The true character of the park is best discovered on foot. With over 150 miles of trails in the park, exploration by walking and hiking can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience.
Park trails range in difficulty from easy walks (Bird Park/Kipuka Puaulu or Thurston Lava Tube/Nahuku) to longer hikes such as Kilauea Iki or Mauna Iki. Other trails provide access through wilderness areas and are suitable only for those who are in top physical condition and properly outfitted with winter gear. Most trails are well maintained and easy to follow. Wilderness trails are roughly marked by ahu (cairns - piles of rock). Devastation and Waldron Ledge trails are paved and accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Rangers on duty in the Kilauea Visitor Center (open from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily), will assist hikers with trail information, maps, and permits. Be sure to check on weather conditions before starting a hike, especially .
Hikers are encouraged to submit their trip experiences to our webmaster for posting on our journals webpage.
For information about hiking outside the park on the Hawai`i State Trail and Access System, use this link to the webpage.
