to Sulphur Banks Loop is the perfect hike for this. This trail takes you directly past the Ha'akulamanu (Sulphur Banks), where volcanic gases escape from the ground, depositing colorful mineral crystals. You can also see steam vents at various points along the Kīlauea caldera rim.

The area is well-known for its excellent loop hikes. The most famous is the Kīlauea Iki Crater via Crater Rim Trail Loop, which descends through rainforest to the floor of a solidified lava lake. It offers a remarkable contrast between lush vegetation and stark volcanic terrain.

Most trailheads are located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a short drive from the Volcano Golf Course. You will need to pay an entrance fee to access the park. Parking is available at major trailheads like Kīlauea Iki Overlook and the Kīlauea Visitor Center, but these lots can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. There is no public transport directly to the trailheads.

The native ecosystem supports unique wildlife. Keep an eye out for the nēnē (Hawaiian Goose), the state bird, which often forages on the golf course and in the park. The rainforest sections of trails are also home to various native forest birds, like the ʻapapane, making it a great area for birdwatching.

There is a wide range of trails catering to all fitness levels. Of the 50+ routes in the area, most are rated as easy or moderate. For a challenge, you could consider the Keauhou Trail, a strenuous route across hardened lava fields. For a moderate option, the Crater Rim Trail offers fantastic views without extreme elevation changes.

Volcanic activity and weather can cause trail closures. Before you go, it is essential to check the official Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for the latest alerts on trail and road conditions. You can also get up-to-date information from the rangers at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique experience of walking across a solidified crater floor and the stunning contrast between lush, green rainforests and stark, black lava fields all within a single hike.

Beyond the trails, key attractions include the Kīlauea Caldera, the massive summit crater of the volcano. Don't miss Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), a 500-year-old cave formed by flowing lava. The Halemaʻumaʻu Trail is another highlight, leading through rainforest to the floor of the caldera for a unique perspective.