Route Editor
Route Scout
...Say It Ain't So! by imike The combination of these two trails once created one of the more delightful loops within the Kilauea Caldera. Unfortunately, 80% of the Byron Ledge Trail... and about the same amount of the Halema'uma'u Trail now lie in the AREA CLOSED section of the park... including the sections that would have created the loop down into the bottom of the Caldera, over to the Halema'uma'u Crater. Poison gas prohibits access, as of this date. Still... the areas lying outside the closed section wherein both trails connect to traverse the east end of the Caldera, create one of the best hikes in the area. You could approach these routes from either the north or south end. On the north, park anywhere along the Crater Rim Drive and follow the Crater Rim Trail over to connect... or, from the south, park at Devastation Trail and drop down to Byron Ledge Trail. A great aspect of this route: it gets you down into the Kilauea Caldera... and runs you up along the ledge. It is also not widely used; you might have the trail to yourself. This is a not to be missed section of the trails in the Park. Combine it with the Crater Rim Trail and/or the Kilauea Iki Trail for some great Rain Forest hiking. You can also park at the Pu'u Pua'i Overlook, scoring a different perspective view of the Kilauea Iki Crater, plus additional miles of hiking. Do not miss these trails! One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
