Tours and Tickets to Experience Chain of Craters Road
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Chain of Craters Road
There are no gas stations or supplies along the Chain of Craters Road; make sure you have enough fuel, water, and food.
Wear sturdy shoes and be careful if you hike out on the lava, which may feature uneven terrain, brittle lava, cracks, and extremely sharp lava.
Bring sun protection during the day; most areas along the road have limited shade.
Bring flashlights if there is a chance you will still be out after dark.
People Also Ask
There are plenty of ways to experience Chain of Craters Road. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:
- Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour
- Private Guide Meet In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour
- Big Island Adventure Bundle: 5 Epic Audio Driving Tours
Chain of Craters Road is located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which charges $30 per private vehicle for a 7-day pass; individual entry (for pedestrians/cyclists) costs $15. Tours of the park and area highlights are also available for a range of prices. Once you’re inside the park, there’s no separate fee for Chain of Craters Road.
Several hiking trails branch from Chain of Craters Road, including the popular Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs Trail, the Keauhou Trail, and the Puna Coast Trail, which meanders along the coast at the far end of the road. The spectacular Napau Trail offers a challenging 14-mile (22-kilometer) trek through volcanic terrain and leads right from the road, too.
Yes, Chain of Craters Road is open daily in 2025, as part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Occasional closures may occur during volcanic activity, severe weather, or maintenance. The road currently extends its full 19-mile (30-kilometer) length, and its endpoint, where lava previously covered the road, remains a popular stop.
Must-see stops along the Chain of Craters Road include Lua Manu Crater, Puhimau Crater, and the Kealakomo Overlook with its panoramic ocean views, as well as the Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs (ancient Hawaiian rock carvings), the dramatic Holei Sea Arch, and the road's end, where lava flows crossed in 2003. Each viewpoint offers interpretive signage explaining the volcanic landscape and its cultural significance.
Driving the entire 19-mile (30-kilometer) Chain of Craters Road takes about 45 minutes without stops. However, most visitors spend 3–5 hours exploring the route, stopping at various craters and overlooks and hiking the trails. The 3,700-foot (1,130-meter) elevation change and variety of scenic viewpoints make it worth dedicating at least half a day to fully experience, if not more.