Crater Rim Trail

Page Type Page Type: Route
Location Lat/Lon: 19.45200°N / 155.29201°W
Additional Information Route Type: Hike
Additional Information Time Required: Half a day
Additional Information Difficulty: Class 1
Sign the Climber's Log

Approach


There are several places to begin this loop trail, but the most common place is the Visitor's Center. Walk across the street near the hotel and find a sidewalk that leads to a trail junction. Follow signs for the Crater Rim Trail.

Route Description


This hike circles Kilauea's crater. You will pass through lava, rainforest, and past steam vents. This trail roughly parallels the road that circles the crater, and will allow you to see the sights along the road without driving.

It is 12 miles to do the round trip, not counting detours. It is likely you will encounter stifling sulphur dioxide fumes along the way, so people with health problems should avoid this hike.


Smoldering log along edge of middle arm of PKK flow on Pulama pali. The far end of the log has burned completely away, leaving a log mold. Photograph courtesy the United States Geologic Survey

 

Essential Gear


Sturdy shoes, plenty of water.

Miscellaneous Info


If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.



Parents 

Parents

Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.