Highlight • Natural Monument
Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents)
Hiking
4.6
(22)
Road cycling
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
March 5, 2023
Hiking
November 28, 2018
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents)
4.9
(68)
496
hikers
11.5km
03:22
300m
300m
The Kīlauea Iki and Crater Rim Trail offers an incredible journey from a vibrant rainforest into the heart of a solidified lava lake. You'll trek through dense ʻōhiʻa forests before descending into the vast, otherworldly Kīlauea Iki Crater, where steam still rises from cracks and cairns guide you across the uneven, rocky surface. The dramatic contrast between lush greenery and barren volcanic landscape, with the Puʻu Puaʻi cinder cone as a focal point, makes this a truly memorable experience.
This moderate 7.2-mile (11.5 km) hike involves 989 feet (301 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes. The trailhead is easily accessible near the Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube), but parking can fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must for the rocky crater floor, and carrying ample water is always recommended, regardless of the weather.
What makes this route truly special is the chance to walk directly across the floor of a lava lake formed during the powerful 1959 eruption of Kīlauea Iki. You'll see geological features like fissures and steam vents, and the
4.9
(69)
491
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(10)
74
hikers
6.43km
01:50
150m
150m
The Sulphur Banks and Crater Rim Trail Loop offers a truly unique journey through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, transitioning from a steaming, mineral-rich volcanic landscape to a lush rainforest. You'll walk on paved paths and boardwalks through the Haʻakulamanu (Sulphur Banks) area, where vibrant yellow sulfur crystals and steaming cracks create an otherworldly scene, complete with the pungent smell of volcanic gases. Further along the Crater Rim Trail, you'll find yourself amidst dense ferns and trees, with incredible views across the vast Kīlauea Caldera and the transformed Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
This easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) hiking loop, with 482 feet (147 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 49 minutes, making it accessible for most visitors. The Sulphur Banks section is even wheelchair accessible from the Steam Vents parking area. Always check air quality at the Kīlauea Visitor Center before you go, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities, and be sure to stay on marked paths due to unstable ground.
What makes this route stand out is its direct connection to active geology, providing a close-up view of the island's ongoing volcanic processes. The rapid shift from barren, steaming ground to a verdant rainforest highlights the incredible diversity within the park. It's a sensory experience unlike any other, offering a memorable glimpse into the powerful forces shaping Hawaiʻi.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,240 m
Weather
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Wednesday 26 August
21°C
13°C
28 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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