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> Hiking > Kilauea Iki
Kilauea Iki Trail
View from top of crater rim, start of trail |
Ferns in the rain forest |
Steam rising from the hot lava |
View, midway to the bottom of the crater |
Bottom view, prior to
crossing the crater |
View of trail cutting across crater (see the small people) |
Difficulty:
Moderate to challenging
Distance and hiking time: 4 mile loop, 2 to 3 hours
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At the top, just east of the main
caldera, lies the crater of Kilauea Iki ('Little Kilauea'). The scene of
one of Hawaii's most violent volcanic displays, the 1959 eruption saw
lava shoot 1,900 ft into the air. This varied trail, considered by many
to be the best in the Park, gives hikers a fascinating close-up view of
the site of this eruption.
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 The
trail winds down the wall of Kilauea Iki and heads west across the eerie
crater floor, covered by hardened lava flows and surrounded by cliffs.
After passing the vent of the 1959 eruption, the trail climbs out of the
crater and reaches a junction shortly after, at the 2.4 mile/3.9 km
mark.
 This diverse hike takes you
through rain forests engulfed in gigantic ferns and dry rocky lava beds
with intermittent steam vents and sulfur banks.
This trail descends 400 feet through rain forest,
crosses the crater floor, passes Pu'u Pua'i cinder cone, and returns via
the crater's rim. Of interest: Rain forest, birds, insects, 1959 lava
lake, steam vents, cinder and spatter cone.
 It is
recommended that you wear comfortable socks and walking shoes or hiking
boots. Year-round the weather varies on the volcano, so be prepared
for all climates, hot, damp, and cold. Bring sunscreen and wear a
hat. We suggest bringing sweatshirts as well as a wind-breaker or
raincoat or gore-tex
jacket to layer on your clothes. Although there are ample water
fountains in the park, we suggest you bring water with you, especially if
you will be hiking. Don't forget your camera!
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