Devastation Trail — Attraction in Hawaii

During our recent visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, we explored the Devastation Trail, a remarkable testament to nature’s resilience and the dynamic forces of volcanism.

Trail Overview: The Devastation Trail is an accessible, paved path stretching approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip. It offers visitors an intimate look at the aftermath of the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption, where lava fountains reaching up to 1,900 feet blanketed the area in cinder, creating the Puʻupuaʻi cinder cone. Over six decades later, it’s fascinating to observe how flora is gradually reclaiming this once-barren landscape. 

Experiencing Active Lava: We were fortunate to witness active lava flows during our visit. The trail leads to vantage points where, depending on current volcanic activity, visitors can observe molten lava within the Halemaʻumaʻu crater. The sight of glowing lava, especially after dusk, is both humbling and exhilarating. It’s essential to check the park’s current conditions before planning your visit, as volcanic activity can change rapidly. 

The Devastation Trail offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw power of nature and the ongoing processes that shape our planet. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Big Island, providing both educational insights and unforgettable...

This trail is definitely worth hiking! Most of it is paved and you can access it easily from parking lots, so it is easily accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, or those using canes. You can hike a little less than a mile out to an overlook, which could be impressive but we didn't get to see it because the trail was closed right before the overlook because of Nene (Hawaiian Goose) nesting season. We saw two Nene tucked safely into the bushes and we gave them a wide berth and made sure to be quiet along the trail. Cool to see the variety of landscapes around the park, and this one was impressive with the lava...

This hour-long leisurely round-trip walk provided a very good impression about the impact of volcanoes on any given landscape. The trail also portrays the boundary between ecosystems. The two local geese (Nene) hanging around the trail's mid section are utterly entertaining, and it's nice that visitors refrain from throwing edible items to the geese. My guess is that they have a nest nearby. I wasn't short on time, but if I had been short on time and forced to choose between Devastation Trail and the eruption viewing (from ten miles in the distance), I would have chosen Devastation...