Private Hike in Kilauea Iki Crater and Nahuku Lava Tube

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3 hours (approximately)

We only do private hikes, so when you book with us, it is just you and the people you bring along! All the incredible features here make this the most popular hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! We will meet at the Kilauea Iki parking lot. The hike will start down the north rim, stopping at spectacular overlooks and discussing the history and geology of the crater. We will then descend the switchback trail down to the floor of the Kilauea Iki crater. In the crater, we will visit the vent from the 1959 eruption and learn about the tallest lava fountain ever recorded in the park and the huge lava lake it created as we walk across it. We then go from the crater floor up the trail through the rainforest to the crater rim and the lava tube. As we creep through the sublime lava tube, we discuss the fifteenth-century Aila'au eruption and the related formation of the lava tube. We finish by hiking from the lava tube, taking in the overlooks on the way, back to the Kilauea Iki parking lot.

What's Included

Bottled water
Professional Guide
The entrance fee to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is not included in the price of the tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Once you come through the entrance gate, you will proceed through a roundabout. In the roundabout, you will see a sign for Crater Rim Drive - EAST (don't take the west road). Follow Crater Rim Drive - East for about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) to the parking lot. Arrive 15 minutes before start time.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

The first 2.8 miles (4.5 km) of the hike follows the crater rim through lush rainforest with spectacular views into the crater. We will then descend 400 feet (120 meters) down to the crater floor. As we walk across the floor, we will see how the 1959 eruption here completely changed the crater. This eruption generated a 1900-foot-tall (580 meters) lava geyser, which was the tallest lava fountain in the park's history--taller than the Empire State Building! We will then proceed up from the crater floor through more beautiful rainforest to the Nahuku Lava Tube.

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Due to volcanic emissions, visitors with breathing conditions should consult their doctor before visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Supplied by Volcano Private Treks

Tags

Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
Additional fees

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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