Exploring Keanakako'i Crater

Exploring Keanakako'i Crater:

A Hike to the Heart of Kīlauea Eruptions

A few months ago, I set out on a walk to Keanakako'i Crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and since then, I’ve returned several times. The experience is something I can’t quite get enough of, especially when Kīlauea is erupting. If you’re ever in the area during an eruption, it’s one of the best places to safely witness the power of the volcano. But beyond the eruptions, the walk itself is beautiful, historical, and accessible to everyone. If you’ve never done this walk, or even if you’ve done it before and want to know more, here’s a look at what you can expect when you make the trek to Keanakako'i Crater.

The Path Less Traveled (and How You Can Enjoy It)

Let’s start with the trail itself. What I love about this walk is that it takes you along a section of Crater Rim Drive—an area that was once open to vehicles but is now closed due to the damage sustained during previous eruptions. The road is still intact, though, and it makes for an easy walk, even for those with mobility challenges. The fact that the surface is paved is a huge plus, especially considering how rugged the terrain around the volcano can be.

If you’re someone who enjoys a leisurely ride or prefers cycling, you’re in luck, as this trail is also open to bicycles. So, whether you're walking or biking, it’s an accessible way for everyone to experience this iconic part of the park. While the walk is a gentle downhill to the crater, there are no steep inclines or rocky paths to worry about—just smooth, even ground that leads you toward Keanakako'i Crater. That’s one of the things that makes this hike so appealing to a wide range of people.

From the Shade to the Sun

When you first start your walk, the trail is tucked away in a lovely forest of trees. The first half of the journey offers a shaded, cool canopy, making it a nice break from the intense Hawaiian sun. As you walk through the trees, you can hear the birds, the rustling leaves, and the occasional distant rumble of the volcano. It’s peaceful here, a nice way to ease into the hike.

As you walk along the trail, it’s important to note that Keanakako'i Crater and Kīlauea are separate entities, even though they both lie within the same volcanic region. Keanakako'i Crater is located on the left side of the road as you walk out from the trailhead, while Kīlauea Volcano is on the right.

At first, it can be a little disorienting because both are part of the same larger volcanic system, but it’s important to keep in mind that they’re distinct features with their own histories and characteristics. As you walk, you’ll have the chance to see Kīlauea’s ongoing eruption from the right side of the trail, offering a glimpse of the active lava and smoke. On the left, you’ll approach the quieter, more serene Keanakako'i Crater, which has its own fascinating geological history and significance. It’s a unique experience to witness the eruptive power of Kīlauea on one side while soaking in the stillness of Keanakako'i on the other.

One interesting fact about this area is that when Kīlauea Iki was erupting in December of 1959, all the trees and plant foliage was stripped bare between the eruption vent and this entire walk. All the foliage you see now is all grown back in since the eruption. The berms on either side of the road, is all the cinder that was cleared off of the road that fell in the one month span of Kīlauea Iki’s eruption.

But don’t be fooled—the second half of the walk takes you out into the open, and this is where you feel the full force of the sun. There’s no more shade, and you’re exposed to the elements. Depending on the time of day, it can get pretty hot, so be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and dress in layers. The wide-open views, though, are worth it. You’ll have a clear line of sight to the crater and the eruption, which, if you’re lucky, will be putting on a spectacular show of molten lava and smoke. This section of the walk offers a great opportunity to soak in the stunning vistas and get up close to the raw power of nature.

Be Prepared for the Crowds

Keanakako'i Crater isn’t exactly a hidden gem. In fact, it can get pretty crowded, especially when Kīlauea is erupting. The beauty and awe of watching lava flow from the crater is a powerful draw for visitors from all over the world. Because of this, the trail is often packed with people—whether they’re local residents, tourists, photographers, or fellow volcano enthusiasts. While this viewing area can feel busy, it is not nearly as crowded as the other eruption viewing points around the caldera.

NOTE: If the volcano is not erupting, there is rarely anyone on this trail making it a great escape from people.

Another thing to note is that there’s minimal parking available near the trailhead. This is especially true during busy eruption periods, when the park sees an influx of visitors. If you’re planning on visiting, I’d highly recommend getting there early. If you don’t find parking right by the trailhead, be prepared to park further away and walk to the start of the trail. It’s not a huge distance, but it can add a little more time to your day. That said, the walk to the trailhead isn’t unpleasant. It’s just part of the experience of visiting such a popular location. And when you finally reach the trail, the journey to the crater is worth the effort.

Click Here to see full Map

The Walk

As you walk down the road, you leave the trees and enter the open lava fields. If Kīlauea is erupting, the first signs for a view point you will see will be on the right for a short gravel trail (seen above) that leads to the spot to best see into Kīlauea. Please note that if you have wheelchairs, strollers, or other wheeled items, the gravel can be deep, making it very difficult for wheels to maneuver this trail.

If you continue walking down the road you will find that the road is fenced off and the area behind the the fence is closed to guest as the ground is not as stable as it once was. If you are in the right spot while looking into Kīlauea, you can see a section of the old road that is still intact which dropped into Halemau’uma’u Crater during the 2018 eruption event.

Continuing down the road past this trail junction, you will come upon a section of road that was shoulder parking for the Kanakako’i overlook. Kanakako’i Crater is on the left side of the road with signage and information about the crater. If you look directly across the crater, you can barely make out the fence that is the end of the Crater Rim Trail that I hiked in my previous post: Crater Rim Trail Part 1.

On the right side of the road is a path that leads to another viewing area. This gives you a view into Kīlauea, but more importantly it has signage talking about the 1974 eruption that happened between Kanakako’i Crater and Kīlauea Crater.

On the walk to the lookout you can see Mouna Kea, Mouna Loa (behind the clouds), and Kilauea (you are standing on it) Click image for full size picture.

Keanakako'i Crater: A History Carved by Lava

As you walk to the crater, it’s easy to become mesmerized by the landscape and the power of the volcano. But there’s a rich history behind Keanakako'i Crater that makes the experience even more fascinating.

Keanakako'i means "the cave of the lizard" in Hawaiian, and it’s steeped in cultural significance. The area was once an important site for Native Hawaiians, who believed the crater was home to the lizard god, Mo'o, a supernatural creature often associated with water and volcanic landscapes. The crater’s name is a reflection of this deep connection to the land and its spiritual meanings.

Geologically, Keanakako'i Crater was formed by eruptions from the Kīlauea Caldera over thousands of years. Unlike the continuous lava flows that define much of Kīlauea’s activity, Keanakako'i is a relatively small crater with a quiet but striking presence. It was likely created by explosive volcanic events that sent debris flying, creating a depression in the earth’s surface.

The crater itself is now a calm, hollowed-out space, surrounded by vegetation. Over time, nature has reclaimed the area, making it an interesting juxtaposition of raw volcanic power and natural growth. Despite the crater’s peaceful appearance today, it’s important to remember that it’s still part of a very active volcanic system. The history of this area is written not just in the land, but in the stories and eruptions that continue to shape it.

For more information on recent eruption at Kenakako'i Crater, I would recommend checking out the National Parks website HERE for some great photos and maps of the eruption. The USGS has a great article describing the eruption events giving us excellent timeline of the event, which can be found HERE.

If you have the time and would like an even more in depth history and descripton of this area I would highly recommend this walking tour. Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist emeritus Don Swanson on a virtual walk, during which you learn about the past 500 years of Kīlauea Volcano’s history as revealed by rocks, craters, and cracks. This tour was released in 3 segments and can be found here: PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3

Tips for Your Visit

Now that you know what to expect, here are a few tips to make your visit to Keanakako'i Crater as enjoyable as possible:

• Plan ahead for parking: As I mentioned, parking is limited near the trailhead, so get there early or be prepared for a bit of a walk to start your hike. Main parking lot for this trail walk is Devastation Trail parking lot. If this is full park at Pu’upua’I Overlook and walk the Devastation Trail to Devastation Trail Parking lot and then continue on. See Map Above.

• Bring water and sun protection: The second half of the trail is exposed to the sun, so it’s important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the UV rays.

• Wear comfortable shoes: Even though the path is paved, it’s still a long walk, and you'll want to be comfortable.

• Respect the environment: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a special place, so make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing wildlife or stepping off the trail. Stay on the trail and do NOT cross into blocked off areas. These areas are blocked off for your safety, and the protection of the environment.

• Bring water: Seriously, bring water. You will want it.

• Best Views: The craters are larger than you may expect so Binoculars may be best to see better.

• Check for eruption updates: If you’re hoping to see lava, make sure to check for any eruption alerts or trail closures before you head out. Things can change quickly, and it’s best to be informed. The parks website can be a bit slow to update but you can always check out the livestream on YouTube provided by the USGS HERE.

• Bring water: Not only will the sun dehydrate you before you realize it, this may be the best water bottle for travelers yet. Soft, collapsible, reusable, and durable. 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Tail End: A Walk Like No Other

There’s something incredibly humbling about walking to Keanakako'i Crater. It’s a simple, accessible trail, but it takes you into the heart of one of the most active volcanic regions on Earth. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to experience nature at its most raw and powerful, this trail offers something for everyone.

I’ve been fortunate enough to make this walk several times, each visit offering a new perspective on the land, the volcano, and the incredible forces shaping this island. If you find yourself in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park during an eruption, I highly recommend you take the time to explore Keanakako'i Crater. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Kīlauea, while also immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of this remarkable place.

Ohi'a trees growing out of the cracks in the closed road nest to Keanakako'i Crater.