Makaopuhi Crater

Overview

Makaopuhi is a remote, steep-walled pit crater deep in the East Rift Zone, reached via the Nāpau Trail from the Mauna Ulu area. It’s a classic backcountry stop: rugged, raw, and far less visited than roadside viewpoints.

Why it’s special

This is a double pit crater—two adjoining collapse features—so the shape is more complex than a simple bowl. The 1969–1974 Mauna Ulu eruption spilled lava into the western side, leaving a stark split personality: fresh, dark lava on one half; older, green forest on the other. It’s a textbook look at rift-zone collapse and how eruptions remodel the landscape.

What you’ll see

• Sheer crater walls and a broad, yawning pit with “double” morphology.
• A vivid boundary where recent lava abuts surviving rainforest.
• Big East Rift wilderness views and miles of young lava terrain en route.

Getting there

Hike the Nāpau Trail from the Mauna Ulu parking area off Chain of Craters Road. Sources describe it as roughly 5 miles to reach Makaopuhi, over uneven, sometimes sharp pāhoehoe/‘ā‘ā. Expect cairn-marked lava crossings, minor ups and downs, and little shade. There are no facilities at the crater; the nearest basic services are back at the trailhead.

Safety and preparation

Sun and heat are the main hazards—much of the route is exposed. The lava can be sharp and glassy, so sturdy footwear and a small first-aid kit are smart. Carry ample water and snacks; there’s no water on the trail or at the crater. Check the park’s Nāpau Trail page for current conditions and any closures before you go.

A bit of history and geology

Pit craters here formed when magma withdrew and the ground above collapsed. Makaopuhi sits between Mauna Ulu and Puʻuʻōʻō along Kīlauea’s East Rift. Chain of Craters Road once reached this area, but subsequent eruptions—including Mauna Ulu—reworked the terrain and ended vehicle access, leaving it a hikers-only destination.

Wildlife

This hike is about geology and big scenery. Specific wildlife sightings aren’t well documented for this spot; don’t count on fauna as the highlight.

Best time to visit

• Time of day: Start early for cooler temps, gentler light, and fewer hikers.
• Weather: Overcast days help with glare and heat on the lava.
• Crowds: Generally light because it’s backcountry, with weekends a bit busier.
• Photography: Morning light plays nicely across the crater walls and lava textures.