Waldron Ledge Loop via Crater Rim Trail(edit)

Overview

This hike flows well no matter which direction you choose to hike. The names on the signs change a few times. If you start your hike just to the right of the Volcano House hotel, you’ll start on Halema’uma’u which descends down 400’ to the caldera floor, follow the rock piles (ahu) along the floor then up Waldron’s Ledge, to Kilauea Iki and back to the Volcano House.

This hike explores the summit of Kilauea Volcano, the youngest active (and frequently erupting) volcano that makes up the island of Hawaii.

Pay close attention to the lush rainforest host to a variety of plants, ferns, and birds found nowhere else on earth.

When you reach the caldera floor, you’ll be trekking on a 1974 eruption which lasted only three days but added 20’ of new land.

Look up to the cliffs and observe the recent collapse. Earthquakes are common here due to the high level of volcanic activity.

All the plants growing on the solidified lava began after 1974 and are native.

On a sunny day it will be easy to find the shiny strands of glass trapped in the cracks of lava only created from explosive eruptions.

Follow the rock piles and ascend up the cliff. Turn left at the top onto Kilauea Iki and then left again following the sign to Volcano House and Visitor Center.