Exploring the Crater Rim Trail:

From Nahuku Lava Tube to Keanakako’i Crater

When I think about memorable hikes, the Crater Rim Trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park instantly comes to mind. This trail combines lush rainforests, dramatic lava fields, and serene volcanic craters into one unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re hiking solo, with a service dog, or using adaptive equipment, this trail offers something special for everyone.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through a 6-mile round trip hike from the Nahuku (Thurston) Lava Tube to Keanakako’i Crater, including practical tips, trail highlights, and a few surprises along the way.

Getting Started:

Choosing Your Parking Spot

This section of the Crater Rim Trail has three Parking options:

1. Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) parking lot – I would not reccomend parking here. Very small lot and very crowded. Has bathrooms, drinking water and accessible parking. This is the high point of this hike, so your return trip will be all up hill.

2. Devastation Trail lot – This is a great option. Offers a restroom (no water) and easy access to multiple trails. Down side is a .1 mile walk along the main road with no shoulder to get to the trail.

3. A small pull-off on Chain of Craters Road – This spot is 0.1 miles south of the Devastation Trail lot and can accommodate three cars.

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Typically I would chose to park at the Devastation Trail lot because it felt like the perfect balance of convenience and accessibility. Plus, I appreciated having a restroom nearby before setting out. If you have a service dog with you parking in this lot is the safest spot.

As you can see in the image on the right above, the trail crosses the road next to where I parked this time, which is spot 3. Look for the crosswalk painted on the road to find the trail.

You may want to leave treats in the car for your service dog but please remember that the Nene you see here are endangered animals and you should not harass or feed them. You may or may not find them all over the park near forested areas.

Setting Off:

The Hike to Keanakako’i Crater

The first leg of the hike took me south from the Devastation Trail lot toward Keanakako’i Crater. This portion of the trail is about 1.3 miles one way, offering a mix of shaded forest paths and open lava fields.

The first half-mile of the trail winds through a tranquil forest. Towering trees provide ample shade, keeping the air cool and comfortable—a big relief if you’re hiking with a service dog. If you’re starting early in the morning, the trail here feels especially serene, with birdsong filling the air and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.

This section of the trail is smooth and relatively flat, with only a few small tree roots to watch out for. Even with mobility issues, it’s easy to navigate. I didn’t see another person during this stretch, and the solitude was refreshing.

If you are out early in the morning would recommend a light jacket or long sleeves. It gets pretty cool at night in the park and can take a while to warm up when you are in the trees. Hiking poles could be a good idea for crossing the lava flow as some of the footing may be tricky for some.

Emerging into the Lava Field

After leaving the forest, the trail opens up into a starkly beautiful lava field. The contrast between the lush greenery and the barren black rock is striking. This part of the trail has no shade, so if you’re hiking later in the day, be prepared for the heat.

When the trees disappear and you are exposed to the bright morning sun, you will want your sunglasses. I HIGHLY recommend these Unisex Polarized Aluminum Sunglasses Vintage Sun Glasses MERRY'S. They feel good while wearing, quite durable, and cheap to replace when you inevitably loose them. (I am on pair #5 now)

When hiking on trails across lava flows like this, follow the rock cairns: the stacks of rocks. When standing at a cairn, you should be able to see the next cairn. Do not add to or disturb the cairns. These are there to keep hikers safe. Always be aware of the ground you are walking on and step carefully. Try not to step on or disturb any plants growing in these areas as they are fragile and can take many years to grow back.

The lava rock here is primarily pahoehoe, which is smooth and easy to walk on. However, as you get closer to Keanakako’i Crater, the terrain becomes slightly rockier. The trail remains well-marked and manageable, but you’ll want to watch your step.

Keanakako’i Crater:

A Window into the Past

Keanakako’i Crater is a sight to behold. The gravel-covered area near the crater is flat and offers an excellent vantage point for photos. However, the fence marking the boundary is there for a reason—please don’t cross it. The area beyond the fence has been closed since the 2018 eruption due to safety concerns.

Keanakako'i Crater, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, is a historically significant volcanic feature formed by eruptions from the Kīlauea volcano. The crater was created during a series of explosive eruptions around 1,500 to 2,000 years ago. It is part of Kīlauea's ongoing volcanic activity and has seen multiple eruptions over the centuries. In particular, the area surrounding the crater was important for early Hawaiian cultural practices, and it is rich with archaeological sites. Today, Keanakako'i serves as both a geological and cultural landmark, with ongoing volcanic activity shaping the landscape and offering a glimpse into the dynamic nature of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

After taking a moment to rest and enjoy the views, I turned back to retrace my steps to the road to continue our hike.

Alternate Route:

Accessibility for All

If navigating the forest and lava field feels daunting, there’s another option: the old Crater Rim Road. Starting at the Devastation Trail lot, this closed road leads directly to Keanakako’i Crater.

The road is still intact and smooth, making it perfect for wheelchairs, strollers, or other adaptive devices. As a bonus, this route offers sweeping views of Kilauea’s main crater on the right as you approach Keanakako’i Crater. The sight of the massive volcanic expanse is humbling and well worth the detour.

Traveling along this road may be easy, but keep in mind that you will be fully exposed to the sun as there are very few trees along the way. I would definitely recommend bringing water along on this walk.

Immersed in the Jungle

As I stepped onto the trail, I was immediately struck by the lushness of the landscape. The path is wide and well-maintained, with foliage trimmed back to give you plenty of breathing room. What makes this stretch of trail truly unique are the towering hapu’u ferns. Some of these ferns reach heights of 20 to 30 feet, making even a tall person feel small.

Continuing the Trail:

Toward Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

After returning to the road, I crossed the crosswalk to continue north on the Crater Rim Trail toward Nahuku. This section of the trail is where the magic of the rainforest truly comes alive.

Walking through this section felt like stepping into another world. I’ve hiked in rainforests before, but the atmosphere here was different. The air was thick with the scent of greenery, and the towering plants gave the illusion of a prehistoric jungle. At one point, I half-expected a dinosaur to emerge from the foliage!

Mountain Bikers on the Trail

As I climbed the gentle incline, I couldn’t help but think how great this trail would be for mountain biking. Just as the thought crossed my mind, a biker came zooming down the hill. It caught me by surprise! I hadn’t realized mountain biking was allowed on this section of the trail, but it turns out they’re permitted here.

Mountain bikers aren’t allowed on the initial stretch of the trail leading to Keanakako’i Crater, but this northern section is open to them. It’s worth keeping an eye (and ear) out for bikers as you hike, especially on narrow or winding parts of the path.

While sunglasses may not necessary in the jungle, those who wear glasses may appreciate this anti-fog spray to keep them clear.

It can be easy to get lost in the wonder of the jungle, but don't forget that this is actually a multi-use trail. Keep your dog on leash and remember to keep alert and keep your ears open for the sound of others that may be on trail too...

Encountering Horses

This trail also allows horseback riding, which adds another layer of charm to the experience. While I didn’t encounter any riders on my hike, the evidence of horses on the trail was clear. The wide, smooth paths make it a great option for equestrians, and the idea of exploring this lush landscape on horseback is undeniably appealing.

Remember to step aside and let the bigger or faster trail user to pass.

Navigating the Climb

The trail includes one short but steep section as it climbs a small hill. Here, the ground is slightly uneven with a few loose rocks. While it’s still manageable, hiking poles can be helpful for added stability if you have balance concerns. The lack of steps makes this section more accessible than many other trails with similar elevation changes.

After the climb, the trail levels out again, offering more opportunities to admire the towering ferns and vibrant greenery.

Reaching the Escape Road

Eventually, the trail intersects with the Escape Road, a wide gravel road that marks the final stretch to Nahuku. This section is about 0.4 miles long and open to mountain bikers and horseback riders.

The road is steeper than the trail but still smooth and free of tripping hazards. The open space here offers a different perspective on the rainforest, with broader views of the surrounding greenery.

At the end of the road, you’ll encounter a gate. Simply walk through the pedestrian gate on the side, making sure to relatch it behind you. Beyond the gate lies the entrance to the Nahuku Lava Tube.

The Lava Tube:

A Future Adventure

While you’re welcome to explore the lava tube at this point, I decided to save that experience for another day—and another blog post! Nahuku deserves its own spotlight, as it’s one of the park’s most iconic features.

For now, you can choose to either continue on the Crater Rim Trail toward the visitor center or retrace your steps back to your car.

Heading Back:

Appreciating the Details

On my return hike, I took the time to appreciate the small details I had missed on the way up. The Crater Rim Trail is home to a variety of plants and animals that are unique to Hawaii. From delicate flowers peeking out of the undergrowth to the distant calls of native birds, the trail offers countless opportunities to connect with nature.

If you’re hiking with a service dog, this is a great chance for them to relax and enjoy the shaded forest after the more exposed sections of the trail.

Tail End

The Crater Rim Trail from Nahuku Lava Tube to Keanakako’i Crater is a must-do for anyone visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It’s a trail that combines accessibility, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure.

For hikers with mobility concerns, the well-maintained paths and alternative routes make this trail especially accommodating. Just remember to plan for the heat if you’re hiking later in the day, and consider protective gear for your service dog’s paws.

This hike left me with a deeper appreciation for the unique landscapes of Hawaii and the thoughtful design of trails that welcome everyone. Whether you’re exploring on foot, with a service dog, or using adaptive equipment, this trail promises a journey you won’t soon forget.