5 Surreal Hikes You Need to Take at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

When most people think of the Hawaii islands, they imagine beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and gorgeous weather.

While that is certainly a big part of what makes Hawaii so special, the islands are also home to some spectacular volcanoes. If you're looking for an adventure, take a hike through one of the many trails that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers!

Established in 1916 and located on the Big Island of Hawaii, the park is home to two active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park was established as an international biosphere reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987 thanks to its unique geological features like lush rainforests, lava activity, and animals that are only found on the island. 

The park has gone through quite the ups and down over the past few years. Back in 2018, the Kilauea volcano created explosions of hot ash. The park was closed then reopened half a year later after it was safe to do so. 

Today, you can explore most of what the park has to offer, especially a few of the surreal hikes we've listed below.

Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail

If you love some historical significance with your hikes, the Puu Loa Petroglyphs trail is what you are looking for. Petroglyphs are ancient symbols that have been carved into rocks.

This rocky but family-friendly trail gets you up close and personal with ancient carvings left behind by some of Hawaii's earliest indigenous peoples. With sea water splashing up as you take this trail, it's hard not to feel a spiritual connection to the island — especially when you get a glimpse of these petroglyphs.

Total Distance:1.18 Miles

Elevation Gain: 85.3 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• The Hawaii Volcanoes National park requires a fee to enter this trail
• Ensure you bring proper footwear as this trail is rocky
• Apply sunscreen as there is little to no shade on this trail

Crater Rim Drive to Keanakakol Overlook

This is a very popular trail in the park and for good reason. 

One of the best ways to experience the power of an active volcano is by taking this hike to the overlook that provides a glimpse of active lava.

As you walk to the overlook, you’ll take an old road that was damaged by the 2018 earthquakes due to thethe volcano eruption. The road is now closed to traffic but that doesn't make the hike any less enjoyable.

Total Distance: 2.11 Miles

Elevation Gain: 190 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• The Hawaii Volcanoes National park requires a fee to enter this trail
• Use caution when walking on the cracked and damaged road
• Dogs are not allowed on this trail
• Apply sunscreen as there is little to no shade on this trail

Thurston Lava Tube Trail

What to get a feel for the power of mother nature? Make sure you visit the Thurston Lava Tube Trail.

Although the trail is rather short, you’ll experience the inside of a tube created by 2000 degree lava over 100 years ago.  

This surreal experience envelops you in darkness as you venture through small streams of water running through the tube. It's a great way to cool down after hikes through hotter parts of the park.

Total Distance: 0.37 Miles

Elevation Gain: 39.3 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• The Hawaii Volcanoes National park requires a fee to enter this trail
• This trail can get very crowded during day hours
• Ensure you bring a flashlight if visiting in the early or later hours

Halema'uma'u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks

You might need a nose plug for this one as sulfur isn't the best smell. But this hike is well worth the trip, since it provides a good look at the steam venting from bubbling lava activity below.

The highlight of this trail is the steam bluff which is a small hill that gives you an up-close experience with volcanic steam. Just be careful as the ground near the vents can get quite hot.

Total Distance: 1.30 Miles

Elevation Gain: 88.5 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Hiking, Walking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• The Hawaii Volcanoes National park requires a fee to enter this trail
• Dogs are not allowed on this trail
• This trail is paved, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible

Kilauea Iki Trail

Looking for diversity on your hiking trails? Try going from lush rainforest to a barren landscape of an old lava lake.

The Kilauea Iki trail takes you right into Kilauea Crater where it will make you feel like you just stepped onto another planet. The crater is surrounded by barren lava rock with the only green coming from the moss that has found a way to grow.

In the middle of the crater is a small lake of lava that is now cooled and solid.

Total Distance: 3.1 Miles

Elevation Gain: 741 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• The Hawaii Volcanoes National park requires a fee to enter this trail
• Dogs are not allowed on this trail
• The lava tub mentioned above is on the path of this trail
• Apply sunscreen as there is little to no shade once you get onto the crater

During your time on the islands we hope you can check out at least one of these amazing hikes! The weather in Hawaii can change quickly, so make sure to plan appropriately to keep yourself comfortable during your exploration.

Mahalo for reading!