OPTION #1 Recommended Chain of Craters Road is a scenic 40 mile roundtrip drive. From its junction with Crater Rim Drive at the summit of Kilauea, the road descends 3,700' to the coast and deadends where a 1995 lava flow crossed the road. View the lava landscape from the end of the road or hike a short trail to an overlook where surface lava flows, steam clouds, or other volcanic activity may be visible in the distance. The 200 yard (185 m) trail begins at the end of Chain of Craters Road, just beyond the safety information station. Marked with reflective cones, the trail is rugged with uneven footing. Hiking boots or covered shoes are recommended as the lava surface resembles broken glass. Flashlights are essential after dark. Always take drinking water with you on any trail in the park. The steam cloud that you see in the distance is a hydrochloric acid plume produced when hot lava enters the ocean. An orange glow from the lava may be reflected in the steam cloud at night. For more information contact Hawaiian Holidays.

Volcanoes National Park Lava Viewing OPTION #2 NOT Recommended!! Beyond the overlook, no trail exists. Although it is not forbidden, park rangers do not recommend that you attempt the long, hot, difficult hike beyond the viewing area and toward the volcanically active area. It is dangerous even if you are prepared and informed!