July 1974 Lava Flow via Crater Rim Trail(edit)

Overview

This is an easy out and back trail in Hawai'i Volcanoes Park. It culminates at the cliff’s edge of Keanakako’i crater offering scenic views of Kilauea summit, Mauna Loa as well as Mauna Kea.

Due to the lack of visitors on this trail, this hike is a HIDDEN GEM.

You’ll begin hiking through a rare native Koa forest. Pay attention to the exotic flora and listen for the native birds. Soon the surface changes from soft soil to crunchy cinder from a nearby eruption of 1959 which spewed high fountains of tephra. Shortly the hiking surface changes again from the result of a 1974 eruption which lasted only 3 days. Once you reach the crater, you’ll track back the way you came.

Getting Started

Begin this hike at the crosswalk shortly after you turn onto Chain of Craters Road. There are 2 places to pull off the road and park parallel to the road so easy to miss if your not paying attention.