Devastation Trail

Why go

Devastation Trail is the park’s quickest, most accessible look at raw volcanic aftermath. You’re walking on black cinders blasted out during the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption that built nearby Puʻu Puaʻi, where lava fountains reportedly shot to 1,900 feet. It’s stark, otherworldly, and oddly beautiful as native plants and birds creep back in.

What you’ll see

Expect a wide, paved path through a barren cinder field with interpretive signs that connect the dots: tree molds, windblown cinders, and occasional finds like glassy Pele’s hair and tears. The turnaround delivers broad views toward Kīlauea Iki Crater and the Puʻu Puaʻi cinder cone. Keep an eye out for nēnē (Hawaiian geese) and new growth pushing through the ash.

Route and stats

It’s a 1.0-mile round-trip, out-and-back on pavement with about 50 feet of total gain. Start from either end: the Devastation Trail lot or Puʻu Puaʻi lot along Crater Rim Drive. The grades are gentle overall, but some sections exceed 8%, so wheelchair users may want a push. Plan about an hour at a relaxed, interpretive-placard pace.

Logistics and tips

Parking is usually easier here than at the park’s headline stops. Stay on the pavement—this landscape is fragile and sharp cinders are no joke. Don’t climb Puʻu Puaʻi. Weather swings fast: it can be hot, windy, or rainy in minutes, so carry water, sun protection, and a light shell. Watch for nēnē on the road and never feed them. No permits are needed beyond the standard park entrance.

Best time to hike

Year-round is fair game. For cooler temps, softer light, and thinner crowds, go early or late in the day. Midday can be bright, hot, and windy across the exposed cinders. If you want a longer, more immersive volcano hike after this sampler, the nearby Kīlauea Iki area offers deeper adventure when conditions allow.