Trail

Keanakākoʻi

Trail
Pit crater with stone wall in the foreground

Walk an old section of Crater Rim Drive 2 miles roundtrip to Keanakākoʻi Crater, a basalt adze quarry last buried in 1974. Easy paved trail with sweeping views toward Halemaʻumaʻu and the crater floor 115 feet below. The payoff is geology and volcanic history, but prepare for relentless sun exposure and wind—this is not a shaded stroll.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
2
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
2
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
1-1.5 hours roundtrip
Trail Surface
Graded gravel and paved old road surface
Trail Features
  • Keanakākoʻi Crater
  • Halemaʻumaʻu views
  • Volcanic basalt geology
  • Historic adze quarry site
  • Crater rim vistas
Trail Highlights
Walk to a 115-foot-deep crater famous for ancient Hawaiian tool-making. Views of Halemaʻumaʻu and the massive crater floor. Geology lesson with every step—lava flows from 1877 and 1974 visible.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Devastation Trailhead Parking Lot, Crater Rim Drive near the parking lot exit
Parking Fill Time
Typically fills by mid-morning on busy weekends
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle available or required.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permits required. Park entrance fee applies.
Fees
$30 per private vehicle (up to 14 passengers), $15 per person on foot/bicycle. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance.
Trail Status
Open to foot and bicycle traffic
Seasonal Closures
None documented, but trail conditions may degrade after heavy rain or volcanic activity.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
None. Carry all water. No creeks, springs, or filtration opportunities on trail.
Accessibility
Rooty and steep in places—old road surface with minor ruts, loose gravel, and uneven terrain. Not fully accessible to wheelchairs or mobility devices. Trekking poles recommended for stability.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Sun exposure
  • Dehydration risk
  • Wind
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Crater edge drop-offs
  • Loose rock
Hazard Details
This volcanic plateau offers no shade and relentless sun; dehydration is the primary hazard. Wind gusts are common and can be fierce. Crater edges have drop-offs—stay on trail. Loose volcanic rock and uneven surfaces require attention to footing, especially on descent.
Cell Service
Likely available; typical for main park roads, but signal may be spotty in low areas. Do not rely on it.
Crowd Level
Moderate; popular but not a conga line. Early morning sees fewer hikers.
Peak Crowd Times
Mid-morning to mid-afternoon on weekends and holidays.
Best Season
Year-round, but Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is open 24/7 daily.
Best Time To Visit
Start by 6am to beat the heat and wind. Afternoon conditions are windy and brutal. Go when skies are clear for crater views. Avoid midday (11am–3pm) when full sun exposure peaks.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 2L water minimum—no sources on trail.
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are mandatory.
  • Trekking poles optional but helpful on descent.
  • Start early to dodge afternoon wind and heat.
  • The trail is exposed—rain gear in your pack for sudden squalls.
  • Watch for loose rocks and uneven surfaces on old road.
  • Stay on marked path near crater edges.

More details

Park Area
Keanakākoʻi, Crater Rim Drive area
Trail Markers
Well-marked. The old Crater Rim Drive is obvious; the route to crater overlook is clear. No navigation confusion.
Dogs Allowed
No, pets are not permitted on this trail.
Biking Allowed
Yes, bicycles permitted on old Crater Rim Drive to Keanakākoʻi.
Shade Level
Full sun exposure. Zero tree cover on volcanic plateau. Exposed to wind. Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Emergency Contacts
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center: (808) 985-6000. Emergency: 911.
Map Recommended
0
Snow Dates
No snow expected; Hawaiʻi Volcanoes sits at elevation but tropical climate prevents snow accumulation.
Mud Season
After heavy rain, trail may be muddy and slippery. This is rare in Hawaiʻi but possible during winter wet season (November–March).
Fall Colors Peak
Not applicable; no deciduous trees on volcanic plateau.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes present but not severe; trade winds keep biting insects low on this exposed ridge.
Insider Tips
  • The 1974 lava flow that buried the adze quarry is visible on crater floor—scan with binoculars for detail.
  • False summit at 0.75 miles; the true crater overlook is just beyond. Keep moving.
  • Best views are mid-morning when light hits crater rim without glare.
  • Bring a windbreaker—afternoon gusts can knock you sideways.
  • Crater rim offers natural wind breaks if conditions spike.
Recent Updates
Trail remains open following 2018 summit collapse damage to Crater Rim Drive. This section (old road) is now the only foot/bike access to Keanakākoʻi.
Family Friendly Notes
Safe for older children with hiking experience. Keep young kids away from crater edges; hand-holding near overlooks. Easy pace but exposure and sun are real—sun sickness in toddlers is a risk. Start early, bring shade aids, and stop if anyone shows heat exhaustion signs.
Nearby Facilities
Devastation Trailhead Parking Lot. Visitor Center approximately 5 miles away (Kīlauea Visitor Center). No services at trailhead.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the geology and crater views but emphasize sun exposure is unforgiving. Most say bring double water and start by 6am. Early reviewers note the easy pace masks physical toll of heat and wind; fit hikers do it in 1 hour, casual walkers need 1.5–2 hours with photo stops.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail suitable for kids?

Yes, for school-age kids with hiking experience. The grade is easy, but sun exposure and no water sources are real risks. Pack double water, sunscreen, and hats. Toddlers and very young children are high heat-stress risk. Start early and monitor closely.

Can I do this alone safely?

Yes. The trail is well-marked, open to foot traffic, and sees steady day-use. Cell service is likely available. The main risk is heat-related; carry 2L water and tell someone your plan. Solitude is not guaranteed but you won't feel isolated.

Do I need special gear?

No special gear required. Trekking poles optional but helpful. Essentials: 2L water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, windbreaker. The surface is graded but uneven—wear good hiking boots for ankle support on descent.

Is the trail open year-round?

Yes, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is open 24/7 daily. No seasonal closures documented for this trail, but volcanic activity or severe weather may close roads. Check NPS website before you go.

How busy is this trail?

Moderate popularity. It's less crowded than Kīlauea Iki or Crater Rim Trail but busier than backcountry options. Early morning (before 8am) offers the most solitude.

Footprints Area

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

Devastation Trail

1-mile paved cinder views with zero elevation. Easy for all ages, brutal sun exposure. Nēnē geese—respect distance.

Halemaʻumaʻu Trail

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

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.