Trail

Devastation Trail

Trail
A man and woman walking on a paved path through a barren landscape covered by cinders

An easy, paved 1-mile round-trip through a 1959 eruption aftermath landscape. The trail offers unobstructed views of the Puʻupuaʻi cinder cone and its volcanic geology with interpretive stops. This is essentially a walk, not a hike—ideal for families or anyone wanting volcanic landscape without technical demands. The payoff is perspective: witnessing how 1,900-foot lava fountains reshaped an entire forest in just five weeks.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back (paved)
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
100

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1
Route Type
Out-and-back (paved)
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
100
Estimated Time
20–30 minutes for the walk; add 20–40 minutes for photos and interpretive reading.
Trail Surface
Fully paved
Trail Features
  • Puʻupuaʻi cinder cone
  • 1959 eruption scar
  • Volcanic cinder fields
  • Crater overlook
  • Interpretive signage
Trail Highlights
Panoramic views of Puʻupuaʻi cinder cone—the new volcanic feature that emerged during the five-week 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. The overlook shows where 1,900-foot lava fountains reshaped the landscape in real time.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Devastation Trailhead parking lot (19.406°N, 155.253°W)
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Not required or available for this short trail.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
None required.
Fees
$30 (private vehicle); $15 per person (pedestrian). Annual America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers entry.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
None. The park operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Bring your own. No water sources on trail. Carry minimum 1L (2L recommended for sun exposure and heat).
Accessibility
Fully accessible. Paved surface, 1-mile easy grade, restroom and parking at trailhead. Suitable for all ages and mobility levels.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Sun/UV overexposure
  • Dehydration
  • Endangered nēnē geese
  • Off-trail cinder hazards
Hazard Details
Sun exposure is the primary threat—pale volcanic rock reflects intense UV, amplifying burn risk beyond typical day hikes. Dehydration can sneak up; thermal loading from black rock and sun accelerates heat stress faster than expected. Nēnē geese frequently the area and are protected; they're not aggressive unless provoked or food-habituated. The cinder cone is off-limits per park rules—stay on the paved path.
Crowd Level
Moderate to heavy (especially weekends and midday).
Peak Crowd Times
8 AM–3 PM daily; peak season: June–August and winter holidays.
Best Season
Year-round
Best Time To Visit
Early morning (before 8 AM) to beat sun and crowds. Afternoon heat on volcanic rock is unforgiving—start by 6:30 AM if comfort matters. Year-round access, but winter (Dec–Feb) occasionally brings clouds and rare rain; summer (June–Aug) is relentless heat.
Tips Advice
  • Double your water intake. Pale volcanic rock reflects intense UV; you'll burn faster than expected.
  • Arrive by 7 AM. The parking lot fills fast on weekends and holidays.
  • Stay on the paved path. Cinder cone looks climbable—don't test it.
  • Nēnē geese frequent this area. Keep 25+ yards back. Do not feed them.
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and light long-sleeve shirt are non-negotiable.
  • Bring a camera—the overlook has the park's most iconic cinder cone shot.

More details

Park Area
Kīlauea Caldera area / Main Park Zone
Trail Markers
Well-marked. Paved path is obvious; signage at key intersections guides traffic.
Shade Level
None. Full sun on volcanic rock for the entire trail. No shelter or respite.
Emergency Contacts
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Ranger Station nearby; call 911 or alert a ranger for emergencies.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
Not applicable. This elevation and tropical latitude preclude snow.
Mud Season
Not applicable. Paved surface sheds water rapidly.
Fall Colors Peak
Not applicable (tropical vegetation).
Insider Tips
  • Walk the trail twice if you have time: once early for golden-hour light, again midmorning for sharp shadow details on the cinder cone.
  • The money shot: stand at the overlook's left edge facing the cone with the crater rim as backdrop. Shoot early (6:30 AM) or late (4 PM) for warm light.
  • Park rangers often position here for wildlife education—ask about nēnē behavior and eruption timeline.
  • If crowds are unbearable, Crater Rim Trail offers more solitude 1 mile away with similar views.
Family Friendly Notes
Ideal for young children and families. Flat paved path removes fall and trip risk. CAUTION: Supervise children around nēnē geese—teach them to keep distance, stay on path, and respect wildlife. Short duration keeps toddlers engaged. Sun protection is mandatory; bring a pop-up shade or wide-brimmed hat.
Nearby Facilities
Crater Rim Drive (scenic overlooks), Kīlauea Overlook, and nearby visitor facilities include water, snacks, restrooms, and interpretive displays.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the trail's accessibility and geological storytelling—one photo freezes 1,900 feet of volcanic violence in a frame. Sun exposure catches many off-guard, but the shortness and paving make it forgiving. Most complaints center on wishing it were longer.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this trail with young kids?

Absolutely. It's 1 mile, paved, and flat. A 3-year-old can walk it. Supervise children around nēnē geese—teach them to stay on path and respect birds from distance.

Is the sun exposure really as bad as you say?

Yes. Pale lava rock reflects UV intensely. You'll sunburn faster here than on a beach because the rock amplifies reflection. Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and light long-sleeve shirt are mandatory.

Are there dangerous animals on this trail?

Nēnē geese are the only wildlife you'll encounter frequently. They're not aggressive unless provoked or food-habituated. Keep 25+ yards back, don't feed them, stay on the trail. No snakes, bears, or large predators. Sun is the real threat.

Do I need hiking boots?

No. Tennis shoes or light hiking shoes work fine. The pavement is smooth—no rocks or roots. Save boot investment for Crater Rim Trail.

How early do I need to arrive to find parking?

By 7 AM on weekends, by 8 AM on weekdays. The parking lot is small and fills fast. After 9 AM on busy days, expect to loop or park on the wider shoulder near Crater Rim Drive.

What about water on the trail?

Zero. Bring everything—1L minimum, 2L recommended. No streams, no fountains. The volcanic landscape offers no shade or relief.

Is a map needed?

No. The paved path is straightforward and well-marked. Signage at intersections is clear. Even young children won't get lost.

Footprints Area

Ancient footprints frozen in volcanic ash. Short but serious: steep, exposed, and unforgiving.

Halemaʻumaʻu Trail

Drop 425ft into the crater. Uneven lava, full sun, panoramic payoff. Poles and water mandatory.

Keanakākoʻi

Crater views and volcanic history without the technical climb. Bring water and sun armor—exposure is real.

Kīlauea Iki Trail

Drop 400 feet into a live volcanic crater and cross its hardened lava lake. The ascent punishes quads. Come early.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.