Highlight • Viewpoint
Kīlauea Iki West Overlook
Hiking
5.0
(115)
Running
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
March 15, 2023
Hiking
June 15, 2022
Hiking
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August 5, 2022
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Kīlauea Iki West Overlook
4.9
(136)
1,535
hikers
5.77km
01:42
170m
170m
The Kīlauea Iki Trail is an extraordinary hiking experience that transports you from a vibrant rainforest into the heart of a volcanic crater. This 3.6-mile (5.8 km) loop takes you across a solidified lava lake, a surreal landscape dotted with cracks and steaming vents, before ascending back through lush vegetation. You'll encounter native Hawaiian plants like ʻŌhiʻa and Hāpuʻu as you descend into the crater, then navigate the barren, otherworldly floor, guided by rock cairns.
Planning your visit to this easy trail, which typically takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete, is straightforward. The trailhead is at the Kīlauea Iki Overlook within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, but parking can be limited, so arriving early is a good idea. With 545 feet (166 metres) of elevation gain, the trail has some steep sections; hiking clockwise is recommended for a more gradual ascent out of the crater. Always wear sturdy hiking shoes to protect against the sharp lava rock.
This trail is a geological marvel, offering a tangible connection to the powerful 1959 eruption where lava fountains soared incredibly high. Walking across the crater floor, you're directly on the remnants of that event, observing unique features like solidified lava and steaming ground. The dramatic contrast between the dense, humid rainforest and the dry, volcanic crater floor makes this one of the most captivating and educational hikes in the park.
4.9
(100)
1,244
hikers
10.3km
02:56
220m
220m
The Kīlauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail Loop offers an unparalleled journey from a dense rainforest into the heart of a volcanic crater. You'll descend through lush ʻōhiʻa trees and ferns, then traverse the solidified lava lake of Kīlauea Iki, an otherworldly landscape where steam rises from cracks and rocks can be warm to the touch. This moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) hike, with 711 feet (217 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 56 minutes, providing a dramatic contrast in scenery as you pass the Puʻu Puaʻi cinder cone.
For a smoother experience on this Kīlauea Iki trail, wear sturdy hiking shoes to navigate the rocky and uneven lava terrain. It's often recommended to hike the loop in a clockwise direction, as the ascent out of the crater on the west side is more gradual. Always check the national park's official site for current conditions, as volcanic activity can impact trail access.
What truly sets this route apart is the chance to walk directly across a crater floor that was once a molten lava lake, a powerful reminder of the 1959 eruption. The Kīlauea Iki geological features, like the
4.9
(70)
481
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,120 m
Weather
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Tuesday 16 June
29°C
17°C
31 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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