Activity Type: Scenic Drives
Nearby City: Hilo
Length: 50 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Unspecified
Season: Year-round
Local Contacts: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Topo Map: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Craters, Cinder Cones, & Molten Lava on The Big Island Topographic Map
This 50-mile drive circles the entire crater of Kilauea Volcano, then descends via the Chain of Craters Road to the coast to view active lava flows plunging into the sea. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses more than 229,000 acres spread over 35 miles, from an altitude of 13,677 feet to sea level. The park may contain more vegetation zones than any other in the national park system. The center of most of the park’s activity is Kilauea Crater. Although the volcano has been constantly active since 1983, the eruption is currently taking place on its flank in the East
Rift Zone, an area accessible only to knowledgeable and experienced hikers. However, lava flows from the eruption are entering the sea at the end of the Chain of Craters Road, and this area is reachable by car. Special attractions: Visitor center, Volcano Art Center, Kilauea Caldera, Jaggar Museum and Volcano Observatory, Halemaumau Fire Pit, Devastation Trail, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea-Iki Crater, Chain of Craters Road, Puu Loa petroglyphs, active lava flows, hiking, backpacking, camping. This eTrail is a complete description of a scenic drive with a route map and information on the best travel seasons, interesting sites, recreation opportunities, camping locations, and much more.
