Kīlauea Iki

The Kīlauea Iki trail leads through dense rainforest before descending into a vast crater filled with solidified black lava stretching across the landscape.

In 1959, the volcanic crater experienced an intense eruption that propelled lava 1900 feet into the air, creating the current solidified lava lake formation.

Native Hawaiian plants like ōhi'a lehua trees, with their red flowers, demonstrate nature's adaptation by growing directly from the hardened lava surfaces.

The 4-mile loop trail requires sturdy hiking shoes, water supplies, and sun protection, taking between 2 to 3 hours to complete with 500 feet elevation change.

Steam continues to rise from ground fissures where rainwater meets the heated underground surfaces, creating visible reminders of volcanic activity beneath.

Location: Hawaii County

GPS coordinates: 19.41390,-155.24600

Latest update: March 3, 2025 21:20