Guide to Napau Crater Trail

Click on one of the trail segments listed below to learn more about the trail:

Napau Crater Trail is a challenging 10 mile (16 km) one-way hike from the Mauna Ulu parking lot to the Puu Oo area. Features include the Puu Huluhulu cone, lava flows from Mauna Ulu, Makaopuhi and Napau pit craters, and the active Puu Oo cone. The hike will require all day. The Park Service recommends taking water and food and to expect rain and possibly strong winds. Stay on the trail to avoid brittle lava and deep cracks. Primitive camping is available at Napau Crater. Overnight campers must register at the Visitor Center. The Park Service requires all hikers obtain a backcountry permit before entering this area.

To get there: Turn right out of the Kilauea Visitor Center parking lot and travel seven miles around the summit of Kilauea Volcano. Turn right onto the Chain of Craters Road and go four miles to the Mauna Ulu turnoff. Park near the trail head.

Note: The Puu Oo cinder cone and adjacent new lava flows are unstable, dangerous, and closed to the public. Fumes from the vent are toxic and can cause breathing to stop and/or heart failure. Beware of entrapment by wildland fire.

Contact Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for more information their about hiking trails.

To VolcanoWorld