Escape Road

Dogs No Dogs

The Escape Road was originally built in the 1800's to transport tourists and provisions to the crater from boats on the coast. Now the Escape Road serves as an alternate way out of the Kilauea Crater area in case the Chain of Craters Road gets blocked by new lava flows. Bikes and horses are allowed on this road.

From the parking lot near the Thurston Lava Tube, take the Crater Rim Trail a short distance south until the dirt/crushed lava Escape Road trail branches off to the left. From here, the Escape Road descends gently, eventually crossing a lava flow from 1973 and ending at the Chain of Craters Road near the Mauna Ulu parking area. Along the way, you travel past tall fern trees, bushy undergrowth and grassy areas.

Be sure to close all gates behind you as they help keep feral pigs out of the park so they don't destroy the plants and terrain.