The Kīlauea Iki trail descends through rainforest to the solidified lava lake on the floor of Kīlauea Iki crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. In the eruption that filled it, the crater held a lava lake that sent fountains high into the air, and the tephra built a new cinder cone, Puʻupuaʻi, which means "gushing hill." On the crater floor you can look into the vent of that eruption below Puʻupuaʻi, and a dark "bathtub ring" left by draining lava still marks the crater walls. The park rates the hike moderate to challenging, steep and rocky. Deep earth cracks, unstable ground and razor-sharp lava make the crater floor hazardous, so watch your footing. Do not build rock stacks: they can be culturally offensive, they confuse other hikers, and they may be against the law. Bring water, food, a hat, sunscreen and rain gear. Parking at Kīlauea Iki Overlook is extremely limited and may be full at peak hours, so the park suggests starting at the Devastation Trailhead or the Puʻupuaʻi Parking Area for a longer hike.
Overlook parking is extremely limited; for a longer hike, start at the Devastation Trailhead or Puʻupuaʻi Parking Area.
