Waldron Ledge Loop via Crater Rim Trail and Kīlauea Iki Trail
Overview
This is a moderate loop trail which begins and ends at the Kilauea Visitor Center which is just inside the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, first right after you pay the entrance fee.
Follow the signs to the famous Volcano House (one of the oldest hotels in the State).
Take the path that is between the hotel and the caldera while facing the caldera to the left. You’ll be following the edge of the caldera descending down the volcano and hike on what was once a driving road. Sections of the road collapsed into the caldera in 1975, was rebuilt but then collapsed again in 1983 due to strong earthquakes. It is now nicknamed Earthquake trail. In 1/4 mile you’ll veer off to the right to Waldron’s ledge which gives a spectacular view of the collapsed summit of Kilauea, Hawaii’s youngest volcano with Mauna Loa volcano in the background. Both volcanoes still active.
Continue following the road which then turns to trail. Follow the slightly descending trail with the caldera on your right for about 1/2 mile. At the T, take a right onto the Kilauea Iki trail. At each Y, stay left and follow the signs for Kilauea Iki and then to the Nahuku lava tube. Use the crosswalk and stay left circumnavigating Kilauea Iki crater on your left for about 1 1/2 miles until you see the signage for the Volcano House and the Visitor Center the Volcano House. One more mile to go.
The hotel has glass windows from the floor to the ceiling for warmer and drier views along with a fireplace. Uncle George’s bar and restaurant is another iconic stop to add on to this memorable adventure.
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