ALOHA!
So there are 2 main roads in the main part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:
Crater Rim Drive is a relatively short road, and this is located near the park entrance. There are some “volcano” sights along Crater Rim Drive, and the main stops can be done within an hour, although it can take longer depending on how much walking/hiking you do.
The Devastation Trail is one of these volcano-related sights that you can get to from Crater Rim Drive.
According to the National Park Service:
For 5 weeks in late 1959, towering lava fountains blasted from Kilauea Iki Crater.
Heavier clots of molten lava dropped at the fountain’s base, but trade winds deposited lighter cinder for over 6 miles downwind.
As sheets of scorching cinder hailed down through the forest, birds and insects fled for their lives.
Unable to escape, some trees were buried alive while others were completely stripped of their leaves and bark.
The trail itself is an easy walk that’s about a mile round trip.
What Hawaii Volcanoes National Park says about Devastation Trail:
Witness the destructive creation of the 1959 eruption at Kilauea iki.
See where a forest was buried in the cinders that rained down from fountains of lava.
Marvel at Puu Puai, the new cinder cone that towers over the landscape.
You can make a walk on Devastation Trail as a part of your Crater Rim Drive.
First you can do a walking loop from the visitor’s center with the sulphur banks, steam vents, and crater overlooks. And then you can drive to Devastation Trail. There’s a parking lot right near where the trail starts.
On the way, you may consider stopping by the Kilauea iki crater overlook… and even hike into a former lava lake if you have time!
🌋
Side note!
Here's some info on Hawaii trip prep!
- The perfect type of shirt for swimming in Hawaii
- Hawaii packing list: THE top things to pack for Hawaii
- Things to do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
👇 Black sand beaches in Hawaii: Explore the Big Island beaches map on google maps! Or see the list of the Hawaii black sand beaches on the Big Island. The best Hawaiian island to see the blackest black sand beaches is the Big Island!
The best of the Big Island:
- Big Island hikes with amazing views
- Where to see (old) lava fields on the Big Island
- List of (mostly free) things to do on the Big Island
Volcanoes in Hawaii: There was a time in December 2022 that 2 volcanoes were erupting in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This was a special occasion because even in the past few years, there was a quiet period where there was NO active lava to be seen anywhere in Hawaii. As the National Park Service says, it was the first time in nearly 40 years that TWO volcanoes were erupting in Hawaii at the same time! But what seems like nearly just like that, they stopped erupting. As it goes with volcanoes, things can change in an instant! So be sure to check National Park Service updates when your Big Island trip gets closer: What's going on with the volcanoes?
Spotted yesterday at #MaunaLoa – a lava boat rides the waves! On Dec 7, a lava boat was spotted floating down channel. Lava boats can form when portions of the cone or lava channel break away & are rafted downstream. Hot lava cools to its surface to create that smooth exterior. pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq
— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) December 9, 2022
And now…
Some of what you’ll see with a visit to Devastation Trail!
…a whole lot of devastation…
after a short walk through a tree-lined path
You also might see nene, the Hawaiian goose
And that’s a bit about what you’ll see on Devastation Trail!
And then after you’ve finished up your stops on Crater Rim Drive, you can continue driving through the national park on Chain of Craters Road! And remember to check out the former lava lake hike!
See the list of stops to make as you’re driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
HAPPY DEVASTATION TRAIL WALK!
- Best things to do in Maui
- Things to do in Haleakala National Park
- Best things to do in Oahu
- Best Oahu beaches
- Best things to do in Lanai
There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from this.
Top things to pack for your Hawaii vacation!
The ultimate beach towel for travel?!
Turkish towels are considered to be more absorbent and lightweight than your average beach towel. Be sure to check out turkish towels like these!The cheapo way to waterproof your phone
You can take underwater pictures with a simple waterproof phone case like this. Touch screen may not work well underwater - try the volume button to snap the pic instead!Get your suitcase more organized!
Packing cubes can make it so you're spending less time on your vacation looking for things! They are basically a form of drawers in your suitcase. Take a look at these packing cubes.Wear less sunscreen by wearing a UPF swim shirt!
Wearing a swim shirt means less skin that's exposed to the sun which means less sunscreen you need to apply! See about wearing swim shirts with UV protection like these when you're snorkeling.More for your Big Island packing list
- How a cheapo waterproof phone case works
- Why wear water shoes for the beach
- Why a personal swim buoy is an essential for snorkeling and swimming in the ocean
- Essentials to pack for Hawaii
- Best shoes for Hawaii