Exploring Kilauea Iki Crater and Lava Tube: A Guided Volcano Hike in Hawaii
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness, capable of managing uneven terrain and elevation gains around 300 feet.
Overview
Step into the volcanic heart of Hawaii with a guided hike across Kilauea Iki Crater’s hardened lava lake and explore a natural lava tube. This 4.5-mile trek offers unique geological insights and lush forest scenery in Volcanoes National Park.
Exploring Kilauea Iki Crater and Lava Tube: A Guided Volcano Hike in Hawaii
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At the edge of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park, the morning air hums softly with the echoes of fire and earth’s restless power. Standing at the Devastation Trailhead, hikers prepare to cross a 1959 lava lake frozen in time—the Kilauea Iki Crater. This 4.5-mile guided trek offers an intimate look at the raw elements that shaped this land: cooled, cracked lava beds that dare your every step and shadowed lava tubes whispering subterranean tales.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy footwear with good traction
The trail crosses fractured lava fields which can be slippery and uneven. Hiking boots with solid soles are recommended.
Carry at least 2 liters of water
No water sources are available on the trail, so bring enough to stay hydrated throughout the 4–5 hour hike.
Start early to avoid afternoon showers
Volcanic regions are prone to midday rain; an early morning start helps you beat the wet weather and cooler temperatures.
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures can vary from warm open crater areas to cooler shaded forest sections, so dress in layers you can adjust easily.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawaiian hawk (‘Io) soaring overhead
- ‘Ope‘ape‘a (Hawaiian hoary bat), the islands’ only native land mammal
History
Kilauea Iki’s 1959 eruption was one of the most dramatic of the 20th century, covering the crater floor in molten lava and reshaping local ecosystems.
Conservation
Volcanoes National Park maintains strict trail protections to preserve fragile lava formations and native habitats from erosion and foot traffic damage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hilo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots
Provides support and traction on rough, uneven lava and forest trails.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Necessary to maintain hydration during the lengthy hike with no water stops.
Light rain jacket
Useful for sudden showers common in the Hawaiian volcanic climate.
summer specific
Trekking poles
Helps with balance on rocky or uneven lava surfaces.