Kīlauea Iki Trail (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)

The park's signature day hike: a roughly 3.3-mile loop (allow 2 to 3 hours) that drops about 400 feet through rainforest and crosses the floor of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki lava lake, which still steams. The trail and overlook are open.

• Length: about 3.3 miles as a loop from the Kīlauea Iki Overlook, with about 400 feet of descent and climb. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
• Status: the overlook and trail are open (NPS, March 2026). Some Kīlauea summit areas near Uēkahuna remain closed after recent eruptive episodes, so check the park's alerts page before you go.
• Stay on the ahu (rock cairns) across the crater floor, and don't go into cracks or steaming vents.
• The crater floor is exposed and can be hot or wet within the same hour. Bring water, rain gear and sun protection.
• Park entrance fee required. Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) is nearby; bring a flashlight, since its lights are out.
• If you smell sulfur or the air is hazy, people with heart or breathing problems should limit exposure.

Sources: NPS: Some areas reopen at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes (Mar. 18, 2026) · Hawaiʻi Magazine: Kīlauea Iki Trail

Last checked Oct. 29, 2026. Hours, fees and rules can change, so confirm with the official source before you go.