Walk Devastation Trail

Stroll on a paved path through a starkly beautiful recovering landscape that was buried by falling cinder from the spectacular lava fountains of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. Witness life returning to this once devastated area.

• Difficulty: Easy - Wheelchair and stroller accessible, though there are sections of this paved trail that have grades greater than eight percent (8%).
• Distance and hiking time: 1 mile (1.6km) round trip, approximately 1.0 hour.
• Trail begins: Either at the Pu'upua'i parking lot or the Devastation Trail parking lot, both off of Crater Rim Drive.
• Stay on the paved trail. Do not climb the Pu‘upua‘i cinder cone.
• Bring: Water, hat, sunscreen and rain gear. Be prepared for hot, dry, wet, windy weather conditions.

 

Endangered nēnē (Hawaiian geese) frequent this area. Please use caution when parking. Don't feed the nēnē.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Park entrance fee applies. There are no additional activity fees.

Location

Puʻupuaʻi or Devastation Trailhead

Either at the Pu'upua'i parking lot or the Devastation Trail parking lot, both off of Crater Rim Drive.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

Wheelchair and stroller accessible, though there are sections of this paved trail that have grades greater than eight percent (8%).

Nēnē Protection
Nēnē (the Hawaiian goose) is a threatened species that needs your protection. Watch for nene on roads. Cars are the leading cause of adult nēnē deaths in the park. DO NOT FEED the nēnē. Nēnē that are fed by visitors learn to beg for food and approach moving cars.

1959 Eruption of Kīlauea Iki