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The Best Volcanoes National Park Hikes for Kids

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Are you looking for the best hikes in Volcanoes National Park for kids? Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. This park offers nearly 150 miles of trails for hiking enthusiasts.

The Crater Rim Trail

A fun day hike is Crater Rim Trail that takes you along the summit  caldera of Kīlauea. The Crater Rim Trail is about 11 miles, so it will  take you most of the day and it may be too long for small children. You'll see extremely different landscapes when you hike this trail around the active volcano.

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Kilauea Iki Trail

The Kīlauea Caldera Trail is steep and rocky as you're traversing through a solidified lava lake over the crater floor. Getting to walk on a crater floor is quite a unique experience which is why it's one of the best hikes in Volcanoes National Park to do. It is shorter but moderate to challenging.

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Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube)

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This trail leads you through the lush green rainforest before taking you  into the 500-year-old lava tube where hot lava once flowed.  A lava tube is essentially an  underground passage that was carved out by the hot lava. It's a 1.5-mile moderately difficult hike.

Kīpukapuaulu Puaulu Trail

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This trail is an easy trail about 1.2 miles long. The dirt path loop  begins at the Kīpukapuaulu parking area with slight declines and  inclines. The Kīpukapuaulu Trail could be hot, windy, or wet, so bring the proper clothing, water, rain gear and sunscreen.

Lava Hikes and Tours

Lava hikes and tours are one of the unique experiences in Hawaii. As of September 2021,  there is an active lava lake with molten lava flows in the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. The best time to look at the lava is at night, as it glows blood red.

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OTHER TRAILS AND THINGS TO DO

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— Lliahi Trail — Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail — The Kīlauea Visitor Center — Volcano Village — Become a Junior Park Ranger — Visit The Lava Viewing Area — Take a Drive on the Chain of Craters Road

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