With more than 323,000 acres to explore, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the state’s largest national park — and it’s still growing! The park is also home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world’s most massive subaerial volcano. The striking national park is also home to miles and miles of epic hiking trails, including one short trail that will lead you on an incredible adventure like no other.
Located off the Chain of Craters Road, the short 1-mile Devastation Trail leads hikers on a journey through the site of the 1959 eruption of Kilauea Iki crater. Before the eruption, this area looked quite different. It was here that you would find a lush rainforest.
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Jenni Konrad/Flickr
Today, hikers can explore the area on a paved path, witnessing both the devastation of the area after being buried by falling cinder from the spectacular lava fountains of the 1959 eruption…
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…as well as the rebirth of life returning to this area.
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Can you imagine this now barren landscape covered in a dense rainforest? It’s certainly hard to picture, given the current state of this eruption site nearly 60 years after the fact.
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In addition to the native plants and birds you will spot along the trail, you will also pass by cinder, cinder cones, and unique lava formations known as Pele’s hair and Pele’s tears.
vipnyc/Flickr (In case you were not aware, Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes.)
Measuring in at just one mile in length, the Devastation Trail is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible. And though the trail is short, the weather is unpredictable at this elevation, and you should always be prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and rain gear.
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No matter what the weather conditions when you visit, we can promise this adventurous trek through a starkly beautiful landscape not often associated with our tropical islands will be memorable, to say the least.
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Have you ever hiked the Devastation Trail? Was it all you imagined it to be? Share your comments below!
Jasperdo/Flickr
Jenni Konrad/Flickr
Rosa Say/Flickr
vipnyc/Flickr
(In case you were not aware, Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes.)
csw27/Flickr
Anita Gould/Flickr
To see more of Hawaii’s volcanoes, head out on this epic volcano-themed road trip across Hawaii Island.
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