Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is currently recovering from the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea volcano. Much of the park has re-opened, but several areas are still closed. Read more.

Crater Rim Trail is open from the Visitor Center to the Kīlauea Military Camp, which cuts the hike in half.

The Crater Rim Trail once ringed the entirety of Kīlauea Caldera, but with the current eruption cycle, most of it is now closed due to unsafe conditions. This hike travels a portion of the Crater Rim Trail from the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center to the Jaggar Museum along the northern rim of Kīlauea Caldera. There are fantastic views along the way.

Big Island Hikes has several other hikes from the Visitor Center trailhead. See Sulphur Banks - 'Iliahi Trail Loop, The Waldron Ledge Loop, and The Halema'uma'u Trail.

Trailhead: Find the entrance to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park a few miles to the west of the town of Volcano Village. Pass through the entrance and drive straight ahead for less than a 1/4 mile and park in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Overview

Weather

Gear: Standard hiking gear. Kīlauea volcano is 4000’ above sea level. Expect rain and cool temperatures.

Hike: From the Visitor Center parking lot, walk across Crater Rim Drive on the designated pedestrian crossing and walk toward the Volcano House. Walk around to the back side of the Volcano House and find Crater Rim Trail. Walk west toward the Jaggar Museum. The next two miles serves up great views of Halema'uma'u. You'll pass several intersections for other trails, but just stay on the Crater Rim Trail. Eventually wind up at Jaggar Museum. This is the turn-around point. Return the way you came.