Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Kīlauea Iki Trail
A loop of about 6.4 km descends through rainforest onto the floor of the Kīlauea Iki crater, which was a lava lake in 1959.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: Hawaii Land Cover Analysis project, NOAA Coastal Services Center, Public domain
Quick answer
Kīlauea Iki Trail is a nature spot in Volcano, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Volcano
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- active, nature, outdoors and photo spot
- Best months
- January–February and November
Plan a trip to Big Island (Hawaiʻi)
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Kīlauea Iki Trail
A loop of about 6.4 km descends through rainforest onto the floor of the Kīlauea Iki crater, which was a lava lake in 1959. You walk across a cracked, steaming crust of solidified lava before climbing back up the rim.
Tip: Start early before tour groups arrive, and walk anticlockwise for the most gradual descent onto the crater floor.
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 Kīlauea Iki Trail
Kīlauea Iki Trail 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.
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 Kīlauea Iki Trail on day 1, together with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Maunakea.
- No. 5 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Near Kīlauea Iki Trail
Also in Volcano, so you can walk between them:
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — a full day, mid-priced
- Chain of Craters Road — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
If you like Kīlauea Iki Trail
- Maunakea — Maunakea, Half a day
- ʻAkaka Falls State Park — Hāmākua Coast, 1 hour
- Kealakekua Bay — South Kona, Half a day
- Manta ray night snorkel — Kailua-Kona, 2–3 hours
Staying near Kīlauea Iki Trail
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 Kīlauea Iki Trail?
Plan 2–3 hours. With Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park nearby, it fits a half-day in Volcano.
+Is Kīlauea Iki Trail free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Kīlauea Iki Trail?
January–February and November for the most comfortable weather. Start early before tour groups arrive, and walk anticlockwise for the most gradual descent onto the crater floor.
+Do I need to book Kīlauea Iki Trail in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.