Pros & cons
PROS
- Dramatic, close-up view into a raw pit crater
- Quick, quiet roadside stop off Chain of Craters Road
CONS
- No railings or barriers; unstable edges and fatal drop-offs
- No facilities or signage; easy to miss
Overview
Devil’s Throat is a dramatic pit crater just off Chain of Craters Road near the Hilina Pali Road junction. It’s a short, informal stroll from a roadside pullout to the rim—no railings, no signs, and very much on the primitive side.
Geology & history
Formed by a collapse event around 1912 and noted by volcanologist Thomas Jaggar, the crater has grown from a small opening to roughly 150 feet across and about 165 feet deep. U.S. Geological Survey updates emphasize that Devil’s Throat has changed over time, underscoring the inherently unstable nature of this feature.
What you’ll see
Expect a sheer, vertical-walled hole in the lava landscape with layered rock exposed down its sides. The rim is unguarded, so you’re looking straight into the depths from very close range. It’s typically quiet, with few other visitors around.
Access & vibe
There’s no formal parking lot or built infrastructure—just a small roadside pullout and a short path. It’s not heavily signed or advertised, which makes it feel like a low-key, “hidden” stop compared to the park’s marquee viewpoints.
Safety essentials
There are no railings. Keep well back from the edge; a slip here could be fatal. The ground near the rim can be unstable, and conditions change over time. Daylight visits are strongly recommended for visibility. One visitor reported a bee swarm and a sting—stay alert.
Best time to visit
Daylight hours for safety and visibility. It’s generally uncrowded, so timing is flexible. Avoid visiting in poor weather or darkness when the unmarked path and unprotected rim are harder to navigate.
Where it is
19.3777, -155.2371Tips for Devil's Throat
- 01Look for a small roadside pullout; the path is short and informal.
- 02Stay well back from the rim—edges can be unstable and there are no railings.
- 03Visit in daylight; the spot is unmarked and unlit.
- 04Wear sturdy footwear and bring sun protection—there’s little shade.
- 05Be mindful of bees; one visitor reported a swarm and a sting.
Amenities
Near Devil's Throat
All places →All trails →
1 mi awayKoʻokoʻolau CraterA quiet, forested pit crater tucked along Chain of Craters Road
1.1 mi awayPauahi CraterQuick roadside pit crater with stark views and cultural offeringsPullout · Parking
1.3 mi awayPuhimau OverlookRoadside view into a steep pit crater with occasional steamPullout · Parking
1.6 mi awayPuʻu Huluhulu TrailCairn-marked lava walk to a forested cone with big Rift Zone viewsModerate · 2.5 mi · 2.5 hr
1.7 mi awayNāpau TrailBig, raw lava trek to remote craters on Kīlauea’s East Rift.Challenging · 11.9 mi · 5.6 hr
1.8 mi awayLua Manu CraterRoadside pit crater with a readable 1974 lava high-water linePullout · Parking
2.2 mi awayKeanakākoʻi Crater TrailShort, easy walk to a dramatic crater overlook on Kīlauea’s rimEasy · 2 mi · 1 hr
2.3 mi awayDevastation TrailShort, paved stroll through 1959 eruption fallout to crater viewsEasy · 1 mi · 1 hr
