Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and the Crater Rim Trail offers an incredible way to experience the park's unique landscapes. If you’re planning a visit and are curious about hiking from the Visitor Center to the Thurston Lava Tube (also known as Nahuku), this blog will give you all the information you need. Whether you have mobility challenges or are bringing along a service dog, we’ll walk you through the trail with helpful tips to make the trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you only have time or energy to do 1 hike, this is the hike I would recommend for most people.
Let’s explore what this section of the Crater Rim Trail has to offer!
A Quick Overview of the Crater Rim Trail
The Crater Rim Trail is a well-loved route that circles the edge of the Kīlauea Caldera. During the 2018 eruption parts of the Crater Rim Road fell into the crater leaving the southwest side of the crater very unstable and closed off to visitors. Fortunately, we are still able to drive and hike from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory parking lot to the visitor center and around to just past Chain of Craters road. This video will give you a good idea of what happened around Kīlauea crater in 2018. If you have time, I highly recommend watching the entire video.
This hike offers stunning views of volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and unique geological features. In this particular section, we’ll focus on the portion of the trail that takes you from the Visitor Center to Thurston Lava Tube, a beautiful underground tunnel formed by flowing lava. This area combines accessible paths, historic spots, and the natural wonders of the park—all in one adventure.
Let’s get into the details so you can plan your hike with confidence.
What Should You Bring?
Before you lace up your hiking shoes, make sure you pack the essentials for a comfortable and safe hike. Here’s a quick list of items to bring along:
Water: Staying hydrated is important, especially on a hike.
Snacks: Pack light, healthy options to keep your energy up.
Comfortable shoes: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for uneven trails.
Rain jacket: Hawai’i weather can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
Hiking poles: If you’re someone who struggles with balance or has mobility challenges, hiking poles can provide added support.
Service dog supplies: If you’re bringing a service dog, don’t forget essentials like their water bowl, extra leash, snacks, and supplies for their care. Check out my article about hiking with your dog in a National Park for more info Here.
Now that we’re ready to get started, let’s begin your journey from the Visitor Center and on toward Thurston Lava Tube.
Transitioning to the Footpath
After about 0.1 miles past the road’s end, the path transitions into a footpath through the forest. Be mindful of staying on marked trails and following signs to ensure your safety. Do not enter off-limits areas. The terrain can be unstable, with hidden holes or crevices concealed by foliage. Follow the footpath to the left, where you will shortly meet up to the road again. To stay on the trail cross what is left of the road and follow the signs on the other side.
Explore the Trail
As you start along the old Crater Rim Road, you’ll notice some of early views into the Kīlauea on this section of the trail. Here are a few highlights:
Getting to the Trail
The map shown is the way I get to the trail.
From the visitor center parking lot, use the crosswalk to cross Crater Rim Drive. Almost immediately the path will split and you will take the path on your left towards the Ohi'a house. Cross the parking lot exit road and continue on to the staff road.
While it may look like the road continues on, it is in fact blocked off by a rock wall with a pedestrian opening. This road used to be the Crater Rim Drive before eruptions and earthquakes destroyed the road. From this point we follow what is left of the road that is open to pedestrians and bicycles.
A Small Viewpoint
Just a few steps in on the right side (toward the crater), you’ll come across a small viewpoint with incredible views of Kīlauea’s unique landscape. This is a perfect spot for a quick photo or a moment to soak in the views. The trail is paved and continues back to the backside of the Volcano House. You can see this trail in the picture above showing the path from the parking lot to the trail.
A Hidden Gem: Walden Ledge
About 0.4 miles after passing the Volcano House, you’ll find a small turn-off viewpoint. This extra quiet space is one of my favorite spots in the whole park. It’s an excellent place for a snack, a picnic, or a peaceful moment away from the crowds. There are a couple of picnic tables available that are in good shape. I also noticed that they were both wheel chair accessible. One is in the grass just off the sidewalk (pictured below), while the other is on the pavement where parking was available.
From this point on trail has uneven terrain with roots and rocks, making it challenging for those using wheeled mobility devices. If this is a concern, you might need to stop here and enjoy the scenery from this accessible point.
It is especially important to stay on the trail because you never know where a crack or hole in the ground is going to be hiding. They can be hard to see because of all the foliage. Keep your children on a leash and a close eye on your service dog.
The Journey to Thurston Lava Tube
The remainder of the trail continues as a forest path and is about 1.5 miles from the footpath to the Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku). Along the way, you’ll pass several lookouts that offer breathtaking views of both Kīlauea and Kīlauea Iki. Take your time and enjoy the lush, tropical foliage, the misty mountain air, and the unique landscapes that make this park so magical. Every hike on the Crater Rim Trail is different depending on the weather. Some days you get epic views into Kīlauea, some days you cant see past the ledge.
