Explore
The Kīlauea Summit is the heart of the park. It features the main visitor center, steam vents, and the massive Kīlauea caldera.
Located at roughly 4,000 feet of elevation, this area is the starting point for most visitors. You will find accessible paved paths and longer hikes into solidified lava lakes.
Weather here can be rainy and chilly year-round. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket. Prepare to adjust your plans, as volcanic activity frequently alters access to roads and trails.
30 minutesPark conditions
Start your day here to watch the park film and talk to rangers. You can check the current eruption status before driving further. Ask for the daily ranger-led program schedule and get the latest updates on gas hazards and trail closures.
30 minutesPaved trail
Walk this short paved trail and boardwalk to see colorful sulfur deposits. Volcanic gases seep directly from the ground here. Avoid this trail if you have respiratory issues, heart conditions, or are pregnant, due to the strong sulfur dioxide gases.
45 minutesArrive early or late
Walk through a massive, 500-year-old underground cave formed by a river of molten lava. Visit before 9 AM or after 4 PM to easily find parking and avoid heavy crowds. A flashlight helps if you plan to explore dark sections.
2-3 hours3.3 miles
Hike this 3.3-mile loop down through a rainforest and across a solidified lava lake. The terrain is rugged and requires sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Hike the loop counter-clockwise to end with a slightly easier, more gradual ascent.
