Big Island Scenic Drive Guide

Chain of Craters Road

Chain of Craters Road descends through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from crater overlooks to coastal lava fields, with Pu'uloa Petroglyphs and Holei Sea Arch along the way.

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Chain of Craters Road

Chain of Craters Road, Big Island

There are two scenic drives within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Most people explore the attractions and scenic lookout points along Crater Rim Drive, which leads around Kilauea Caldera. The second road, the Chain of Craters Road, leads from Crater Rim Drive (elevation 4,000 feet) all the way down to the ocean, a distance of 19 miles (it takes about 45 minutes one-way because the road is curvy).

Along the way there are several scenic lookout points and the changing landscape is amazing. At the beginning of the road the scenery is lush and as you descend down the landscape becomes more and more desolate with the ocean on one side and black hardened lava fields on the other.

Chain of Craters Road has two lanes and is paved, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is not required. The road passes several craters on its way to the ocean, hence its name Chain of Craters.

Past mile marker 16 there is a trail that leads to the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs. It's an easy 20-minute walk (1.5-mile roundtrip hike) over an old pahoehoe lava flow leading to thousands of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs (rock carvings). It's the largest petroglyph field in Hawaii. A boardwalk allows easy access to some of them, and visitors are asked to stay on this boardwalk and not step on the ancient carvings.

Another attraction is the Holei Sea Arch, located just before mile marker 19. It's easily accessible from the road (a one-minute walk). Just past the sea arch the Chain of Craters Road deadends. Further ahead the road was buried by lava from different flows from the Pu'u O'o vent that occurred between 1986 until recently.

Since the road is close to volcanic activity, conditions can change daily. Occasionally the road is closed. Check the daily conditions report before heading out.

Key Features

Scenic road inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
About 19 miles from Crater Rim Drive to the coastal lava fields
Descends from higher volcanic terrain toward the ocean
Passes pit craters, older lava flows, volcanic plains and coastal cliffs
Pu'uloa Petroglyphs trail leads to a protected boardwalk area
Holei Sea Arch viewpoint is near the lower end of the road
No food, fuel or water services are available along the drive
Weather, eruption activity and road conditions can change quickly
Emergency phone is located at the Pu'uloa Petroglyphs trailhead
Plan enough daylight for the return drive

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Chain of Craters Road?

The name comes from the line of pit craters and volcanic features along the upper part of the road. The drive follows the East Rift Zone landscape where eruptions, collapse pits and lava flows have shaped the park.

What was the older name for Chain of Craters Road?

The road was formerly known as Cockett's Trail. It was dedicated in 1928 and later extended toward the coast before lava flows changed parts of the road over time.

Why is Pu'uloa Petroglyphs important?

Pu'uloa is one of Hawaii's largest petroglyph fields, with more than 23,000 images recorded in the lava. Many cupules are connected with old family customs and the placement of newborns' umbilical cords.

How was Holei Sea Arch formed?

Holei Sea Arch was carved by ocean erosion into older lava cliffs. It is temporary in geologic terms, since waves continue to weaken the arch and reshape the coastline.

What communities were once near the coastal section?

The lower coastal area of the park included places such as Kamoamoa, Lae'apuki and Kealakomo. Trails, home sites, heiau, petroglyphs and agricultural remains show long human use of this lava coast.