Thomas A. Jaggar Museum Loop via Crater Rim Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail to Thomas A. Jaggar Museum in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The building experienced massive damage from a five month volcanic eruption in 2018 and is slated for demolition.

From the Kilauea Visitor Center you’ll cross the street with the historical Volcano Art Center on your right and look for the Sulpher Banks trail sign. As you follow the path, you’ll pass a traditionally built Hawaiian House and a platform for ancient hula dancing to honor ancestors and gods.

You’ll descend slightly into an open meadow where plants do not grow due to the intense heat and toxic gases produced by the volcano. This entire hike explores the summit of Kilauea Volcano which experienced a massive eruption and colossal collapse in the 1500s.

Another collapse occurred in 2018 dropping sections of the caldera floor and parts of the road circumnavigating the summit another 1,700’.

The summit contains many cracks and fissures releasing steam and gases. Be sure to stay on the well-marked trails.

Getting Started

You can choose to begin this hike either from the museum or the visitor center.

Taking Children

Children and pregnant women are encouraged to avoid the Sulpher Banks due to the gases.