Hilo Highlights
If you’re only going to do one hike in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, make it the Kīlauea Iki Trail. On AllTrails, it’s about a 4-mile loop, but if you’re anything like us and can’t resist exploring every side trail that catches your eye, don’t be surprised if it turns into an 8-mile adventure. We certainly didn’t plan on doubling our mileage, but apparently, “Let’s see where this goes” became the theme of the day.
One of the things I loved most about this hike was the dramatic change in the landscape. You begin beneath a lush rainforest canopy, where the cool morning mist greets you like nature’s way of saying, “Welcome.” The air is crisp, and everything feels calm and alive. It almost tricks you into thinking the entire hike will be that comfortable.
Then you descend onto the floor of Kīlauea Iki.
Suddenly, you’re walking across what was once a molten lava lake created during the 1959 eruption. Instead of towering trees and soft earth beneath your feet, you’re surrounded by hardened lava stretching in every direction. It’s hard to believe you’re standing on something that was once bubbling and glowing with incredible force. Steam still escapes from parts of the crater, reminding you that this volcano is very much alive beneath the surface.
The contrast between the rainforest and the crater floor is incredible. In just a short distance, it feels like you’ve traveled between two completely different worlds.
The temperature changes are just as noticeable. The cool shade of the rainforest disappears the moment you step onto the lava lake. There’s very little shade out there, and the dark lava absorbs the sun’s heat quickly. By late morning, you’ll definitely feel it. Starting early made all the difference for us. Walking across the crater while the morning mist was still lingering was not only cooler, but it also made the entire experience feel almost surreal.
A few things I’d definitely recommend bringing – plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight layers. You’ll likely start the morning wishing you had a jacket, then a couple of hours later you’ll be wondering why you brought one at all. Hawaiian weather has a funny way of keeping you on your toes.
The terrain changes constantly too. You’ll go from well-maintained forest trails to uneven lava rock, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. And if you’re like Kev and have a tendency to say, “Let’s just check out this little trail,” maybe pack a little extra water because those “quick detours” have a way of becoming another few miles.
What makes this hike truly unforgettable isn’t just the scenery. It’s the reminder of how powerful nature really is. The rainforest represents life, growth, and resilience, while the volcanic crater tells the story of destruction, transformation, and the incredible forces that continue to shape the Hawaiian Islands. Standing in the middle of that ancient lava lake gives you a whole new appreciation for the landscape around you.
By the end of the hike, our legs were definitely feeling those extra miles, and the climb back up earned a few dramatic sighs. But every step was worth it. Between the ever-changing scenery, fascinating history, and the feeling of walking across a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth, this quickly became one of our favorite hikes on the Big Island.
If you enjoy hiking, love learning about nature, and don’t mind earning your views, the Kīlauea Iki Trail is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Mai Household Mayhem 