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Chain of Craters Road — United States — Scenic
North America

Chain of Craters Road

United States

In short: Chain of Craters Road is a 55 km scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 1 day, best in Year-round. Highlights: Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kīlauea Iki, Thurston Lava Tube.

Distance
55 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
Year-round
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

The most geological road on Earth, descending 1200m from Kīlauea's active summit caldera to the Pacific coast, past pit craters and still-smoking lava fields, ending where a previous flow swallowed the road whole and entered the sea.

Practical notes
Chain of Craters Road is fully paved but remote, with long stretches of no services, no fuel, and limited cellular coverage. Weather can shift fast at Kīlauea’s summit, and volcanic haze or occasional closures may affect access, so check park conditions before driving and carry water, especially if you plan to stop and walk.
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Stops along the route

Kīlauea Visitor Center — Departure — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Departure
Kīlauea Visitor Center
Orientation for the most active volcanic landscape on Earth. The Halemaʻumaʻu crater glows at night; the ground is warm underfoot on the caldera rim.
Hotels
Holei Sea Arch — Arrival — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Arrival
Holei Sea Arch
The road's end at sea level where the Pacific pounds lava cliffs. A natural basalt arch marks where later flows swallowed the road and entered the sea.
Hotels

Things to Do

Kīlauea Iki — Landmark — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Landmark
Kīlauea Iki
A side crater that erupted in 1959, sending lava fountains 580m high. The hardened lava lake floor is now a surreal walk across frozen black rock.
Thurston Lava Tube — Landmark — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Landmark
Thurston Lava Tube
A 500-year-old tunnel bored by a river of lava, its ceiling draped in ferns and roots. Walk through 200m of hollow volcanic rock into cool darkness.
Mauna Ulu Lava Fields — Landmark — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Landmark
Mauna Ulu Lava Fields
Eruptions from 1969 to 1974 buried 14km of the original road. The new road cuts across the frozen flow; the old asphalt lies metres below.
Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs — Landmark — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Landmark
Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs
23,000 images carved into pahoehoe lava, the largest petroglyph field in Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiians preserved newborns' umbilical cords in the rock hollows here.
Devastation Trail — Hike — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Hike
Devastation Trail
A short, paved trail through a landscape devastated by the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption, showcasing rapid ecological recovery.
Jaggar Museum — Museum — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Museum
Jaggar Museum
Offers exhibits on volcanology and provides one of the best vantage points for viewing Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) — Landmark — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Landmark
Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
A walk-through lava tube formed hundreds of years ago, surrounded by lush rainforest.

Where to Eat

Uncle’s Kitchen — Local Hawaiian — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Local Hawaiian
Uncle’s Kitchen
A local favorite offering authentic Hawaiian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, often featuring live music.
Volcano House Restaurant — American — Chain of Craters Road — United States
American
Volcano House Restaurant
Located within the park, this restaurant offers panoramic views of Kīlauea Caldera alongside a diverse menu.
Tuk-Tuk Thai Food Truck — Thai — Chain of Craters Road — United States
Thai
Tuk-Tuk Thai Food Truck
A popular food truck serving authentic Thai cuisine, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Chain of Craters Road drive?

The Chain of Craters Road covers 55 km from start to finish.

How long does the Chain of Craters Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Chain of Craters Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Chain of Craters Road?

The recommended season for the Chain of Craters Road is Year-round.

Where does the Chain of Craters Road start and end?

The Chain of Craters Road runs from Kīlauea Visitor Center to Holei Sea Arch.

What are the main stops on the Chain of Craters Road?

The Chain of Craters Road passes through Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kīlauea Iki, Thurston Lava Tube.

Can I drive the Chain of Craters Road in a regular car?

Yes — the Chain of Craters Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Chain of Craters Road EV friendly?

Yes — the Chain of Craters Road has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Chain of Craters Road safe to drive?

Chain of Craters Road is fully paved but remote, with long stretches of no services, no fuel, and limited cellular coverage. Weather can shift fast at Kīlauea’s summit, and volcanic haze or occasional closures may affect access, so check park conditions before driving and carry water, especially if you plan to stop and walk.

What scenic tier is the Chain of Craters Road?

The Chain of Craters Road is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.