National Parks

Volcanoes National Park

NPS

Located on the southeastern side of the island, Volcanoes National Park is a one-of-a kind place. Hike or run the rim of an active crater, or run on trails or roads to enjoy terrain that includes deserts and rain forests, past craters and rift zones. There are some excellent options for running in Volcanoes National park, but please read carefully, as the terrain here is unique and there are issues to be aware of. Check the Park website for closures and air quality warnings. Options include:

Bike Guide. This park brochure related to biking has great information on shorter and gentler biking spots that also offer good running spots. Page 1. Page 2.

Crater Rim Trail. A thrill for trail runners. 11 miles around Kilauea’s summit caldera. Most of the trail is pretty flat and unobstructed, but the entire loop has 1300 foot elevation gain. Make sure to stay on marked trails and keep your distance from cracks and cliffs. Visitor Center is a good starting point. NOTE: Closures.

Crater Rim Drive. Runnable and fascinating but there is not much of a shoulder in parts, so caution is advised. NOTE: Closures

Chain of Craters Road  is 18.8 miles (30.3 km) from Crater Rim Drive (5.3 km south of Kīlauea Visitor Center) to the end of the road at the coast, with an elevation change of about 3,700 ft. It is runnable but does not have much of a shoulder. Check for closures due to flows.

Notes: The portion of Crater Rim Drive between Jaggar Museum and the Chain of Craters Road junction is closed indefinitely. Also, sulfur dioxide gas and sulfuric acid mist can make breathing difficult.

Essentials
  • Depends on route. Crater Rim Trail is 11-mile loop but a part is currenrly closed
  • Kilauea Visitors Center is a good basis point
  • Crater Rim Drive

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Essentials
  • Depends on route. Crater Rim Trail is 11-mile loop but a part is currenrly closed
  • Kilauea Visitors Center is a good basis point
  • Crater Rim Drive