As many times as we have traveled to the Big Island, we actually haven’t had a chance to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Since we only planned on spending one day there, we decided that the Chain of Craters road will be an excellent way to experience the park in such a short amount of time. The Chain of Craters road is one of the most scenic roads on the Big Island. It stretches 19 miles long from the top of the Kilauea volcano all the way down to sea level. Along the way, you’ll pass through old craters of various shapes and sizes, hiking trails, barren lava fields, petroglyphs, a sea arch and more. If you’re planning to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (which you should), this scenic drive is a must-do.
STATS:
Where:
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – 1 Crater Rim Drive, Volcano, HI 96785
Coordinates: 19°24’19.3″N 155°15’10.9″W
(Note: the coordinates will take you to the start of Chain of Craters Road)
Parking:
Some hiking trails have parking lots. However, you’ll be parking on the shoulders of the road most of the time.
Fees:
Since this is inside the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is a fee to enter the park. Check out their website for more info.
Restrooms:
There are restrooms at the visitor center before you start the drive and at the end of the Chain of Craters road, near the sea arch. The only restrooms along the drive will be at the Pu’u Huluhulu Trailhead (Mauna Ulu parking area – 19°21’54.5″N 155°12’57.3″W).
Distance: 19 miles
Elevation: 3,700 ft
Level: Easy
Estimated Completion Time:
At least 3 hours for the drive, more if you plan on hiking.
Ideal Weather:
This drive is best taken when viewing conditions are clear.
Ideal Time:
Very early morning (if you plan on hiking) or afternoon (sunsets are gorgeous at the end of the road).
Dog-friendly:
Yes with conditions. Check out the park website for more info.
Other things to know:
There is no food, water, or fuel available along the Chain of Craters Road.
THE ADVENTURE:
We got to the park bright and early. After a quick stop at the visitor center, we headed out to start our adventure along the Chain of Craters road. This road is a bit tricky to get to in the beginning. Once you pass through the entrance, drive straight ahead for less than 100 feet and turn left onto Crater Rim Drive. This is a gorgeous road filled with lush tropical plants. Follow Crater Rim Drive until it intersects with Chain of Craters road. Make a left onto Chain of Craters road, heading toward the ocean. From here, it’s a straight shot till the end of the road.
Due to the volcano eruption in 2018, a lot of the hiking trails and parts of the park were closed. This limited us certain areas to see. Even so, there is so much to see along this long road. There are currently NO ACTIVE flows inside or outside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I’ll list our favorites stops below, however, you should take your time to explore the park. Be careful when you drive along the road, there are many Nene (Hawaiian geese) along the road. They are endangered and it is illegal to harm, kill or harass them.
Lua Manu and old lava flows:
About 0.2 miles down Chain of Craters Road, you’ll come across piles of black lava that have taken over both sides of the road. If you notice, you can see the signs indicating the birth year of these lava fields. As barren as they look, there are plants growing out from the black lava rocks. My favorite is the bright colored Ohia Lehua flowers, which is the official flower of the Island of Hawaii. Ohia Lehua is known as the first plant to begin growing on barren lava flows after a volcano has erupted.
Between the lava flows is the first of several marked craters along this road, the Lua Manu. It will be on your right. Lua Manu is a pit crater. It was formed when lava drained from the lava chamber underneath. This caused the surface to collapse. During the 1974 eruption, lava poured into Lua Manu’s basin.
Ko’oko’olau Crater:
A short walk to a castle-like stone wall that marked the crater. The crater is hidden behind a line of trees. Ko’oko’olau is different from the other pit craters along this Chain of Craters Road. It is because it has not seen lava in over 200 years. Therefore, Ohia trees and other vegetation have grown over it.
Pauahi crater:
It is a short walk through the lava field to the viewpoint. There is a boardwalk and a wooden platform provided for a better view. Pauahi is a massive crater at 1,800 ft long and 300-500 ft deep. This place is culturally significant and religious to many of the Hawaiian people. At times, you may view a “Hoʻokupu” (offering wrapped in Tī leaf). These offerings should not be touched or disturbed.
Mauna Ulu Flow Across Chain of Craters Road:
If you stop at the Mauna Ulu parking lot, there is a restroom there. It is also the trailhead for the popular Pu‘u Huluhulu hike. We didn’t get to do the hike because it was pouring. If you keep going past the turn off for Mauna Ulu, you’ll come across the Mauna Ulu lava flow. There is a cute mini arch right on the side of the road. If you want, you can walk around to explore. There are several lava tree molds along with a big cinder field that was created during this lava flow. This area was a dense forest prior to this eruption.
Mau Loa O Mauna Ulu:
This flat, expansive lava field is the start of the Keauhou Trail to the coastal sites. You can get your first glimpse of an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean. Keauhou Trail is a difficult 7 mile trail that will take you to the campsite near the ocean. You need a permit to do this hike.
Kealakomo Overlook:
This overlook offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean as well as an expansive view of the vast lava field that covered portions of the ancient village of Kealakomo. There are picnic tables if you decided to have a quick lunch here. Although, this spot can get very windy so having lunch here might not be the best idea. Besides the breathtaking view, I love the little wildflowers growing on the side of the walkway.
Halona Kahakai pullout/Naulu Trail Rest Area:
This is my favorite spot on the entire drive. About 200 ft past the Halona Kahakai sign, you’ll see a pullout on the right-hand side. If you park here, you can hike down the expansive lava field and explore, in our opinions, one of the best views on this Chain of Craters Road.
As we slowly made our way down this barren lava field, the scenery opened up to a breathtaking, panoramic view of the valley and ocean beneath. From here, you can see the Chain of Craters Road twisting and winding through the black lava fields, which is a stark contrast against the pop of greens and the crystal blue ocean. You need to watch your step as you cross over the lava. These rocks are sharps and uneven. These black lava rocks are fascinating to look at. Some are twisted into what looks like gnarly old tree roots. Some look like engraved flowers on rocks. Many are vibrant, rainbow colors. This landscape almost looks alien.
Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs Hike:
This short 1.4-mile round trip hike will take you to through the 500-550-year-old lava fields to Hawaii’s most extensive petroglyph site. This hike is a must for anyone who is interested in the history and culture of Hawaii. If you want more info about this hike, check out our blog here.
Hōlei Sea Arch and beautiful coastline:
As you get closer to the end of the Chain of Craters Road, you can see the gorgeous coastline on the right. Feel free to pull over and explore. If you drive down toward the end, there are restrooms, a concession stand and a building structure with information on it. You’ll know that you’re at the end because of the big yellow gate there to prevent you from driving further. The sea arch will be on your right, of course. There is a little trail with information panels next to it. You can just make a quick walk to the viewpoint. At present, the sea arch is about 90 ft. high and about 100 years old. This beautiful formation has a limited life span as it will eventually crumble.
End of Chain of Craters Road:
After spending some time at the sea arch, we started to head back to the car. However, our curiosity got the best of us. We saw some people walking on the paved road after the closed yellow gate so we decided to follow them. This turned out to be another highlight of our little road trip. The walk to pretty easy as the road is level and paved. The scenery was beautiful as the sun was starting to set.
From far away, I spotted a grove of palm trees amidst the destruction of the lava flow, just rustling in the wind next to the sea cliff. Obviously, without even looking at each other, we both headed that way. The palm grove is about 50 ft from the gate. You do have to make your way through the lava field to get there so be careful of the sharp rocks. It was such a cool spot to hang out. I wish we had brought our hammocks. The palm trees are all bent is a certain direction. I guess you could tell which way the wind is blowing here.
It started to get dark at this point so we decided to head back to the car. If you have time, you can walk further down the paved road. I believe the road is eventually overtaken by lava at some point.
So that’s it. You are done with the unique Chain of Craters Road scenic drive. You just have to drive back the same way. If you’re spending some time on the Hilo side of the Big Island, don’t forget to check out the short but beautiful hike, Rainbow Falls or the Onomea Bay trail which located along the Onomea Scenic Drive. If you are adventurous, check out the lava caves, Kaumana Caves. Also, don’t forget to check out our top 10 things to do on the Big Island. If you’re in Kona, Kiholo Bay is a cool off the beaten path beach to hiking to. You can also go snorkel at Two Step.
You can also hear Dustin talk about some of our favorite things to do on the Big Island on the Between The Mountains Podcast
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!
RECOMMEND GEAR:
Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
• Hiking shoes
If you’re planning to hike or explore the lava fields, hiking shoes are a must. Vy’s shoes are North Face HedgeHog GTX. Dustin’s shoes are Coleman Tasman Hiking Shoe.
• Snacks and Lunches
There is no food or drink vendors along the road so make sure you brink plenty of food and drinks.
• Sunscreen:
The sun can get very intense because of the black lava rock. PLEASE bring sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Water
Bring more than you think you need, especially if you plan on hiking or exploring. It gets toasty here and there is no food or drink vendors.
• Rain gear and jacket
This road can go from hot to rainy and windy pretty fast. It’s always good to come prepared.
• Gas
Make sure to fill your tank before entering the part. There are no gas stations here.
• First-aid kit
This area is very remote, it’s always good to come prepared.
CAMERA GEAR:
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
Gopro Hero 7 Black
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
• Accessories:
Bobber – Floating Hand Grip for GoPro HERO Cameras
