Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to send your holidays. The landscape makes you feel like a different world. The park is home for the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes. If you are an adventure seeker, the park offers endless hiking opportunities with challenging to easy hikes. Here we have mentioned the top places to visit in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Halemaumau Trail
Halema’uma’u Trail is a 2.7 kilometer moderately trafficked trail. You get to choose two paths, one is 0.8 miles one-way from Crater Rim Trail to the floor of Kaluapele and another 1.3 miles one-way from Crater Rim Trail to the top of Uēaloha. The trail features beautiful wild flowers and is also used for bird watching. The trail is primarily used for hiking and bird watching and is accessible year-round.
Halemaumau has a very active crater with a steaming sulfur scented hole spanning 2,625 feet. The trail begins at the Kilauea Visitor Center, through rain forest, crosses the desert-like Kilauea Caldera and takes you to the Halemaumau Overlook. The trail leads you to an amazing viewpoint.
Kilauea Iki Trail
Kilauea Iki Trail is a 3 mile loop trail. The trail takes you through a lush rainforest to the solidified lava lake on Kīlauea Iki crater. You get to see steam from the vent that built Pu’u Pua’i cinder cone. The trail is accessible year-round and is perfect for all levels of hikers. It take 4 to 5 hours to complete the hike offering you a scenic experience.
Devastation Trail
Devastation trail is the easiest hike in Volcanoes National Park covering different landscapes. You get to see lava fields with some vegetation and also takes you to the rainforest. The trail offers stunning views giving you the best hiking experience. The Devastation trail is a 1 mile easy trail which can be completed in one hour. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Thurston Lava Tube
Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nāhuku is one of many such tubes on the island. This lava tube was created by a river of molten lava. When a lava tube is active, lava travels along its floor when the supply of lava stops, it leaves an empty cave.
Thurston Lava Tube can be accessed by a short day hike. It is 1.5 mile from Kīlauea Iki Overlook. It is recommended to start your hike before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. The hike into the lava tube starts from Crater Rim Drive, where you get to walk through a section of Hawaiian rainforest and even spot birds.
Kipuka Puaulu Trail
Kipuka Puaulu Trail is a 1.2 mile loop trail where you get to see some of the rarest plants and animals in Hawaii. kipuka means an area of land that was surrounded by younger lava flows. When this land is undisturbed for a long period it forms an ecosystem like Kipuka Puaulu. Puaulu, also called Bird Park.
The trail features an old ohia tree and fern forest which is home to birds in the Island. It is one of the best places in the park for bird watching. You get to watch some rare species of animals and birds. Hike to Kipuka Puaulu Trail gives you a unique experience.