Chain of Craters Road
United States
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- 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.
- 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
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
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
23,000 images carved into pahoehoe lava, the largest petroglyph field in Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiians preserved newborns' umbilical cords in the rock hollows here.
- 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.
Where to Eat
- Uncle’s KitchenLocal Hawaiian
A local favorite offering authentic Hawaiian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, often featuring live music.
- Volcano House RestaurantAmerican
Located within the park, this restaurant offers panoramic views of Kīlauea Caldera alongside a diverse menu.
- Tuk-Tuk Thai Food TruckThai
A popular food truck serving authentic Thai cuisine, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Things to Do
- Devastation TrailHike
A short, paved trail through a landscape devastated by the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption, showcasing rapid ecological recovery.
- Jaggar MuseumMuseum
Offers exhibits on volcanology and provides one of the best vantage points for viewing Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
- Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)Landmark
A walk-through lava tube formed hundreds of years ago, surrounded by lush rainforest.