Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Chain of Craters Road
This road descends about 1,100 metres over roughly 30 km from the summit to the coast, past pit craters, recent lava flows and the Puʻu Loa petroglyphs, ending near the Hōlei Sea Arch.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: Hawaii Land Cover Analysis project, NOAA Coastal Services Center, Public domain
Quick answer
Chain of Craters Road is a viewpoint in Volcano, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Area
- Volcano
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- views, nature, history and photo spot
- Best months
- January–February and November
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About Chain of Craters Road
This road descends about 1,100 metres over roughly 30 km from the summit to the coast, past pit craters, recent lava flows and the Puʻu Loa petroglyphs, ending near the Hōlei Sea Arch. There are no services along the way.
Tip: Fill up with fuel and carry water before you start; the descent and return take at least two hours with stops.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Volcano.
Best time to visit Chain of Craters Road
Chain of Craters Road is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- January: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, busy crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-January the sun sets at about 18:03 local time (calculated for Big Island (Hawaiʻi)).
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Big Island (Hawaiʻi) itinerary visits Chain of Craters Road on day 2, together with Hāpuna Beach, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site and Manta ray night snorkel.
- No. 6 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
- One of the picks in historic sites in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Near Chain of Craters Road
Also in Volcano, so you can walk between them:
- Kīlauea Iki Trail — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — a full day, mid-priced
If you like Chain of Craters Road
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park — Hāmākua Coast, 1 hour
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — South Kona, 1.5 hours
- Kealakekua Bay — South Kona, Half a day
Staying near Chain of Craters Road
Where to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Chain of Craters Road?
Plan 2–3 hours. With Kīlauea Iki Trail nearby, it fits a half-day in Volcano.
+Is Chain of Craters Road free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Chain of Craters Road?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Fill up with fuel and carry water before you start; the descent and return take at least two hours with stops.
+Do I need to book Chain of Craters Road in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.