Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Devastation Trail
Hiking
4.5
(26)
Running
5.0
(1)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
March 10, 2023
Hiking
November 28, 2018
Hiking
•
May 25, 2022
Hiking
•
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Devastation Trail
4.9
(100)
1,256
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
5.0
(4)
61
hikers
2.15km
00:34
20m
20m
The Kīlauea Iki loop offers a truly unique hiking experience, transitioning dramatically from a dense, verdant rainforest into the stark, otherworldly landscape of a solidified lava lake. You'll navigate across the uneven, barren crater floor, guided by rock cairns, with steam often rising from cracks as a vivid reminder of the active geology. This easy 1.3-mile (2.2 km) route, with a minimal 56 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 33 minutes, making it a perfect quick immersion into volcanic scenery.
Planning your visit means considering the Kīlauea Iki parking access; the Kīlauea Iki Overlook lot can get crowded, so an early start is recommended. Be sure to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, as the crater floor offers little shade. While the trail is short, being prepared for varied conditions is always wise in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
What makes this one of the best loop trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is the tangible connection to the powerful 1959 eruption, which created the Puʻu Puaʻi cinder cone and filled the crater with molten lava. Walking across this cooled surface, you can still see the "bathtub ring" on the crater walls, marking the lava's highest point. It's a powerful lesson in geological forces, offering a striking contrast between vibrant life and volcanic desolation.
5.0
(3)
44
hikers
7.49km
02:08
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Distance 717 m
Uphill 10 m
Downhill 20 m
Weather
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Saturday 27 June
29°C
18°C
25 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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