Are dogs allowed on Kīlauea Iki Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Kīlauea Iki Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Kīlauea Iki Trail?

No, Kīlauea Iki Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Kīlauea Iki Trail?

Kīlauea Iki Trail is rated moderate. It is 3.3 miles long with 400 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Kīlauea Iki Trail?

Kīlauea Iki Trail is best hiked in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Hawaii trail conditions

ModerateLoop

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park/Hawaii

Kīlauea Iki Trail

Volcano, Hawaii

3.3 mi

Distance

400 ft

Elev. Gain

2h 30m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

A loop from Kīlauea Iki Overlook that descends 400 feet through native rainforest to cross the solidified lava lake of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. On the crater floor hikers pass below Puʻupuaʻi cinder cone and near the vent that fountained lava 1,900 feet high, then climb back to the rim on a Crater Rim Trail segment. NPS rates it moderate to challenging — steep and rocky — and parking at the overlook is extremely limited.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Deep earth cracks on the flow fieldUneven, razor-sharp lava terrainSteep, rocky switchbacksVolcanic activity may trigger sudden area closures

Trail Details

No dogs

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Mixed Surface

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:(808) 985-6011
Address:HI

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Highlights

Solidified 1959 lava lake crater floorPuʻupuaʻi cinder cone and 1959 eruption ventNative rainforest rim sectionSteam vents on the crater floorNāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) adjacent