Halemaʻumaʻu Trail starts behind Volcano House, off Crater Rim Trail, and descends through rainforest to a wide view on the floor of Kaluapele (Kīlauea caldera). It continues to the top of Uēaloha (Byron Ledge), so you can make a longer hike to Kīlauea Iki or Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube). The park rates it moderate. The rim around Halemaʻumaʻu crater itself has been closed to the public for years, and the park asks you to view the caldera from designated areas. Around the summit eruption, watch for volcanic gas, loose cliff edges, ground cracks and falling tephra. Bring water, food, a hat, sun protection and rain gear, and expect hot, dry, wet and windy weather. The Kīlauea Visitor Center and its restrooms are closed for renovation.
Starts behind Volcano House, off Crater Rim Trail.