How long is Crater Rim Drive in Hawaii?
Usa, north-america
17 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Cruising around the Island of Hawai'i? You HAVE to check out Crater Rim Drive! This 11-mile loop hugs the edge of the Kilauea Caldera in the Puna District, giving you up-close-and-personal views of one of the world's most active volcanoes.
The whole loop takes about 45 minutes to drive straight through, but trust me, you'll want to budget way more time for stops. This paved road is totally accessible for any car or RV, so ditch the 4x4!
Word of warning: Kilauea is a fickle beast, and volcanic activity can change in a heartbeat. Sections of the road sometimes close because of activity, high sulfur dioxide levels, or other volcanic hazards. Sulfur dioxide can be pretty nasty, so pay attention to any warnings. The weather's a wild card, too – be prepared for cool temperatures, wind, and rain. Pack shoes, raingear, jackets, hats, water, and snacks to be prepared for any conditions you face.
But, oh man, is it WORTH IT. Crater Rim Drive is a front-row seat to rainforests, deserts, volcanoes, steam vents, pit craters, and even underground lava tubes. You'll hit all the park's highlights: Kilauea Overlook, Jaggar Museum, Halemaumau Crater, Devastation Trail, Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, and the Thurston Lava Tube. There are tons of overlooks, hiking trails, museums, a lodge, and (you guessed it!) more lava tubes to explore. Basically, if you want to experience the raw power and beauty of Hawaii's volcanoes, this is the drive you can't miss.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17 km
- Difficulty
- easy
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