Halema'uma'u Trail hike from Hilo: Into Kilauea Caldera

Walk into the crater floor where lava drained a thousand feet deep

A small-group volcano tour from Hilo that descends the 2-mile Halema'uma'u Trail into Kilauea Caldera, passing Sulphur Banks and ancient tree ferns to reach the crater floor scarred by the 2018 eruption. The day includes stops at Kaumana Caves and Volcano House, with lunch and dinner provided. Pickup from Hilo is included, and the guide is live and in English.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kaumana Caves State Park20m · entry included
2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park3h · entry included

Explore Volcanoes and Lava Caves

• Visit Kaumana Caves lava tube
• See Kilauea Iki Overlook
• Hike Halema’uma’u Trail into caldera
• Observe Sulphur Banks and ancient forests
• View 2018 eruption aftermath and crater
• Relax at Volcano House viewpoint

The experience

The hike starts at Kaumana Caves, a lava tube that brought molten rock within 1.5 miles of downtown Hilo during the 1881 eruption. You walk into the cathedral-like chamber to see the scale of what moved through it. From there the tour moves to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you'll stand at the Kilauea Illi Overlook and look down at the trail you're about to take, then walk the paved road to Keanakakoi to see the 2018 eruption's aftermath: buckled pavement, cracks, sinkholes. The view from there frames both the Kilauea Caldera and the enormous Halema'uma'u Crater ahead.

The Halema'uma'u Trail itself has been used to descend into the caldera since 1846: Mark Twain was once rescued on it by a native guide. The 2-mile round trip takes you past Sulphur Banks, through ancient forests of tree ferns some as old as 1,000 years, and past huge boulders left behind by rock slides and eruptions. Watch for native birds like the yellow 'amakihi and red 'apapane. When you reach the crater floor, a massive rock slide to your left marks where the 2018 eruption tore through, and Halema'uma'u Crater rises before you: the lava lake drained out, leaving behind a pit 1,000 feet deep. The day ends at Volcano House for views before returning to Hilo.

Lunch and dinner are included, along with bottled water throughout the 9-hour day. The group stays small, and a live English-speaking guide leads the entire route. Pickup from Hilo hotels is included. Children are welcome from age 5, though the hike is physically demanding and not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Hilo hotel.
• a live English-speaking guide for the entire route.
• entry to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• lunch and dinner.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 72

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kapohokine Adventures

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace manageable and the guide's attention on the trail itself. This suits hikers who want the full descent into the caldera without the crowds of a larger tour. The 9-hour commitment and the 2-mile descent demand a high level of fitness. It's not for casual walkers or anyone with spinal, cardiovascular or pregnancy concerns.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

20 verified traveler reviews

5 ★18

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Halema'uma'u Trail like to hike?

The Halema'uma'u Trail is a 2-mile round trip established in 1846 that descends into Kilauea Caldera on foot. It passes through ancient tree fern forests, past Sulphur Banks, and over huge boulders left by ancient eruptions and rock slides, ending at the crater floor where you stand in front of the 1,000-foot-deep Halema'uma'u Crater.

Can I see the damage from the 2018 Kilauea eruption?

Yes, the tour visits Keanakakoi on the paved road to the trailhead, where you see buckled pavement, cracks and sinkholes caused by the eruption. On the crater floor itself, a massive rock slide to your left marks where the 2018 eruption tore through the landscape, and the Halema'uma'u Crater shows the 1,000-foot pit left behind when the lava lake drained.

What birds might I see on the hike?

Native Hawaiian birds live in the ancient tree fern forests along the Halema'uma'u Trail. You may see the yellow 'amakihi and the red 'apapane, which are adapted to the volcanic landscape and the elevation of the caldera.

How long is the full day, and what meals are included?

The tour runs 9 hours from Hilo. Lunch and dinner are both included, along with bottled water throughout the day, so you're fed before and after the main hike.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation from my Hilo hotel?

No, pickup from Hilo hotels is included in the tour price. The guide meets you at your accommodation and returns you there at the end of the day.