Things to do nearPuʻupuaʻi
Puʻupuaʻi is a dramatic volcanic cinder cone on Hawaiʻi Island, celebrated for its rust-red slopes, sweeping crater views, and proximity to the legendary 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption.
Puʻupuaʻi, whose name translates roughly to 'gushing hill,' owes its existence to one of the most spectacular eruption sequences ever recorded in Hawaiʻi. In late 1959, lava fountains from Kīlauea Iki vent shot as high as 1,900 feet, depositing a thick blanket of cinder on the southwestern rim and forming the cone visitors see today. The surrounding ohia forest was buried, and the skeletal trunks that remain give the landscape an otherworldly quality.
The overlook at Puʻupuaʻi sits along Crater Rim Drive and offers one of the most dramatic views of the Kīlauea Iki Crater floor, a vast solidified lava lake roughly 400 feet below. Hikers who descend via the Kīlauea Iki Trail can look back up at the cone from the crater floor and appreciate the scale of what erupted here.
The Devastation Trail begins just steps away and winds through the pumice field, where native plants are slowly reclaiming the cinder. Interpretive signs explain how the ecosystem is regenerating, making it a rewarding short walk for all fitness levels.
Puʻupuaʻi rewards visitors with raw geological drama and a tangible connection to living volcanic forces, making it one of the most memorable stops within the park.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Puʻupuaʻi
Visit early morning on a weekday to have the crater overlook nearly to yourself before tour groups arrive.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as winds along the rim of Puʻupuaʻi can drop temperatures quickly.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, since the cinder surface is loose and sharp in places.
Combine your visit with the nearby Devastation Trail for a short, easy walk through the ghost forest left by the 1959 eruption.
Check the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park air quality report before heading out, as volcanic emissions can be strong on still days.
Top tours & experiences near Puʻupuaʻi
Hike Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park From Hilo
Hike Kīlauea Caldera and lava tubes with lunch and dinner included
Guided Kilauea Hike In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hike Kilauea lava flows and explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with lunch included
Full-Day Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Guided Hike
Hike Kīlauea’s 1881–2018 lava flows with lunch and dinner included