Kīlauea Iki Crater
Crater · Hawaii County ·

Kīlauea Iki Crater

Crater · Hawaii County ·

Hike a striking pit crater across a 1959 lava expanse.

eruption 1959
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null
Kīlauea Iki Crater by null

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Hawaii 96778 Get directions

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Hawaii 96778 Get directions

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Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

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I Took a Family Vacation to Hawaii That Combined Relaxation and Adventure

"A striking pit crater hike that crosses a vast expanse of cindery basalt formed in a spectacular 1959 eruption that sent lava nearly 2,000 feet into the air; the loop involves descending lush inner walls, walking across a broad, cracked lava floor where heat-related buckling is visible, and climbing back up the opposite rim for sweeping, otherworldly volcanic scenery. It’s a physically rewarding trail that leaves hikers hot, tired, and exhilarated by the scale of the landscape." - Flora Stubbs Flora Stubbs Flora Stubbs is the executive editor of Travel + Leisure. She has been a journalist for over 20 years, and a travel editor for over a decade. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/hawaii-big-island-family-trip-8728434
Kīlauea Iki Crater

Ralph P.

Google
Wonderful experience to hike down to the crater and walk on the once molten lava. Waves of what was once lava clearly visible.

Cristina

Google
You get to walk across a solidified lava lake. How cool is that?! The hike down through incredibly lush vegetation is very pleasant but the sun can be quite harsh once you step onto the lava field, so plan your hike accordingly.

Dawn L.

Google
Everyone should hike across this volcsno once in your life. You get a real understanding of the size and what a volcano really is.

Cuong T.

Google
Awesome hike that starts at the parking for Thurston Lava Tube. The hike descend switchbacks from street level down into the crater. the crater itself still has active vents so stay on the marked trail. It is a wonderfully surreal landscape as you travel from lush jungle to the barren landscape of the crater floor.

Udeesha G.

Google
Beautiful trail, beautiful view.. must must go! The crater comes after approx a mile of trail and it's makes everything worth it. Amazing view. Don't start after dark, it might get hard to climb back up.

Dennis N.

Google
The hike to get to and from the crater is ~4 miles total, and is definitely worth it. It feels like you're walking on a foreign planet when you're in the middle of the crater. Also, how many times are you going to have the chance to walk across the crater of a dormant volcano; absolutely worth checking out.

Mu M.

Google
Keep an eye out for the unique green Olivine crystals in this crater’s otherworldly landscape. If you are a chronically distracted hiker, plan for at least 3.5 hour round trip from the rim.

A G.

Google
It's a very expansive open space. What's surreal is that the flat bottom is smooth almost like man made asphalt, but at places it's cracked and twisted like it was demolitioned. The hike is 4 miles round trip so takes some time but worth it if you have the time.