Crater Rim Trail Part 3: Visitor Center to Uēkahuna.

Hiking the Crater Rim Trail from the Visitor Center to Uēkahuna and Back: A Complete Guide

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a place of awe and wonder. It's a destination where nature’s raw power is on full display, with active volcanoes, dramatic landscapes, and steaming vents that captivate the imagination. One of the best ways to experience the park’s geological wonders is by hiking the Crater Rim Trail, a scenic and informative trail that offers stunning views of Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the Crater Rim Trail, focusing on the section that starts at the Visitor Center, passes by steam vents, and ends at Uēkahuna. We’ll provide all the details you need to make your hike enjoyable, including tips on what to bring, trail highlights, and everything you should know before you go. This section of trail is where I took a good portion of the Kīlauea eruption photos captured in the previous article : Epic Kilauea Eruption and Crater Rim Hike.

Overview of the Crater Rim Trail

The Crater Rim Trail is a loop trail located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It offers hikers a close-up view of the Kīlauea Caldera, one of the world’s most active volcanic craters. The trail stretches about 11 miles in total, but for those who want a more manageable hike, you can enjoy a section of the trail from the Visitor Center to the Uēkahuna and back. This section is roughly 2 miles one way, making for a 4-mile round trip. My hike ended up being about 5.5 miles and took about 2 hours 15 minutes. For more information on the rest of the trail check out my 2 articles on Crater Rim Trail here: Part 1 , Part 2.

The Crater Rim Trail is relatively easy compared to some of the park's more strenuous hikes, though it’s still important to prepare for the conditions. The path is well-maintained and offers a variety of stunning views, from steam vents to expansive caldera vistas. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to explore the volcanic landscape without tackling a more challenging hike. The first half of the trail will be a well maintained foot path, while there are no steps, the trail can get a little narrow at points. The second half of the trail is paved. The paved portion is open to bicyclist, so pay attention, and it leads from Kīlauea Military Camp to Uēkahuna.

This section of Crater Rim Trail offers a plethora of fantastic vistas and views where you will be tempted to take many pictures. Do not forget your camera. If you do not have a "fancy" camera and you only have your cellphone, try one of these clip on lens attachments to give your photos that extra "WOW" factor.

Phone Camera Lens Kit 28X Macro Lens for iPhone with E-Clip and Tripod, Suitable for Most Smartphones

Phone Camera Lens Kit 28X Macro Lens for iPhone with E-Clip and Tripod, Suitable for Most Smartphones

Getting Started: From the Visitor Center

The hike begins at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center, which is the ideal spot to get oriented and gather information about trail conditions. The Visitor Center provides restrooms, a gift shop, and knowledgeable park rangers who can share updates on the volcanic activity and current trail conditions. Make sure to check in with the rangers before heading out, especially since volcanic activity can sometimes affect trail accessibility. I HIGHLY recommend downloading the National Parks app to your phone. Not only does it have a park map, but has a lot of information about the sights you will see during your time in the park. Get the app HERE!

Before you start the hike, take a few moments to visit the exhibits inside the Visitor Center, which provide fascinating information about the park’s history, geology, and native Hawaiian culture. It’s a great way to enrich your experience and gain a deeper understanding of the landscape you’re about to explore. The current Visitor Center will be undergoing remodeling and expansion beginning in 2025 with a temporary Visitor Center at the Kīlauea Military Camp.

Once you’re ready to start your hike, head to the trailhead located across the street from Visitor Center at the driveway entrance to the Volcano House. You’ll quickly notice the distinct smell of sulfur in the air, a sign that you’re entering an area of active volcanic activity. This sulfuric aroma is most pronounced near the steam vents, but it’s a part of the unique experience of hiking within a volcanic park.

PROTIP: Hidden Attraction

To make this hike even better, don’t cross the road to the Crater Rim Trail yet. Instead, follow the Sulfur Bank Trail on the Visitor Center side of Crater Rim Dr. to the Sulfur Banks. This is very easy to miss if you are traveling by car only because there is no dedicated parking lot (other than the Visitor Center) and there are minimal, if any, signs on the road pointing it out. This trail is great for anyone with or without mobility issues. The whole path is a nicely paved wide sidewalk, or raised boardwalks with minimal inclines and no stairs. Pavement ends at the road, but the rest of the trail is smooth. Along the way you will discover many sulfur gas vents that discolor the surrounding area and gives the area a unique aroma. Continue following this trail, crossing Crater Rim Drive and continuing the short distance until you meet back up with the Crater Rim Trail just before the Steam Vents.

This is an area you do not want to miss!!

Steam Vents: The First Highlight

Within the first .1 mile from Crater Rim Drive you will encounter 2 trail junctions. Keep on Crater Rim Trail to the Steam Vents. If you are going downhill at all you are on the wrong trail. The first junction is Crater Rim Trail to Volcano House (remember for return trip), and the second junction is the Halema’uma’u trail which takes you down into the caldera.

As you begin your hike, the first major feature you’ll encounter is the series of steam vents along the trail. These vents are one of the most recognizable features of the Crater Rim Trail. They’re created by hot gases escaping from the volcano below, and the steam that rises from them creates an otherworldly atmosphere.

The steam vents are especially striking during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer, and the rising steam catches the golden glow of the sun. The sight of steam billowing up from the ground while the sun paints the sky in warm tones is truly magical.

Take a moment to stop and observe the vents. You’ll feel the warmth emanating from them, and you may even hear the faint rumble of the volcano beneath your feet. Be sure to follow the trail markers and avoid stepping too close to the vents, as the ground can be unstable and hot in certain areas.

Hiking Along the Caldera Rim

As you continue along the Crater Rim Trail, you’ll soon be treated to expansive views of the Kīlauea Caldera. This massive crater is at the heart of the park, and its size and depth are awe-inspiring. On a clear day, you’ll have unobstructed views of the caldera floor, which can stretch out for miles.

In addition to the caldera views, the trail offers a variety of other fascinating geological features. Along the way, you may encounter fissures in the ground, where molten lava has cracked and shifted the earth. You’ll also notice different layers of rock, each representing a different eruption or volcanic event. It’s a vivid illustration of the constant and ongoing nature of volcanic activity at Kīlauea.

The terrain along this section of the trail is relatively flat, with only slight inclines. While you won’t face any technical challenges, it’s important to remain mindful of the trail’s proximity to the caldera’s edge. There are sections of the trail where the drop-off can be steep, so it’s always a good idea to stay alert, watch your step, and STAY ON TRAIL!

Kīlauea Lookout gives guest an epic view into the caldera. The parking lot holds about 20-30 cars with a few accessible parking spots as well. The path from the parking lot to the lookout is gravel, but it is smooth, packed, and flat. I have seen wheelchairs out at the look out many times.

Uēkahuna: A Historical and Cultural stop

After about a mile or so of hiking, you’ll arrive at Uēkahuna. Uēkahuna is the celebrated wahi pana (legendary place) of Kaluapele, the caldera of Kīlauea. An important site for Native Hawaiian ritual and cultural practices, Uēkahuna presents visitors with spectacular vistas of Kaluapele, Mauna Loa, and surrounding areas from the highest point on the rim. Please treat this area, and all of the island, with respect.

The Jagger Museum once stood at this location. Named after Thomas A. Jagger, the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the museum was one of the most important historical landmarks within the park. The museum itself offered exhibits on volcanoes and seismic activity, with an emphasis on the history of volcanology in Hawaii. Due to the eruption and summit collapse, Jagger Museum sustained substantial damage and was closed permanently in May of 2018 and was demolished in 2024 bringing to an end a 96-year history of Jagger Museum at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

The Jagger Museum was located on the edge of the caldera, providing some of the best views in the park. From here, you can peer down into the caldera and watch the ever-changing landscape below. On clear days, you might even see the active Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, where volcanic gases continuously rise into the atmosphere. Depending on volcanic activity, you may also witness a plume of smoke or steam emanating from the crater. It’s a humbling reminder of the power of nature.

Since the building has been demolished, there is ongoing construction work happening in this area as they are making it safe and suitable or visitors again. Remember to stay on trail and do not enter closed of areas.

Hiking Back to the Visitor Center

The return hike to the Visitor Center follows the same path you took to reach Uēkahuna. While retracing your steps may seem like a bit of a repeat, the landscape looks different when viewed from the opposite direction, so you'll still be able to appreciate the views, and it is all down hill back to the Visitor Center.

Additionally, the light and atmosphere will likely have changed, especially if you’re hiking during the golden hour or at sunset. The late-afternoon sun casts long shadows and golden hues across the landscape, making the hike back just as magical as the journey out.

As you walk, take time to reflect on the experience. Hiking the Crater Rim Trail gives you a chance to connect with the land in a way that few other trails can. The combination of volcanic history, natural beauty, and active geology makes this truly a one of a kind hike in the world.

Remember on the return trip, when the paved path and the dirt foot path split, take the dirt footpath to get back to the Visitor Center, otherwise you will end up at Kīlauea Military Camp and have to return back to the trail to get to your car since walking along the road is not allowed.

For the perfect ending to this hike, continue on the Crater Rim Trail to the Volcano House. Visit the two gift shops, the restaurant, or just pull up a seat on the grass and gaze out upon the Caldera and Halema’uma’u crater.

Tips for Hiking the Crater Rim Trail

Before heading out on your Crater Rim Trail adventure, keep these tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Wear sturdy shoes: The trail is generally easy to hike, but there are some uneven surfaces and loose gravel. A good pair of hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers will help you stay comfortable and safe.

• Stay hydrated: The weather in Hawaiʻi can be warm and humid, so be sure to carry water with you. You’ll be able to refill your bottle at the Visitor Center before starting the hike.

• Wear sun protection: Even though much of the trail is shaded, it’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen and a hat, especially if you’re hiking during the day.

• Check the weather and trail conditions: Before setting out, visit the Visitor Center or check the park’s website for any updates on trail conditions or volcanic activity that could impact your hike.

• Respect the environment: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a special place with fragile ecosystems and is a sacred location to the local people. Stick to the trail, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all trash.

Tail End

The Crater Rim Trail from the Visitor Center to the Uēkahuna offers a fantastic introduction to the volcanic wonders of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. From the steam vents to the expansive caldera views, every step of the hike brings something new to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, this trail provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the power and beauty of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

So, grab your gear, lace up your shoes, and embark on this incredible adventure through one of Hawaiʻi’s most captivating landscapes. The Crater Rim Trail awaits!