Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

United States

Hawaiʻi County

Volcano

Kīlauea Iki East Overlook – Fern Rainforest loop from Mauna Loa Estates

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

United States

Hawaiʻi County

Volcano

Kīlauea Iki East Overlook – Fern Rainforest loop from Mauna Loa Estates

Moderate

5.0

(2264)

5,250

riders

Kīlauea Iki East Overlook – Fern Rainforest loop from Mauna Loa Estates

01:45

27.5km

320m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 15.8 km for 3 m

After 15.9 km for 3 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.99 km

Kīlauea Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

The Kīlauea Visitor Center is the perfect place for hikers to learn about the park's geology via exhibits, films, and ranger activities. The Visitor Center also has the latest updates …

Tip by

8.11 km

Uēkahuna Bluff (Former Site of Jaggar Museum)

Highlight • Viewpoint

Closed and inaccessible since 2018!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

11.3 km

Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents)

Highlight • Natural Monument

The steam vents are caused by underground heat sources, which boil ground water and return it to the surface as water vapor. This phenomenon is also visible just down the trail at Steaming Bluffs.

Tip by

12.4 km

The Volcano House Hotel, built in 1846 as a grass hut, has been in operation ever since and offers magnificent views of the Halemaumau Crater. At the time, none other than Mark Twain stayed here during his visit to Hawaii.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

15.0 km

Kīlauea Iki East Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

In clear skies a great view of the caldera. An easy way to walk with kids too

Translated by Google •

Tip by

15.8 km

Fern Rainforest

Highlight • Forest

A small, beautiful rainforest stretches above the Lava Tube. The asphalt path leads to the entrance of the lava tube through the rainforest.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

19.7 km

Viewpoint

27.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.8 km

3.03 km

2.97 km

1.37 km

838 m

416 m

Surfaces

26.1 km

1.16 km

116 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,240 m)

Lowest point (1,100 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 23 June

24°C

14°C

78 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

If you're looking for a truly unique adventure that blends touring cycling with an unforgettable volcanic hike, the Kīlauea Iki East Overlook – Fern Rainforest loop from Mauna Loa Estates offers just that. This route, covering 17.1 miles (27.5 km) with 1038 feet (317 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes of cycling time, not including the essential hiking portion. It's perfect for cyclists who want to experience the raw power of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and are prepared to dismount for a significant trek into a volcanic crater.

What to expect on Kīlauea Iki East Overlook – Fern Rainforest loop from Mauna Loa Estates

This journey begins with cycling from Mauna Loa Estates, connecting you to the paved roads of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. You'll ride along sections of Crater Rim Drive, which offers dramatic views of volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems, transitioning from lush rainforests to stark lava fields. The highlight for many is reaching the Kīlauea Iki Overlook, where you'll park your bike to embark on the Kīlauea Iki hiking trail. This 3.3- to 4-mile hike descends 400 feet (122 meters) through a primeval fern rainforest before opening onto the solidified lava lake of the crater floor, where steam vents are still visible. Be prepared for varied terrain; while the cycling on Crater Rim Drive is generally easy to moderate, the Kīlauea Iki hike involves steep, rocky sections and uneven ground across the lava lake, making the overall experience a rewarding challenge for those seeking both pedal and foot exploration.

Planning your visit

Starting from Mauna Loa Estates, you'll need to access Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which typically requires an entrance fee. Remember that bicycles are strictly prohibited on the Kīlauea Iki hiking trail itself, so you must dismount and secure your bike at the trailhead before beginning the hike. While Crater Rim Drive offers a more accessible cycling experience, be aware that some sections are narrow and winding with limited visibility. For a more challenging cycling ascent, consider the Mauna Loa Road, though it features sharp turns and blind spots requiring extra caution. Always carry sufficient water, especially when exploring the volcanic terrain.

Trail details