Highlight (Segment) • Cave
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
Hiking
4.8
(96)
Running
5.0
(1)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
November 28, 2018
Hiking
•
April 6, 2024
Hiking
Parking around the lava tube is extremely scarce, but you can hike here along the Crater Rim Trail, which offers many more parking opportunities.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
4.9
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5.77km
01:42
170m
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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
(69)
485
hikers
11.5km
03:22
300m
300m
The Kīlauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail offers an incredible journey from a vibrant rainforest into the heart of a solidified lava lake. You'll trek through dense ʻōhiʻa forests before descending into the vast, otherworldly Kīlauea Iki Crater, where steam still rises from cracks and cairns guide you across the uneven, rocky surface. The dramatic contrast between lush greenery and barren volcanic landscape, with the Puʻu Puaʻi cinder cone as a focal point, makes this a truly memorable experience.
This moderate 7.2-mile (11.5 km) hike involves 989 feet (301 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes. The trailhead is easily accessible near the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), but parking can fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must for the rocky crater floor, and carrying ample water is always recommended, regardless of the weather.
What makes this route truly special is the chance to walk directly across the floor of a lava lake formed during the powerful 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki. You'll see geological features like fissures and steam vents, and the
Details
Informations
Distance 116 m
Downhill 0 m
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Tuesday 23 June
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76 %
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Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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