Chain of Craters Road Photos
Chain of Craters Road is a dramatic 19-mile scenic drive in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Descending from lush rainforest at 4,000 feet down to the rugged coastline, the route passes steaming craters, ancient lava flows, and viewpoints overlooking surreal volcanic landscapes. It's one of the most geologically fascinating drives on the Big Island.
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 of Chain of Craters Road
- Scenic 19-mile route: Connects Crater Rim Drive with the coastline, showcasing diverse volcanic terrain
- Volcanic craters: Drive past multiple pit craters formed by Kilauea's ancient eruptions
- Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs: Short hike to Hawaii's largest field of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings
- Holei Sea Arch: A striking natural arch carved by ocean waves into lava rock
- Accessible and paved: Suitable for any vehicle; no 4WD required
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chain of Craters Road open year-round?
Not always. Portions may close due to lava flows or hazardous conditions. Always check the park's current status before visiting.
Where does the road begin and end?
The road begins at Crater Rim Drive and descends 19 miles to the coast, ending near the Holei Sea Arch where lava flows have blocked the original route.
Is the Pu'u Loa Petroglyph trail worth it?
Yes, it's a short and easy 1.5-mile roundtrip walk to view over 23,000 ancient Hawaiian rock carvings via a raised boardwalk.
What should I bring on the drive?
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a full tank of gas. There are no services along the road. Restrooms are located at the end.
Can I see active lava on this drive?
Only during active volcanic periods. Currently, no lava is visible, but conditions change. Check with park rangers for updates.